Crockpot Chicken with Olive Garden Dressing and Broccoli Bake Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that combines simplicity, comfort, and a burst of flavor, you are going to fall head over heels for this Crockpot Chicken with Olive Garden Dressing and Broccoli Bake Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked to perfection, enveloped in creamy cheese and that unmistakable tang of Olive Garden Italian dressing. The broccoli adds a fresh, vibrant touch, making this dish as colorful as it is delicious. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal to impress friends without the fuss, this recipe is a game changer that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping the ingredient list straightforward ensures that this recipe is accessible to everyone, but never at the cost of flavor. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s bringing creaminess, zest, or a satisfying texture to the final bake.

• 3 ¼ lbs chicken breast: The star protein, delivering tender, shred-ready meat after slow cooking.
• 1 ¾ cups Olive Garden Italian dressing: This dressing infuses the chicken with rich, savory Italian spices and a touch of acidity.
• 2 oz cream cheese softened: Adds luscious creaminess that perfectly balances the tangy dressing.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: For a subtle but essential garlicky aroma that elevates the dish.
• ¼ tsp black pepper: Provides just the right kick to keep flavors lively.
• 1 steam bag of broccoli (12-16 oz): Offers a fresh, crisp contrast and vibrant green color to the creamy chicken bake.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (approximate): Creates a golden, bubbly topping that seals in all the flavors.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken with Olive Garden Dressing and Broccoli Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. This cut is perfect because it cooks evenly and shreds into juicy pieces effortlessly once done.

Step 2: Add the Olive Garden Italian Dressing

Pour the full 1 ¾ cups of Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This dressing is where your dish gains that delicious tangy, herb-spiked depth of flavor.

Step 3: Incorporate Cream Cheese and Spices

Softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper are added next. Softening the cream cheese in advance or mixing it with a splash of dressing before adding helps create a smooth, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker and let everything cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fork-tender and pulls apart easily, soaking in all those delightful flavors.

Step 5: Prepare the Broccoli

About 10 minutes before the chicken finishes, steam your broccoli according to the package instructions and drain it well. This keeps it bright and crisp, adding a fresh texture contrast to your creamy bake.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken and Combine

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the creamy sauce for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 7: Assemble the Bake

Preheat your broiler. Transfer the chicken mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Distribute the steamed broccoli evenly over the top, then sprinkle with about 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the entire dish for that irresistible cheesy finish.

Step 8: Broil to Perfection

Place the casserole under the broiler for 2 to 5 minutes. Watch it closely as the cheese melts and begins to turn golden brown in spots, adding a crisp, flavorful crust to your bake.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once broiled to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to set and the casserole to firm up slightly, making every bite pure comfort food bliss.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken with Olive Garden Dressing and Broccoli Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish is already loaded with protein and veggies, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a light quinoa pilaf to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in mini ramekins for a fun dinner party presentation or scoop onto a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower for an extra-low-carb option that adds even more comfort to the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, making your next-day meal just as tasty.

Freezing

This crockpot chicken with Olive Garden dressing and broccoli bake recipe freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best results, cover the dish with foil when baking to prevent drying out and re-melt some cheese on top if desired.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of the steam bag?

Absolutely! Fresh broccoli adds an even brighter crunch. Just chop it into bite-sized florets, blanch them briefly in boiling water, then cool in an ice bath before adding to the dish to keep them tender-crisp.

What if I don’t have Olive Garden dressing?

If Olive Garden Italian dressing isn’t at hand, use your favorite brand of Italian dressing or even a homemade version with herbs, garlic, and vinegar. The key is a good balance of tangy and savory flavors.

Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?

Yes, you can cook the chicken on the pressure cook setting for about 20-25 minutes followed by a natural release, then proceed with shredding and assembly. Just be mindful to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this recipe low carb?

Yes! The Crockpot Chicken with Olive Garden Dressing and Broccoli Bake Recipe is perfect for low-carb diets, thanks to the protein-rich chicken and fiber-loaded broccoli with minimal carbs.

How can I make the sauce extra creamy?

Mix the cream cheese with a small amount of dressing before adding it to the slow cooker or use an immersion blender after cooking for an ultra-smooth, luscious sauce that coats every bite.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, inviting meal that melts in your mouth and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. This Crockpot Chicken with Olive Garden Dressing and Broccoli Bake Recipe is that dish and so much more. It’s comforting, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to prepare. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever managed dinner without it!

Crockpot Chicken with Olive Garden Dressing and Broccoli Bake Recipe

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This viral Crockpot Chicken with Olive Garden Dressing is a delightfully hearty and low-carb meal featuring tender, juicy chicken cooked slowly in flavorful Italian dressing, combined with creamy cream cheese and topped with melty mozzarella cheese. Enhanced with nutritious steamed broccoli and finished under the broiler for a golden cheesy crust, this dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 17 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American, Italian
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Chicken and Sauce

• 3 ¼ lbs chicken breast
• 1 ¾ cups Olive Garden Italian dressing
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Vegetables

• 1 steam bag of broccoli (typically 12–16 oz)

Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (approximate measurement)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, arranging them evenly.
2. Add Dressing and Cream Cheese: Pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken. Add the softened cream cheese along with garlic powder and black pepper. For a smoother sauce, you can mix the cream cheese with a small portion of dressing first before adding.
3. Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
4. Steam the Broccoli: About 10 minutes before the chicken finishes cooking, steam the broccoli according to the package instructions, then drain well.
5. Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and mix thoroughly with the remaining sauce.
7. Preheat Broiler: Preheat your oven’s broiler to prepare for the cheese topping.
8. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the chicken and sauce mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Add the steamed broccoli on top, evenly distributing it.
9. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and broccoli mixture.
10. Broil the Casserole: Place the casserole under the broiler for 2-5 minutes, watching closely until the cheese melts and turns golden brown in spots. Be careful to avoid burning.
11. Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Do not open the crockpot during cooking as it slows down the process and increases cooking time.
• You can substitute fresh broccoli for the steam bag; chop into bite-sized florets and blanch by boiling for 2-3 minutes, then place into an ice bath to maintain bright color and crisp texture.
• Drain broccoli well before adding it to the casserole to avoid excess water.
• Softening cream cheese at room temperature or briefly microwaving ensures a creamy sauce; mixing it with some Italian dressing first helps achieve smoothness.
• Broiling the casserole adds a delicious crispy cheese topping that enhances taste and texture.