There’s nothing quite like walking into a kitchen filled with the cozy aroma of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice—this is true comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This dish brings together juicy chicken, tender broccoli, melty cheddar, and fluffy rice in one pot, all without a single minute of standing over the stove. Thanks to the slow cooker magic, every spoonful is creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this is one homestyle favorite your whole family will crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how easily a handful of classic ingredients transform into something so delicious. Each item in this recipe has a special role—giving the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice its savory depth, gooey texture, and pop of green freshness. Here’s what makes it all come together:
- Chicken Breasts: Lean, boneless, skinless chicken keeps the dish hearty and soaks up all the cheesy flavors as it cooks.
- Long Grain White Rice: This rice stays fluffy rather than mushy, perfect for soaking up the cheesy, savory sauce.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Adds rich, savory undertones without making the dish too salty.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Makes everything luxuriously creamy and ties the chicken and rice together beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: One teaspoon wakes up the whole dish with a gentle garlicky bite.
- Onion Powder: Adds savory depth without needing to chop onions—so easy!
- Salt: Just enough to enhance the flavors but not overwhelm the other ingredients.
- Black Pepper: A subtle kick of warmth balances all that creaminess.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen work great—just chop them small so every bite gets some green goodness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts right in to give you that irresistible stretchy, gooey texture. Freshly shredded melts best!
- Milk: Finishes off the sauce, making it perfectly pourable and extra creamy.
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Step 1: Layers of Comfort
Start by giving the inside of your 6-quart crockpot a spray with nonstick cooking spray—this makes cleanup a breeze. Next, pile in your chicken breasts, uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir, making sure the rice is tucked under the liquid so it cooks up evenly.
Step 2: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low. Give it 4 to 5 hours for all those flavors to mingle and the rice to soak up every bit of deliciousness. When the time’s up, your chicken should be perfectly cooked, and the rice should be fluffy and tender—no peeking needed!
Step 3: Shred and Return
Carefully lift out the chicken breasts. Grab two forks and shred them into bite-sized pieces—this is where the dish starts to look hearty and inviting. Put the shredded chicken right back in the crockpot, making sure every piece gets coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 4: The Cheesy Finale
Now for the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice magic: stir in your broccoli florets, two generous cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and half a cup of milk. Cover and let everything get to know each other for another 15 to 20 minutes. The broccoli turns bright and tender, and the cheese melts into the sauce, making every bite gloriously creamy.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Give the mixture a final stir. If you want it a little saucier, splash in more broth or milk. Then, dig in! Serve warm and watch everyone come running to the kitchen.
How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions brightens things up and adds a bit of fresh flavor. For a little crunch, you could even top each bowl with crushed buttery crackers or a bit of extra shredded cheddar for good measure.
Side Dishes
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice already offers a complete meal, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a loaf of warm, crusty bread. For special occasions, serve with roasted carrots or a simple cucumber tomato salad to round things out.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, ladle the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice right from the pot into deep bowls for that hearty, rustic feel. Hosting guests? Try scooping it into individual ramekins, topping with a little extra cheese, and popping under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to four days, making it a fantastic meal-prep option for busy weeks.
Freezing
This dish actually freezes quite well. Cool the rice completely, portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to three months. To keep the creamy texture, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
When ready to reheat, simply warm your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen things up. Stir occasionally until heated through and creamy as ever.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Brown rice takes longer to cook and may not soften as much as white rice in the crockpot. If you’d like to try it, add extra broth and increase the cook time—but the resulting texture will be heartier and slightly chewier.
Does fresh or frozen broccoli work better?
Both fresh and frozen broccoli florets work well in Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice! If you use frozen, just thaw and drain first to keep things from getting watery. Chop your broccoli small so it cooks evenly and blends with the rest of the ingredients.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup—many brands offer this option now. Double-check your chicken broth and any other packaged ingredients to verify they’re gluten-free.
Can I add other veggies?
Of course! Stuart in some chopped bell peppers, peas, or even mushrooms alongside the broccoli for extra color and flavor. Just make sure to chop them small so they become tender in the short final cooking stage.
What’s the best way to double this recipe?
If you’re feeding a crowd, you can double everything—but use an 8-quart or larger crockpot to avoid overflow. You may need to add 15–30 extra minutes of cook time to ensure the rice and chicken are both cooked through and perfectly tender.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings people together like a pot of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice bubbling away on the counter. It’s simple, heartwarming, and almost guaranteed to earn you rave reviews at the dinner table. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this family favorite!
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Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, broccoli, and gooey cheese come together in a delicious slow-cooked meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Add-ins:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot: Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the Chicken and Rice: Combine chicken, rice, broth, soup, and seasonings in the crockpot. Cook on low for 4–5 hours.
- Finish the Dish: Shred chicken, add broccoli, cheese, and milk. Cook for another 15–20 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Stir and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
- If using fresh broccoli, chop it small for quicker cooking.
- Add more broth or milk if the mixture is too thick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
