Golden Mozzarella Broccoli Chicken Tenders Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, cut the broccoli florets into similar sizes so they cook evenly. If you like your broccoli with a bit more bite, add it halfway through the cooking time instead of at the beginning.

For a thicker sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Swap the chicken for turkey tenders, or use a blend of shredded cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella.

If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Serve over rice, quinoa, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations

• Cheddar Broccoli Chicken: Swap the mozzarella for sharp cheddar cheese and use cream of cheddar soup instead of cream of chicken. The flavor becomes more pronounced and tangy, perfect for cheddar lovers.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add a can of diced green chiles, a teaspoon of chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne. Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a kick, and serve with warm tortillas.
• Mushroom and Swiss: Sauté sliced mushrooms and onions and add them with the chicken. Use cream of mushroom soup and Swiss cheese for an earthy, nutty twist.
• Lighter Creamy Herb: Use reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, part-skim mozzarella, and light garlic herb butter. Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or thyme for brightness.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a little chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy texture.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools; reheat gently with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it.

You can assemble the raw ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed. This is a great make-ahead option for busy days.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy chicken and broccoli over al dente pasta, such as penne or fettuccine, to catch every bit of the sauce.

A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad completes the meal. The dish is rich and satisfying, so a modest portion goes a long way.

For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or steamed rice. The sauce is also delicious spooned over mashed potatoes.

Garnish with extra black pepper or fresh herbs if desired, though the dish is flavorful on its own.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Golden Mozzarella Broccoli Chicken Tenders

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb chicken breast tenderloins
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp garlic herb butter

Instructions

1. Place the chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the broccoli florets evenly around and between the chicken pieces.
2. Spoon the condensed cream of chicken soup over the chicken and broccoli, spreading it gently to cover some of the ingredients.
3. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Dot with the garlic herb butter.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender and cooked through.
5. Once the chicken is cooked through, gently stir the sauce to combine. Serve hot, spooned over cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Contains: milk, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

40 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

29 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.