Dreamy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

Creamy comfort meets convenience in this delightful crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice that promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

Slow-cooking transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, mouthwatering meal bursting with flavor.

Tender chicken mingles with fresh broccoli and fluffy rice, creating a one-pot wonder that speaks directly to your hunger.

Cheese adds a luxurious richness that makes every bite irresistible.

Busy home cooks appreciate how minimal prep work delivers maximum satisfaction.

Nutritious and filling, this dish checks all the boxes for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

Grab a spoon and let the magic of effortless cooking inspire your next meal.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice: Cozy Classic

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, making meal preparation a breeze with minimal hands-on cooking time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and nutritious broccoli in one satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Nutrient-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Delivers a balanced meal with protein from chicken, fiber from broccoli, and hearty rice, all wrapped in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Uses a single crockpot for cooking and serving, reducing kitchen mess and saving valuable time on dishwashing.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that provides the primary source of meat in this comforting dish.

• Rice: A fluffy base that absorbs the delicious flavors of the other ingredients.

• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and savory notes to the recipe.
• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that brings color and additional nutrients to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and keep the dish moist.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: A creamy component that adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A melty, tangy cheese that creates a creamy and indulgent texture.

How to Prepare Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Rice

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Place chicken breasts inside the crockpot and generously sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

This initial seasoning will help develop a rich taste throughout the cooking process.

Step 2: Layer Delicious Ingredients

• Minced garlic
• Diced onion
• Uncooked white rice
• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup
• Fresh broccoli florets

Gently stir all ingredients to ensure even distribution and prevent rice from sticking together.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set to low heat for 5-6 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.

The goal is to cook the chicken thoroughly and allow the rice to absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Shred and Integrate Chicken

Remove chicken breasts and use two forks to shred the meat into tender, bite-sized pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and mix well with the existing ingredients.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Finale

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture.

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy and luxurious texture that binds all ingredients together.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Scoop the cheesy chicken broccoli rice into bowls and serve immediately while hot.

Enjoy this comforting and satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for family dinners.

Pro Tips for Cheesy Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Rice

• Cover chicken breasts completely with liquid to keep them moist and tender during slow cooking.
• Use long-grain white rice for best absorption and avoid mushy consistency by not stirring too frequently.
• Add cheese during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to prevent separation and maintain creamy smoothness.
• Sauté garlic and onions briefly before adding to crockpot to enhance their natural sweetness and aroma.
• Prepare ingredients the night before and refrigerate in the crockpot insert to save morning cooking time.

Flavor Variations for Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Rice

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce using cornstarch, milk, and chicken broth. Use gluten-free rice and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra protein-rich nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice. Use fewer carbohydrate-dense ingredients and increase protein content with additional chicken or cheese.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese. Select lactose-free chicken broth and coconut milk cream for similar creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

• Family Dinner Spotlight: Create a cozy family meal where everyone gathers around the table and enjoys this hearty one-pot wonder together.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion this dish into individual containers for easy lunch options throughout the week, perfect for work or school meals.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Top with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or extra cheese to add exciting texture and flavor layers to the classic comfort dish.
• Side Dish Companions: Serve alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables to balance the creamy, rich flavors of the chicken and rice casserole.

Storing Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled meal to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

• What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe. Avoid using instant rice as it can become mushy during slow cooking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. The cream of chicken soup typically contains gluten. Look for gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make a homemade substitute to make the dish gluten-free.

• Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can include additional vegetables like carrots or cauliflower. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces and add them with the broccoli.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice delivers comfort in one satisfying pot. Creamy, nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly for a simple meal families will crave and enjoy together.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains, Liquids, and Cheese:

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Nestle seasoned chicken breasts into the crockpot, ensuring they are evenly coated with salt and pepper.
2. Layer rice, minced garlic, diced onion, and broccoli florets around the chicken, creating a colorful mixture.
3. Pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the ingredients, gently stirring to distribute flavors without disturbing the chicken placement.
4. Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 5-6 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and fully cooked.
5. Remove chicken and carefully shred using two forks, then return the shredded meat back into the crockpot.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot mixture, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
7. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to absorb remaining liquid and achieve perfect consistency.
8. Serve hot, ensuring each portion has a balanced blend of chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheesy goodness.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easier shredding and more consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Opt for long-grain white rice to prevent mushiness and maintain a fluffy consistency in the final meal.
• Consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra flavor depth without overwhelming the creamy base.
• For a lighter version, substitute cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg