There are some suppers that feel like they were made for the busiest stretch of the year, when gardens are still producing, school routines are picking up again, and everybody needs something warm without a lot of fuss. This slow cooker Amish-style chicken and broccoli is that kind of meal: simple, thrifty, and comforting, with just a handful of ingredients layered right in the crock. It has the plainspoken goodness so many Midwestern home cooks prize, turning chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce into a tender supper that tastes like you worked much harder than you did.
Serve this over hot buttered egg noodles, fluffy white rice, or mashed potatoes to catch every bit of the creamy sauce. A pan of simple biscuits, a sliced tomato salad, or buttered sweet corn all make fine partners, especially at the tail end of summer when the table wants to feel generous but easy.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Amish Chicken and Broccoli
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into large chunks
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker if needed, then spread the chicken breast chunks in an even layer across the bottom of the crock.
2. Spoon the condensed cream of chicken soup over the chicken, then scatter the cream cheese cubes on top. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until the chicken is very tender.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, uncover and stir gently until the cream cheese and soup melt together into a smooth, creamy sauce. Add the broccoli florets, cover again, and cook until the broccoli is tender and bright green.
4. Stir once more before serving so the broccoli is coated in the sauce, then spoon the chicken and broccoli over noodles, rice, or potatoes if you like.
Variations & Tips
Add a little seasoning: If your family likes a touch more flavor, a pinch of black pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder fits right in without changing the simple nature of the dish.
Use frozen broccoli: Frozen broccoli works just fine on busy days. Add it near the end of cooking just as you would fresh, and keep an eye on it so it stays green and does not get too soft.
Make the sauce smoother: For the creamiest finish, let the cream cheese soften a bit before adding it, and stir well once the chicken is cooked. If the sauce seems too thick, a small splash of milk can loosen it nicely.
Serve it hearty: This is a humble crockpot supper, but it stretches beautifully over rice or noodles for bigger appetites. It is also mighty good with a spoonful served alongside baked potatoes.
