Short Description
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a delicious and comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, hearty rice, and nutritious broccoli. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep while delivering maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing meal that both kids and adults will enjoy.
- Hearty and Comforting: A warm, cheesy dish perfect for any time of year.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the broccoli.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different cheeses, seasonings, or added vegetables.
Ingredients
chicken breasts or thighs
rice
chicken broth
cheddar cheese
broccoli florets
cream of chicken soup
milk
butter
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
black pepper
optional seasonings (paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning)
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, or if using whole breasts, leave them intact for shredding later. Wash and chop the broccoli into small florets.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Add the chicken to the crockpot, followed by rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked. If using whole chicken breasts, shred them with forks once cooked.
- Add Broccoli: About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets and stir.
- Stir in Cheese and Soup Mixture: In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, milk, and melted butter. Stir this mixture into the crockpot, followed by shredded cheddar cheese.
- Final Cooking: Cover and let cook for another 20-30 minutes until the cheese melts and the broccoli is tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Give everything a final stir and serve hot.
Variations
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Swap Proteins: Use turkey or ham instead of chicken.
- Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a unique twist.
- Make It Healthier: Use brown rice or quinoa and low-fat cheese.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for more nutrients.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 5 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or heat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to retain creaminess.
FAQs
How can I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
Use long-grain rice and avoid overcooking. Adding the liquid proportionally helps maintain texture.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but add it in the last 20 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
What if my dish is too thick?
Stir in a little extra chicken broth or milk to adjust the consistency.
Can I cook this on high?
Yes, cook on high for 2-3 hours instead of low.
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, but add it at the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
What other seasonings work well?
Paprika, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of cayenne add extra flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Gouda, Swiss, or Monterey Jack are great alternatives.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make it gluten-free.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and coconut milk instead of cream and butter.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just ensure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the ingredients.
Conclusion
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is the ultimate easy, creamy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for families, meal prepping, or busy weeknights. With minimal effort, this dish delivers incredible flavor, making it a staple comfort food that everyone will love!
Print
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a creamy, comforting, and easy one-pot meal packed with tender chicken, gooey cheese, hearty rice, and nutritious broccoli. A perfect slow cooker recipe for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional seasonings: 1/2 tsp paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, or if using whole breasts, leave them intact for shredding later. Wash and chop the broccoli into small florets.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Add the chicken to the crockpot, followed by rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked. If using whole chicken breasts, shred them with forks once cooked.
- Add Broccoli: About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets and stir.
- Stir in Cheese and Soup Mixture: In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, milk, and melted butter. Stir this mixture into the crockpot, followed by shredded cheddar cheese.
- Final Cooking: Cover and let cook for another 20-30 minutes until the cheese melts and the broccoli is tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Give everything a final stir and serve hot.
Notes
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Swap Proteins: Use turkey or ham instead of chicken.
- Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a unique twist.
- Make It Healthier: Use brown rice or quinoa and low-fat cheese.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for more nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crockpot chicken recipe, cheesy chicken broccoli rice, slow cooker meal, easy one-pot dinner, family-friendly comfort food
No comment