Slow-Cooked Magic: Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole that promises zero kitchen stress.

Busy families adore meals crafted with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Tender chicken mingles with crisp broccoli florets, creating a hearty one-pot wonder.

Melted cheese blankets perfectly cooked rice, delivering creamy goodness in every single bite.

Nutritious ingredients combine seamlessly, making dinner both simple and satisfying.

Weeknight meal magic happens when you toss everything into the slow cooker and walk away.

Savor this crowd-pleasing dish that comes together effortlessly and keeps everyone asking for seconds.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Overview

• Craft Comfort Quickly: This one-pan wonder delivers homestyle comfort without complex cooking steps, perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious meals fast.
• Family Meal Champion: Packed with familiar ingredients and hearty flavors, this recipe brings everyone together around the table with its crowd-pleasing combination of tender chicken and creamy rice.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Using a single skillet means less washing up, making this dish a dream for those who dislike spending extra time cleaning kitchen surfaces after cooking.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Adaptable for different skill levels, this recipe works equally well for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings, offering a reliable go-to meal that impresses without stress.

Ingredients For Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Crockpot

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that provides the main protein source for this comforting dish.

• Uncooked Rice: A staple grain that absorbs flavors and creates a hearty base for the casserole.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall savory flavor of the recipe.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a creamy texture and additional depth to the dish.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that boost the overall taste profile.

• Broccoli Florets: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and vitamins to the meal.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides a sharp, tangy flavor to the dish.

How To Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Gently lay whole chicken breasts into the crockpot, ensuring they are evenly spread across the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Rice Mixture

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

Softly stir all ingredients until well blended.

Step 3: Initial Cooking Process

Cover and cook the mixture on low temperature for 6-7 hours or on high temperature for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become completely tender and cooked through.

Step 4: Shred Chicken Thoroughly

Remove chicken breasts and use two forks to pull apart and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return shredded chicken back into the crockpot and mix well with rice mixture.

Step 5: Add Broccoli and Cheese

• Fresh broccoli florets
• Butter
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Gently stir to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 6: Final Cooking Stage

Continue cooking for 20-30 minutes until broccoli reaches desired tenderness and cheese melts completely.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Scoop into bowls and enjoy this creamy, comforting one-pot meal while warm.

Kitchen Tips For Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Crockpot

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and easy shredding.
• Rinse rice before adding to prevent clumping and achieve a fluffy texture.
• Choose fresh broccoli florets for the best crunch and nutritional value.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize the dish's seasoning.

Creative Variations For Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

• Spicy Southwestern Fusion: Replace chicken broth with salsa, add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with taco seasoning for a zesty Mexican-inspired meal.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Use vegetable broth, add chopped spinach instead of broccoli, mix in crumbled feta cheese, and season with oregano, basil, and lemon zest for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Creamy Mushroom Comfort: Substitute broccoli with sliced mushrooms, incorporate cream of mushroom soup, add thyme and rosemary, and use gruyere cheese for a rich, earthy version of the original recipe.

Suggested Sides For Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Crockpot

• Serve this one-pot wonder with a crisp green salad to balance the creamy richness. The fresh, light salad cuts through the cheesy warmth, creating a perfect meal balance.
• Pair with warm garlic bread or crusty French rolls. Guests can use bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce, adding extra texture and flavor to each bite.
• Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for a satisfying work or school lunch. The dish stays delicious when reheated and provides a hearty, protein-packed midday meal.

Storing Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Correctly

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture.
• Cool the dish completely, then place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm in the microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat in a covered skillet on low heat, stirring gently to maintain the creamy texture.

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 cook thoroughly and reach a safe internal temperature.

• Do I need to pre-cook the rice?

No, you can add uncooked rice directly to the crockpot. The liquid from chicken broth and soup will help the rice cook perfectly during the slow cooking process.

• Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?

Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup work well as alternatives if you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice brings comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken create a simple one-pot meal families will devour in minutes.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Position chicken breasts evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle rice and seasonings over the chicken, then carefully pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup across the entire surface.
3. Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 6 hours, ensuring even distribution of liquids and seasonings.
4. Once cooking time completes, carefully remove chicken and use two forks to shred meat into tender pieces.
5. Return shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, gently mixing with rice and liquid mixture.
6. Add fresh broccoli florets, allowing them to rest on top of the chicken and rice mixture.
7. Dot butter pieces across the broccoli and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface.
8. Continue cooking for additional 20 minutes on low heat until broccoli becomes vibrant green and slightly tender.
9. Gently stir everything to ensure cheese melts completely and ingredients are well combined.
10. Serve immediately while warm, making sure each portion has a balanced mix of chicken, rice, broccoli, and melted cheese.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and easy-to-shred meat in this comforting dish.
• Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and absorption of flavors during slow cooking.
• Cut broccoli into small, uniform florets to ensure even cooking and quick tenderness in the final stage.
• Opt for freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged to achieve a smoother, more melty consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 440 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg