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Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli, a cozier weeknight slow cooker meal. This comforting spicy chicken and broccoli is tossed in a creamy buffalo white cheddar cheese sauce. Then finished with extra buffalo sauce and chopped green onions, so delish. A simple weeknight dinner everyone really enjoys. Serve over rice with a side of yummy beer bread. Itโs especially fun for game night too!
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As a kid, the buffalo chicken pizza weโd order from our local pizza spot used to be one of my favorites. Anytime weโd do an at-home pizza night Iโd request the buffalo chicken. Most of the time we stuck with cheese and pepperoni, super average. But then there were nights weโd order from our local in-town pizza place in Ohio, Pelicanos. It was my best friend, Stephanie, who first introduced me to this saucy, spicy, cheesy chicken pizza.
I first had it at Stephanieโs, loved it, and then got my family hooked. Anytime that pizza was on the menu, everyone was excited for dinner.
Obviously, this is not a buffalo chicken pizza recipe, if you need that I already have one on the site. But this slow cooker buffalo chicken reminds me so much of that pizza.
The pizza I remember had a creamy chicken base with lots of sauce. It was not thick or heavy, just super saucy and spicy. The cheese on top held everything together.
It was loaded up with green onion, which I think was part of their secret.
At the moment, Iโm very into green onions, so I did the same here. I piled green onions onto the chicken and made sure to have lots of sauce. Not only was this the easiest to create, but itโs delicious and saucier than youโd expect.
Details โ these are quick
Step 1:ย layer the chicken
Working in the bowl of your crock pot, layer the onions, boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs, and ranch seasoning. I like to use dried parsley, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Then pour over your favorite hot sauce and add some water.
Add the butter for the sauce, and then if you like it spicy, we do a chopped jalapeรฑo.
Now cover the crockpot and let the chicken cook. I usually cook for 1-2 hours on high or 3 to 4 hours on low.
Step 2:ย make the chicken creamy
Once the chicken is cooked, mix in a block of cream cheese, a couple of handfuls of cheddar cheese, and lots of fresh broccoli. Aside from the broccoli, this is very similar to how you would make buffalo chicken dip.
Let the chicken and broccoli cook on high for 5 or 10 minutes. Just until the sauce is very creamy and the cheese has melted.
Step 3: extra buffalo sauce, top, and serve
Before serving, you can mix up a homemade buffalo sauce with equal amounts of melted butter and hot sauce, and a good pinch of seasoned salt. This is my go-to sauce. I love to drizzle it over the chicken for extra spiciness. You can also use your own buffalo wing sauce.
This is โextraโ and while you donโt need it, it makes every bite of this dish that much yummier. Of course, if you like less heat, adjust as you please!
I love to serve the chicken, broccoli, and sauce over rice. Or have fun and make a big plate of nachos for the family with queso on top. That would be so yummy too!
If you decide on rice, beer bread on the side is a must. You can mop up all the sauce with a slice of beer bread. Sounds a little different, but itโs so good.
This would be a great dish to meal prep with keeping leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftover chicken would also be great to use in sandwiches or wraps.
Looking for other easy family dinners? Here are a few ideas:ย
One Pot Buffalo Chicken โHelperโ
Healthier Homemade One Pot Hamburger Helper
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole
One Pan Autumn Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Easy Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese
Pumpkin Cheese Stuffed Pasta Bolognese Bake
One Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake
Lastly, if you make this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, donโt forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredientsย
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 jalapeรฑo, seeded and chopped
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3-4 cups chopped broccoli
- 4 green onions, chopped
- buffalo sauce, for serving , (optional)
Instructionsย
Crockpot
- 1. In the bowl of your slow cooker,ย layer the onion and then the chicken. Sprinkle the chicken with paprika, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Pour over the hot sauce and 1/4 cup water. Add the butter and jalapeรฑo. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.2. Crank the heat on the slow cooker to high. Stir in the cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Add the broccoli. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sauce is creamy.3. Serve the chicken, broccoli, and sauce topped with green onions. Enjoy!
Stove
- 1. In a large skillet with sides,ย layer the onion and then the chicken. Sprinkle the chicken with paprika, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Pour over the hot sauce and 1/4 cup water. Add the butter and jalapeรฑo. Turn the burner to medium. Partially cover the skillet and cook, stirring around the halfway point, 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. 2. Stir in the cream cheese and cheddar cheese, then add the broccoli. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce is creamy.3. Serve the chicken, broccoli, and sauce topped with green onions. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Can I use greek yogurt in place of cream cheese?
Hi Gira,
Sure, that will work nicely for you! Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe.
Can I use frozen broccoli in it and how will that cook? Timing? Or will it add too much water?
Hi Jen,
I think frozen broccoli would be okay for you to use. I would just add as is:) I hope you love this recipe!
I have made this several times and we love it. My question is, can leftovers be frozen? My husband will be traveling for work soon and i would love to save this so i wonโt have to cook one night.
Hey Nancy,
So glad to hear you have been enjoying this recipe. Yes, you can freeze the leftovers.
Have a great Friday!
What kind of white rice do you use?
Hi Emily,
I like to use basmati or jasmine rice. Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe!
I canโt tell if she cuts up the large chicken breasts at any point?
Hey Carli,
I don’t cut the chicken, it will be super tender once finished cooking. I hope you love this recipe!
No bueno!
What was wrong with it?