Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this creamy and flavorful meal offers a delightful combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy pasta. The best part? It’s made effortlessly in a slow cooker, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones while enjoying a comforting dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Simply toss all ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and forget it!
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of Ranch seasoning, cheese, and garlic creates an irresistible taste.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love mac and cheese! Adding chicken and broccoli makes it nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or side dish; you can serve it on any occasion.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
Tools and Preparation
With just a few essential kitchen tools, making Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a breeze. Equip your kitchen with these handy tools to simplify the cooking process.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing spoon
Why These Tools Matter
- Slow cooker: Ideal for hands-off cooking; it allows flavors to meld beautifully over hours.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes cutting chicken and veggies quick and safe.
- Mixing spoon: Perfect for combining all ingredients without damaging delicate pasta.
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 & 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
Cut the chicken into cubes. Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the chicken, Ranch seasoning, chicken broth, minced garlic, and broccoli florets to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
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
Boil the pasta in salted water for 3 minutes. Drain well. This parboiling step ensures that the pasta doesn’t become overly soft during slow cooking.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
In the slow cooker, combine the parboiled pasta, whole milk, shredded cheddar cheese, dry mustard seasoning, and cream cheese. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 5: Finish Cooking
Cook on low for about an hour. Be sure to stir at least a few times during this hour to ensure even heating and melting of cheeses.
Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese!
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. Serving it right can enhance the experience, making it even more delightful.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots drizzled with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan cheese and homemade croutons complements the creamy mac and cheese.
Add Some Bread
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, garlic bread is an excellent side that pairs well with the richness of the dish.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover cheese sauce.
Include Veggies
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil bring a healthy balance to your meal.
- Steamed Green Beans: Simple yet effective, steamed green beans add color and nutrition to your plate.
How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Getting the best results from your Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese can elevate this dish. Here are some helpful tips.
- Bold seasoning: Ensure you use enough Ranch seasoning to infuse flavor throughout the dish.
- Fresh broccoli: Use fresh broccoli florets for better texture and taste compared to frozen options.
- Parboil pasta appropriately: Cooking the pasta briefly prevents it from becoming mushy in the crockpot.
- Stir during cooking: Giving everything a good stir while cooking helps combine flavors evenly and prevents sticking.
- Use quality cheese: Opt for freshly shredded cheddar cheese for a creamier melt than pre-packaged varieties.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Adding side dishes can make your meal complete. Here are some great options to consider.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds a nice contrast to the creamy mac and cheese, providing both texture and flavor.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can cleanse the palate and add a sweet touch to your meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the dish’s texture while adding heartiness.
- Baked Zucchini: Lightly seasoned baked zucchini brings in additional veggies without overwhelming flavors.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob makes a fun finger food that pairs well with cheesy dishes.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad offers a nutritious boost alongside your mac and cheese.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes you should avoid:
- Skipping the parboil step: Parboiling the pasta is crucial. If you skip this step, the pasta may become mushy in the slow cooker.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of any ingredient can alter the taste and texture. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Overcrowding the crockpot: Filling the crockpot too full can prevent even cooking. Stick to recommended ingredient amounts for best results.
- Neglecting to stir occasionally: Failing to stir during cooking can lead to uneven heat distribution. Make it a habit to stir every 20 minutes for balanced flavors.
- Using low-quality cheese: Low-quality cheese can affect the creamy texture of your dish. Opt for good quality cheddar and cream cheese for best results.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot, stirring between intervals.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or water with a pinch of salt as a substitute for chicken broth in this recipe.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach based on your preferences.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional pasta.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep 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 a delightful dish that combines creamy flavors with nutritious broccoli. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own!
Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese in a delightful pasta bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this one-pot wonder allows you to savor precious moments with loved ones while enjoying a heartwarming meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 packet of Ranch seasoning
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 5 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 oz shell pasta or elbow macaroni noodles
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into cubes and spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Add chicken, Ranch seasoning, vegetable broth, minced garlic, and broccoli.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours until chicken is fully cooked.
- Boil pasta in salted water for 3 minutes; drain well.
- Combine parboiled pasta, whole milk, shredded cheddar cheese, dry mustard seasoning, and cream cheese in the slow cooker; stir well.
- Cook on low for an additional hour, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg