Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

Savory Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe That Wows

Creamy crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice brings comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a slow cooker, creating a satisfying meal that everyone will adore.

Busy families can count on this simple one-pot wonder to deliver maximum flavor without complicated prep work.

Tender chicken chunks nestle among fluffy rice and vibrant broccoli pieces, promising a nutritious and delicious experience.

Cheese melts beautifully throughout the dish, adding rich and smooth complexity to each spoonful.

Minimal kitchen skills are required to whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Grab a ladle and savor every delectable bite of this soul-warming meal.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Favorites

  • Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Dump all ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the magic, creating a hearty meal with minimal hands-on preparation.
  • Customize Family Comfort Food: Swap proteins or vegetables based on preferences, making this versatile recipe perfect for picky eaters and adaptable to different tastes.
  • One-Pot Nutrition Powerhouse: Combines protein-rich chicken, fiber-packed broccoli, and filling rice into a single dish that delivers balanced nutrition without multiple cooking steps.
  • Kid-Friendly Cheesy Delight: Melted cheddar cheese and mild seasonings make this a crowd-pleasing meal that children will love, transforming dinnertime into a stress-free experience.

Ingredients for Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Main Ingredients:
  • Uncooked Rice: A hearty base that absorbs the rich flavors of the dish.
  • Chicken: Provides protein and tender texture to the casserole.
  • Broccoli Florets: Adds fresh green color and nutritional value to the meal.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Creates a creamy and tangy flavor profile.
Liquid Components:
  • Chicken Broth, Cream of Chicken Soup: Ensures moisture and enhances the overall savory taste of the dish.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Adds depth and balanced seasoning to the entire recipe.
Preparation Extras:
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Slow Cooker Instructions for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any stubborn sticking.

Step 2: Create the Rice Base

Toss uncooked rice into the crockpot.

Pour in chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Stir everything together until well combined, creating a creamy foundation for your dish.

Step 3: Add Protein and Seasonings

Mix in these ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and set your crockpot to low heat.

Let it simmer for 3-4 hours, allowing the rice to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors. Give it an occasional stir to prevent any sticking.

Step 5: Introduce the Broccoli

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, add fresh broccoli florets. This timing ensures the broccoli stays vibrant and crisp-tender.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese

Once cooking is complete, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Scoop into bowls while still warm and get ready to enjoy a comforting, cheesy meal that’ll make everyone at the table happy!

Tips for Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and keep the dish healthier for those watching their sodium intake.
  • Substitute brown rice for white rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the meal.
  • Dice fresh garlic instead of using garlic powder for a more robust, authentic flavor profile.
  • Opt for Greek yogurt instead of cream of chicken soup to reduce calories and increase protein content.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack for a unique taste twist.

Variations for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

  • Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles. Use vegetable broth for added flavor and keep the cheesy, creamy texture.
  • Cauliflower Rice Version: Swap traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a low-carb alternative. Maintain the same seasoning and cheese for a healthier option.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Select brown rice or quinoa as base alternatives.
  • Mexican-Style Variation: Add diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with taco seasoning for a southwestern flavor profile.

Pairing Ideas for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

  • Family Dinner Delight: Pair this comforting casserole with a crisp garden salad and warm dinner rolls for a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks, storing in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Game Night Special: Serve in small bowls as a hearty side dish during game nights or potluck gatherings, topping with extra cheese or green onions for added excitement.
  • Weeknight Wellness: Transform leftovers into stuffed bell peppers by mixing remaining chicken and rice mixture, then baking with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

  • Is brown rice a good substitute for white rice?

Brown rice can work, but you’ll need to add more liquid and increase cooking time by about 1 hour since brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more moisture.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain the cheesy flavor and texture.

  • How can I add more protein to this dish?

Consider adding cooked beans, diced ham, or additional shredded chicken to boost the protein content of the meal.

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Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice combines comforting flavors for an easy family meal. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying dinner that you will savor from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup

Starches and Vegetables:

  • 2 cups uncooked white rice
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Seasonings and Cheese:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Lightly coat the interior of the slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Pour uncooked rice into the slow cooker, then combine with chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, whisking thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
  3. Incorporate shredded chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well to distribute flavors evenly.
  4. Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow to simmer for 3-4 hours, periodically stirring to prevent rice from clumping or burning.
  5. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, gently fold in fresh broccoli florets, ensuring they are nestled into the liquid and rice mixture.
  6. Once rice reaches a tender consistency and broccoli is vibrant green, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top and stir until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy texture.
  7. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
  8. Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure rice is fully submerged in liquid to prevent burning and achieve perfect texture during slow cooking.
  • Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
  • Customize flavor profile by adding smoked paprika, dried herbs like thyme, or a splash of hot sauce for extra zest.
  • For dairy-free option, replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives to maintain creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 372 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 690 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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