Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h 30 min
Total time: 6 h 45 min
Yield: 6-8
Ingredients: Ingredients; 5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 large onion, diced; 3 carrots, peeled and diced; 3 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 3 cups frozen); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream; 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)