Dinner · Part 1 of 3: Ingredients
Creamy Crockpot Parmesan Broccoli Chicken Tenders

- Prep
- Cook
- Total
- Serves
- 6
This slow cooker dinner is the definition of set-it-and-forget-it. Juicy chicken breast tenders and bright broccoli cook low and slow in a luxurious sauce made from cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
With just five main ingredients and about ten minutes of prep, this recipe delivers a comforting, creamy meal that tastes like you fussed for hours. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty dinner without hovering over the stove. Serve it over buttered egg noodles for a complete, satisfying plate that everyone will love.
There are slow cooker recipes that require browning, layering, and constant attention—and then there are dump dinners like this one. You simply place the chicken and broccoli in the Crockpot, spoon over the soup, and top with the cheeses.
After a few hours on low, the ingredients meld into a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of chicken and every floret. The result is a homey, cheesy dish that feels indulgent but comes together with almost no effort. This is the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb chicken breast tenderloins
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 12 oz buttered egg noodles, for serving
Why this recipe works
The slow cooker works its magic by cooking the chicken gently at a low temperature, which keeps the tenderloins moist and fork-tender. The condensed cream of chicken soup acts as a built-in sauce base, providing seasoning and body without any extra work.
The cream cheese melts into the sauce, adding richness and a slight tang, while the Parmesan contributes a nutty, salty depth. Because everything cooks together, the flavors meld and marry beautifully.
The broccoli steams in the steam from the sauce, becoming tender but still retaining its vibrant green color and a slight bite. This method requires no pre-cooking or browning, so the dish comes together in minutes. The long, slow cook allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce, while the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. This is a foolproof technique for a weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and special.
Notes and substitutions
Chicken breast tenderloins are ideal for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you use chicken breasts, cut them into strips so they cook evenly.
Broccoli florets should be uniform in size for even cooking; if you prefer softer broccoli, cut them smaller. The condensed cream of chicken soup is the backbone of the sauce—do not substitute with a diluted soup, as the concentrated version is key to the creamy texture.
Cream cheese must be softened to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce; cold cream cheese will leave lumps. Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded for the best melt and flavor. The egg noodles are optional but highly recommended—their buttery richness pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve over steamed rice or mashed cauliflower.
- chicken breast tenderloins: boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into strips)
- fresh broccoli florets: frozen broccoli florets (thawed and drained)
- condensed cream of chicken soup: condensed cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor
- Parmigiano-Reggiano: grana padano or pecorino romano
Equipment
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Serving spoon
- Large pot for noodles
Up next · Part 2 of 3
6 steps · 4 h of cooking · what to look for at each stage
Step-by-step instructions (Part 2)