Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli Recipe with you because it’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The spicy buffalo sauce blended with creamy cheeses and tender chicken creates a flavor combo that’s honestly addictive. Plus, since it’s all made in the crockpot, you get to come home to a kitchen filled with amazing smells and a meal that practically makes itself.

What makes this crockpot recipe especially worth trying is how effortlessly it balances bold and comforting flavors while being packed with wholesome broccoli. It’s perfect when you want something hearty, a bit spicy, but still balanced with veggies – all without spending hours over the stove. Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli Recipe, it might just become your new go-to weeknight dinner!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli Recipe uses a few simple ingredients that come together perfectly. Each item works in harmony—from smoky paprika and chipotle to sharp cheddar and creamy cheese—to give you that signature buffalo flavor with a fresh veggie twist.

• Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when slow-cooked beneath the chicken.
• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs give more juice and tenderness, but breasts work great too if you prefer leaner meat.
• Smoked paprika: Brings warmth and a mild smokiness that elevates the buffalo spice profile.
• Dried parsley: Adds a gentle herbaceous note to balance the heat.
• Garlic powder & Onion powder: Essential for layering classic savory flavors.
• Chipotle chili powder: Gives a nice smoky heat without overwhelming the dish.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: To season everything just right.
• Hot sauce: The heart of the buffalo flavor. Use your favorite brand for best results.
• Salted butter: Melts into rich, creamy goodness with the hot sauce for that saucy buffalo base.
• Jalapeño: Provides fresh, mildly spicy heat and a slight crunch.
• Cream cheese: Helps create a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and that irresistible cheesy pull.
• Broccoli: Chopped florets steam until just tender, adding a vibrant, healthy touch.
• Green onions: Used as a fresh, crunchy garnish to finish it all off.
• Buffalo sauce (optional): For extra drizzle if you want to amp up the heat when serving.

Variations

I love how flexible this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli Recipe can be, so I often tweak it to match what I’m craving or what’s in season. Don’t be shy about making it your own—it’s all about enjoying a version that feels right for your taste buds and lifestyle.

• Make it spicier: I’ve added extra jalapeños or swapped in hotter hot sauces when I needed a real kick, and it works beautifully.
• Dairy-free option: Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free cheddar to make it suitable for lactose-intolerant family members without losing creaminess.
• Extra veggies: Sometimes I toss in sliced bell peppers or cauliflower florets along with the broccoli for more texture and nutrients.
• Protein swaps: Tried this with turkey breast or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker spin-off.

How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Layer and Season Your Ingredients

Start by layering the chopped onion at the bottom of your slow cooker—this is a little trick I learned to keep the chicken from sticking and to infuse the entire dish with sweet, mellow flavor. Then place your chicken breasts or thighs on top. Sprinkle the chicken liberally with smoked paprika, dried parsley, garlic and onion powders, chipotle chili powder, and a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Don’t skimp on the seasoning here—you want bold flavor in every bite. Next, pour your hot sauce evenly over everything, along with about 1/4 cup of water to keep it moist during cooking. Finally, tuck in butter and chopped jalapeño around the chicken; those add richness and a nice subtle heat.

Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 3 to 4 hours, or if you’re short on time, high for 1 to 2 hours. You’ll see the chicken juices mingling with the spices and hot sauce—it smells incredible, I promise! The slow cook is what lets the flavors deepen and the chicken become fall-apart tender. One trick I’ve found helpful: avoid lifting the lid too often so the crockpot stays hot and cooks evenly.

Step 3: Stir in Cheeses and Broccoli

After the long cook, turn your crockpot up to high and stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar. This step is where the sauce gets creamy and irresistible, so mix well until the cheeses melt smoothly. Then, add your chopped broccoli on top. Cover again and cook for about 15 minutes longer, just until the broccoli is tender but still bright green—perfect texture balance. The creamy spicy sauce combined with tender broccoli is exactly the magic I was hoping to find when I developed this recipe.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Once it’s done, serve the buffalo chicken and broccoli straight from the crockpot or transfer to a big platter. I always sprinkle chopped green onions on top—it adds a fresh bite and a pop of color that brightens the whole dish. If you want extra heat, drizzle some additional buffalo sauce over each serving. I love pairing this with a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, too.

How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this dish with freshly chopped green onions—they give a little crunch and a fresh, oniony brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar for that melty win, or a drizzle of blue cheese dressing if I’m craving something tangier. A few celery sticks on the side make for a crunchy contrast and keep the buffalo vibe going strong.

Side Dishes

This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli Recipe works wonderfully with simple sides like steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a cooling coleslaw. When hosting, I’ll sometimes serve with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce—definitely no complaints from my family then!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to turn this dish into a layered casserole by shredding the cooked chicken and folding it into the buffalo cheese sauce with the broccoli, then topping with extra cheese and baking until bubbly. It impresses guests and feels a little more festive without much extra effort. Another fun idea is serving it over baked sweet potatoes for a comforting, colorful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, which makes for an even tastier lunch the next day. Just make sure to cool it down before sealing to avoid soggy broccoli.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully by portioning it into freezer-safe containers before cooking it with the cheeses and broccoli. Alternatively, freeze the cooked chicken mixture without broccoli to keep the veggie texture fresh. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh broccoli when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the cheese from separating. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating helps restore the smooth texture. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli so it still has a bit of crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it checks all the boxes: simple prep, hands-off cooking, delicious flavor, and a satisfying meal that everyone at my table loves. Give it a try on your next busy evening—you’ll impress yourself with how easy and tasty a homemade buffalo dinner can be. Trust me, once you taste that creamy, spicy sauce hugging tender chicken and fresh broccoli, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again!

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