Best Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe for Dinner

Cheesy chicken broccoli rice simmers beautifully in a crockpot, promising comfort in every spoonful.

Slow-cooking magic blends tender proteins with creamy grains effortlessly.

Weeknight dinners demand simple solutions that pack maximum flavor.

Nutritious ingredients meld together creating a satisfying one-pot wonder.

Busy home cooks appreciate meals that practically prepare themselves.

Melted cheese blankets chicken and broccoli, turning ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this hearty, wholesome classic.

Highlights of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, creating a complete meal with minimal hands-on cooking and zero complicated techniques.
• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with tender chicken, creamy rice, melted cheese, and nutritious broccoli, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction for the whole family.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines familiar ingredients kids love – cheese, chicken, and rice – into a delicious meal that sneaks in healthy broccoli without any mealtime battles.
• Versatile Weeknight Solution: Perfect for busy households, this recipe adapts easily to different schedules and provides a hearty, nutritious dinner with minimal cleanup and maximum convenience.

Key Ingredients in Cheesy Chicken Broccoli

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that becomes soft and easily shreddable when slow-cooked.

• Rice: A fluffy and filling grain that absorbs the creamy flavors of the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base for cooking the rice and chicken.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious and creamy texture to the entire dish.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Enhances the overall creaminess and adds depth of flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide a subtle, aromatic background flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.
• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and freshness.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into a gooey, delicious topping that brings richness to the meal.

Step-by-Step Guide for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Place raw chicken breasts into the crockpot, positioning them evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Base

• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Cream of chicken soup
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution and consistent flavor.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Initial Mixture

Cover the crockpot and set to LOW temperature. Cook for 4-5 hours, allowing the chicken to become fully cooked and the rice to reach a tender consistency.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot. Using two forks, pull the chicken apart into shredded pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot.

Step 5: Add Broccoli and Cheese

Mix in fresh broccoli florets and shredded cheese.

Cover and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes until broccoli becomes tender and cheese completely melts.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Scoop the creamy chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture into bowls.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness.

Expert Tips for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli

• Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal prep and added flavor boost.
• Replace heavy cream with milk or dairy-free alternatives to make the recipe lighter or accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Ensure rice doesn't become mushy by using long-grain white rice and checking liquid ratios carefully during cooking.
• Add extra vegetables like carrots or cauliflower for increased nutrition and variety in the dish.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving to enhance the overall taste and presentation.

Flavorful Twists on Cheesy Chicken Broccoli

• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth and dairy-free cheese for a meat-free version.
• Cauliflower Rice Low-Carb Option: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates, maintaining the creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Meal: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add dried oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes to transform the classic recipe into a Mediterranean-inspired dish with vibrant flavors.

Best Pairings with Cheesy Chicken Broccoli

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather around the table and serve this hearty one-pot meal with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion into meal prep containers for easy lunch options throughout the week, staying fresh and tasty for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Game Day Comfort Bowl: Top with crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to add extra flavor and texture to this satisfying dish.
• Potluck Superstar: Transfer to a large serving dish and bring to your next community gathering, knowing it will be a crowd-pleasing favorite that feeds a hungry group.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit the cheese completely.

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice or brown rice are ideal. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice as they may become mushy in the crockpot.

• Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Consider adding cauliflower, carrots, or green beans to increase the vegetable content and nutritional value of the meal.

Simple Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice delivers comfort in one simple pot. Creamy cheese and tender chicken blend with nutritious broccoli, creating a satisfying meal you can savor without complicated preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup

Vegetables and Dairy:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups chicken broth

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Nestle chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even base layer.
2. Pour in rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, and cream of chicken soup, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Gently mix ingredients to ensure uniform distribution.
3. Securely cover the crockpot and set to LOW temperature, allowing the dish to simmer for 4-5 hours until chicken reaches full doneness and rice becomes perfectly tender.
4. Extract chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to meticulously shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken back into the cooking liquid.
5. Add fresh broccoli florets and generously scatter shredded cheese across the surface. Replace the lid and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, allowing broccoli to soften and cheese to melt into a creamy, luxurious texture.
6. Once cooking is complete, use a large spoon to serve the hearty, cheesy mixture into warm bowls, ensuring each serving contains a delightful blend of chicken, rice, broccoli, and melted cheese.

Notes

• Customize chicken thickness by using evenly sized breasts for consistent cooking throughout the dish.
• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control overall salt content and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Consider using brown rice for added nutritional value and a heartier texture, though cooking time might slightly increase.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or milk alternatives for lighter, healthier version without compromising creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg