Description
This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheeses, and nutritious broccoli. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it offers a delicious balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors made effortlessly in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3-4 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 4 green onions, chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 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, to taste
Sauces and Dairy
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Buffalo sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot or Skillet: Place the chopped yellow onion at the bottom of your slow cooker or large skillet. Layer the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the onion.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle smoked paprika, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Pour the hot sauce and 1/4 cup water over the mixture. Add the salted butter and chopped jalapeño on top.
- Cook the Chicken: For slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through. For stovetop: Turn burner to medium, partially cover the skillet, and cook stirring halfway through for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked thoroughly.
- Add Cheese and Broccoli: Once the chicken is cooked, increase heat to high on the slow cooker or maintain medium-high on stovetop. Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Add broccoli and cover again, cooking for an additional 15 minutes in the slow cooker or 10 minutes on the stove until the sauce is creamy and broccoli is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken and broccoli topped with chopped green onions. Add extra buffalo sauce on the side if desired for added heat and flavor. Enjoy your creamy, spicy, and comforting meal!
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference for lean or more flavorful meat.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño and hot sauce based on your spice tolerance.
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to help it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Serve with a side of rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
