If you’re craving comfort food that’s both creamy and veggie‑friendly, this Cheesy Broccoli Ranch Chicken in the Crockpot checks all the boxes. Tender chicken smothered in a ranch cream sauce, broccoli florets roasted just right, and layers of melty cheddar—all done effortlessly in the slow cooker. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent but gets dinner on the table without stress. Think of it as a spin on richer dishes like Creamy Ranch Chicken Crockpot, but with a healthy boost from green veggies.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs | 2 lb (≈ 900 g) |
| Broccoli florets, fresh or frozen | 3 cups |
| Ranch seasoning mix (dry) | 1 packet (≈ 1 oz) or 2 Tbsp homemade |
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz (≈ 227 g) |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1½ cups |
| Chicken broth or milk | ½ cup (≈ 120 ml) |
| Minced garlic | 2 cloves |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Chopped parsley or extra ranch seasoning, for garnish | a few Tbsp |
Instructions
- Lightly grease your slow cooker insert.
- Place chicken pieces on the bottom, season with salt, pepper, and half the ranch seasoning.
- Scatter minced garlic over the chicken.
- In a bowl, whisk the cream cheese, remaining ranch seasoning, and chicken broth (or milk) until smooth.
- Pour that mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2½–3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before cooking ends, add the broccoli florets on top.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, cover again, and allow it to melt.
- Once cheese is melted and broccoli is tender, garnish with parsley or extra ranch seasoning and serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Over rice or cauliflower rice
- With crusty bread to soak up the sauce
- Alongside steamed carrots or green beans
- Inside tortillas for a creamy ranch chicken wrap
For more cheesy and comforting slow cooker meals, try Easy Ranch Chicken Crockpot or check how we layer flavors in Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken Thighs (Dump & Go).
Estimated Nutrition (per serving, serves 6)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈ 390 kcal |
| Protein | ≈ 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | ≈ 8 g |
| Total Fat | ≈ 22 g |
| Sodium | Moderate to high |
Tips & Variations
- Use broccoli florets fresh rather than frozen for better texture.
- Swap some cheddar for mozzarella for a stretchier melt.
- For lower fat, use reduced-fat cream cheese or milk.
- Add mushrooms or spinach along with broccoli if you like more greens.
- If sauce seems thin, remove lid for last 15 minutes to let it thicken a bit.
Cheesy Broccoli Ranch Chicken in the Crockpot
- Total Time: 5 hrs 5 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Cheesy Broccoli Ranch Chicken in the Crockpot is a creamy, one-pot family dinner loaded with tender chicken, ranch flavor, broccoli florets, and melty cheddar cheese. Minimal prep and maximum comfort!
Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – 2 lb
Broccoli florets, fresh or frozen – 3 cups
Ranch seasoning mix (dry) – 1 packet (1 oz) or 2 Tbsp
Cream cheese, softened – 8 oz
Shredded cheddar cheese – 1½ cups
Chicken broth or milk – ½ cup
Minced garlic – 2 cloves
Salt & black pepper – to taste
Chopped parsley or extra ranch seasoning – for garnish
Instructions
1. Lightly grease your slow cooker.
2. Place chicken in bottom and season with salt, pepper, and half the ranch seasoning.
3. Sprinkle minced garlic over the chicken.
4. Whisk cream cheese, remaining ranch seasoning, and broth or milk until smooth.
5. Pour mixture over chicken.
6. Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2½–3 hours.
7. Add broccoli florets and shredded cheddar 30 minutes before cooking ends.
8. Cover again until broccoli is tender and cheese is melty.
9. Garnish and serve.
Notes
Use fresh broccoli for best texture.
Swap cheddar with mozzarella for a gooey variation.
Use reduced-fat cream cheese to lighten it up.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: cheesy broccoli ranch chicken, crockpot ranch chicken, chicken broccoli cheese slow cooker, creamy chicken ranch crockpot
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes—you’ll just want to monitor more closely so they don’t dry out.
Is this dish low-carb?
Pretty much—especially if served with cauliflower rice. The main carbs come from the ranch mix and broccoli.
Can I cook this on High only?
Yes, but you may want to reduce total time a bit and check that broccoli doesn’t overcook.
How long do leftovers last?
Up to 3‑4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, though texture of broccoli may change. Freeze before adding broccoli and cheese, then add them fresh on reheating.
Conclusion
Cheesy Broccoli Ranch Chicken in the Crockpot offers creamy comfort with a green twist. It’s rich, satisfying, and easy to make. Let the crockpot handle the work while flavors meld, and look forward to a cheesy, veggie-packed meal you’ll want to serve again and again.