This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe is warm, creamy, and full of flavor! You just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do all the work for you.
I love how it makes dinner super simple. Plus, who can resist ooey-gooey cheese melted over tender chicken and broccoli? Perfect for a cozy night in! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I always opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this dish. They cook well in the slow cooker and stay juicy. If you’re in a pinch, you can use thighs – they’ll add a bit more flavor!
Rice: You can use either cooked rice or uncooked. If you choose uncooked, just adjust the cooking time and add extra liquid. Brown rice is a great option as well but remember it may take longer to cook.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is ideal for its texture and flavor, but frozen broccoli works just fine. If using frozen, let it thaw first for even cooking.
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a great twist. Vegan cheese can also be substituted for a dairy-free option.
Soup: Cream of chicken soup is key for creaminess. However, if you want a lighter option, you can use low-fat cream or a homemade version using coconut milk or blended cashews.
How Do You Achieve The Perfect Texture in This Dish?
Getting the right texture in a crockpot dish requires a bit of patience and careful layering. Here are some tips:
- Always place meat at the bottom of the slow cooker. It cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors well.
- If using uncooked rice, ensure you include enough liquid (like chicken broth) to properly cook the rice.
- Shred the chicken 15 minutes before serving for best results. Stirring helps combine the flavors and makes everything creamier.
- For cheesy goodness, add shredded cheese at the end and let it melt, giving that delicious gooey texture.
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or 1 cup uncooked)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish can be prepared in about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. Just set it and forget it until it’s time to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
If you’re using uncooked rice, make sure to cook it according to the package instructions and let it cool a bit before adding it to the crockpot. If you have leftover rice from another meal, you can use that instead to save time!
2. Arrange the Chicken:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly at the bottom of your slow cooker. This layer is important as it helps the chicken cook evenly and soak up all those delicious flavors.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, grab your cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. This mixture will become the creamy sauce that makes the dish so comforting!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Next, sprinkle the cooked rice and add the broccoli florets right on top. This layering will help all the flavors meld beautifully.
5. Cook:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is thoroughly cooked and easily shreddable!
6. Shred the Chicken:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the ingredients together nicely.
7. Add the Cheese:
Now for the best part! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and cover again. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, just enough time for the cheese to melt and become ooey-gooey delicious!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese has melted, serve this cheesy chicken broccoli rice warm. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or when you want comfort food without the fuss!
This easy recipe yields a creamy, cheesy dish featuring tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy rice that the whole family will love. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot. Just add an extra hour of cooking time to ensure they cook through completely. There’s no need to thaw them prior—let the slow cooker do the work!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in the crockpot, then store it in the fridge before cooking. Just assemble the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook it the next day as directed, adjusting the time slightly if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep it creamy!
Can I Substitute the Broccoli?
Yes, you can substitute broccoli with other vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans, or mixed veggies. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on the vegetable you choose to ensure they remain tender but not overcooked!
