Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce with pasta for a dish that pleases everyone. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, you can enjoy a flavorful meal without the hassle of standing over the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply combine your ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the work while you focus on other tasks.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of Ranch seasoning and creamy cheeses creates a savory experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Versatile Meal: Ideal for any occasion—from casual dinners to potlucks—this dish adapts to your needs.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fresh broccoli, this recipe offers a wholesome meal option.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy comfort food classic.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Large pot

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking, making meal prep easier and more convenient.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients, ensuring efficiency in your preparation.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient portions, which is key to achieving perfect flavor balance.

Ingredients

This is an easy and delicious dinner recipe!

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast
• 1 packet of Ranch seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 5 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp minced garlic

Pasta and Dairy Ingredients

• 8 oz of shell pasta or elbow macaroni noodles
• 1 1/2 cups of whole milk
• 8 oz cheddar cheese shredded
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 tsp dry mustard seasoning

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli

1. Cut the chicken breast into cubes.
2. Spray your crockpot with cooking spray.
3. Add the cubed chicken, Ranch seasoning, chicken broth, minced garlic, and broccoli florets. Stir to combine.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Mixture

1. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 3-4 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Prepare the Pasta

1. In a large pot, boil water and add your choice of shell pasta or elbow macaroni noodles.
2. Boil for only 3 minutes to parboil; then drain. This step prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during slow cooking.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

1. In the crockpot with cooked chicken and broccoli, add the parboiled pasta, whole milk, shredded cheddar cheese, dry mustard seasoning, and cream cheese.
2. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

1. Cover again and cook on low for about an hour.
2. Stir occasionally during this time to ensure even melting of cheeses.

Enjoy this hearty Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese with your family tonight!

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with a light vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and croutons tossed in Caesar dressing offer a hearty contrast.

Add Crunchy Bread

• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly with the creamy mac and cheese.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls can be used to scoop up the mac and cheese or enjoyed on the side.

Serve with Vegetables

• Steamed Green Beans: Tender green beans add a nutritious touch to your plate.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts bring extra flavor and texture to your meal.

Complement with Additional Proteins

• Grilled Chicken Breasts: For those who want more protein, grilled chicken served alongside enhances the dish.
• Turkey Meatballs: Juicy turkey meatballs can add variety and satisfaction to your dinner table.

How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Perfecting your Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions for an even better dish.

• Bold Flavor Boost: Consider adding extra garlic or onion powder for enhanced taste.
• Cheese Variety: Mix different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
• Creamy Texture: For extra creaminess, add more cream cheese or sour cream before serving.
• Timing Matters: Avoid overcooking the pasta; parboil it for just 3 minutes to maintain the right texture.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh broccoli florets for better flavor and texture compared to frozen alternatives.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli provides an extra serving of veggies without overpowering the main dish.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that contrasts nicely with the cheesy pasta.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a sweet balance to the savory mac and cheese.
4. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds crunchiness while being light enough not to compete with the main course.
5. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide heartiness that complements the creamy texture of mac and cheese.
6. Zucchini Noodles: For a lower-carb option, zucchini noodles can add freshness while maintaining fullness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese, a few common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your meal turns out perfectly.

• Not cutting chicken evenly – If the chicken is not cut into uniform pieces, it may cook unevenly. Always cube the chicken breast into similar sizes for consistent cooking.
• Overcooking broccoli – Cooking broccoli too long can make it mushy. Add it to the crockpot later in the cooking process to keep its crunch.
• Skipping the parboiling step – Parboiling the pasta is crucial. If you skip this step, the pasta may become overcooked and gummy in the crockpot.
• Ignoring stirring during cooking – Failing to stir occasionally can lead to uneven mixing of ingredients. Make sure to stir at least a few times during cooking for even flavor distribution.
• Using low-quality cheese – Low-quality cheese can result in a grainy texture. Always use good quality shredded cheddar and cream cheese for a creamy finish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese

• Use freezer-safe containers for storage.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer to a baking dish and heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop – Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken in Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken; however, increase the cooking time by an hour or so until fully cooked.

How do I customize my Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese?

You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or change up the cheese types according to your preference!

Why is my mac and cheese not creamy enough?

If your mac and cheese is not creamy, consider adding more cream cheese or milk during cooking for that rich texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese is an easy-to-make, comforting dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. Its creamy texture combined with tender chicken and fresh broccoli creates a delightful meal everyone will love. Feel free to customize it with different vegetables or cheeses to suit your taste!