Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli

Our crockpot chicken and broccoli will quickly become a family favorite. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are slow-cooked with a blend of chicken broth, milk, and seasonings. Egg noodles and broccoli are added before serving. Comfort food that’s a complete meal in itself.

We can all agree there are easier things in life than finding simple meals that are also kid-approved. Kids can be the pickiest of eaters. Crockpot Chicken and Noodles is a slow cooker recipe that has all the flavor kids want with the simplicity parents need.

Serve this dish for a delicious and filling meal. This recipe will be requested again and again by your kids! It is comfort food the whole family will enjoy.

If you are looking for more tasty comfort food recipes, you have to check out our family favorites: Old Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie Recipe, Crock Pot Mac n Cheese, Gluten Free Comfort Foods, Baked Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole and Chicken A La King Recipe.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk (we use 1%)
• 3 cubes chicken bouillon
• 1 teaspoon dry minced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup potato flakes (optional)
• 8 ounces wide egg noodles, (cooked per package instructions)
• 1-2 cups broccoli florets, steamed

How To Make Chicken and Broccoli

1. Prepare the sauce. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chicken broth, milk, chicken bouillon, minced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Microwave for 3-4 minutes then whisk to combine the chicken bouillon. 
2. Combine the ingredients. Place chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce on top. Cover. Cook thawed chicken on high for 2-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.  
3. Shred the chicken. Once cooked, shred the chicken or dice into bite-sized pieces.
4. Add noodles and vegetables. Add cooked egg noodles and steamed broccoli. Serve.

PRO TIP: If you’d like to thicken the sauce, whisk 1/4 – 1/2 cup potato flakes into the sauce in the slow cooker. 

Substitution Ideas

Chicken and noodles has steamed broccoli added for a punch of color and nutrition. As a dietitian, I highly recommend finding ways to boost vegetable intakes in a delicious way. This recipe does just that!

Broccoli is not the only tasty option, however. It can be swapped with any of the following vegetables:

• Asparagus
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Green peas
• Zucchini
• Green beans
• Mushrooms

PRO TIP: The smaller you chop vegetables to add to recipes, the less likely your kiddos will pick out each piece.

Recipe Tips

• Flavor Variations: You can customize the sauce by adding other seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste. Consider adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for extra flavor. You can also add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a different dimension of taste.
• Protein Choices: While the recipe calls for chicken thighs, you can also use chicken breasts or a combination of both based on your preference. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs.
• Vegetable Options: Don’t limit yourself to just broccoli. You can add a variety of vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers. These additions can provide color, flavor, and nutritional variety.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, make sure to use certified gluten-free egg noodles, or you can substitute them with gluten-free pasta of your choice.
• Thickening the Sauce: If you choose to thicken the sauce with potato flakes, start with a smaller amount (1/4 cup) and gradually add more if needed. This way, you can control the thickness of the sauce to your liking. Cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend can also be used as thickening agents.
• Garnishes: Consider garnishing your dish with some grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an added burst of flavor and presentation.
• Meal Prep: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a quick and convenient meal. Simply reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop as needed.
• Side Suggestions: Serve your chicken and noodles with a side salad, garlic bread, or a simple fruit salad to complete the meal.

FAQs

Storage Instructions

First, allow any leftover chicken and noodles to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the dish into an airtight container, making sure to seal it tightly to prevent moisture loss and the absorption of other odors from the refrigerator.

Store the container in the refrigerator, which should be set at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or lower. Leftover chicken and noodle dishes are typically safe to refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

If you have a significant amount of leftovers that you won’t consume within that timeframe, consider freezing them for longer-term storage. To freeze, place the dish in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container or bag with the date to help you keep track of storage times. When stored in the freezer, the dish can remain safe to eat for 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat the chicken and noodle dish on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

More Crockpot Meals

• Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
• Easy Crockpot Potato Soup
• Healthy Chicken and Rice Crockpot
• Chicken Quinoa Crockpot Casserole
• Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili Recipe
• Slow Cooker Fajita Recipe