Imagine coming home to the irresistibly comforting aroma of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice filling your kitchen. This dish is everything a cozy family dinner should be: creamy, cheesy, packed with tender bites of chicken and bright green broccoli, all gently cooked together in one pot of simple, wholesome flavors. A dinner that practically makes itself, this recipe has a spot at every busy cook’s table—especially when you want something hearty and full of homestyle goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is in its handful of uncomplicated ingredients, each one contributing big flavor and texture. With just a quick prep and a few pantry staples, you’ll watch magic happen right inside your slow cooker.
- Chicken breasts: Lean and protein-packed, they cook up perfectly tender and shred easily for this recipe.
- Long-grain white rice: Delivers that signature creaminess without getting mushy; it soaks up all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The savory base that brings everything together and keeps it moist while it slow cooks.
- Milk: Helps make the rice extra creamy—use dairy or unsweetened non-dairy, depending on your preference.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory background note that complements the chicken and cheese.
- Onion powder: Creates depth and rounds out the seasoning, making every bite more flavorful.
- Salt: Essential for coaxing out the subtle notes in both the cheese and the chicken.
- Black pepper: Balances the richness of the cheese while giving a mild kick.
- Broccoli florets: The pop of green adds color, crunch, and a vegetable boost—fresh or frozen both work beautifully.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into golden ribbons, making the entire crockpot dish creamy, gooey, and luxuriously cheesy.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a sprinkle of bright color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Step 1: Layer and Combine
Start by placing your chicken breasts snugly in the bottom of your 6-quart crockpot. Next, add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper right into the pot. Give everything a gentle stir so the rice is evenly dispersed, and the seasonings get a head start at mingling. This step sets the foundation for all the flavors to marry as the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice cooks low and slow.
Step 2: Let the Crockpot Work Its Magic
Pop the lid on, set your crockpot to low, and let it cook for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the chicken becomes perfectly tender and the rice soaks up the seasoned liquid, transforming into a creamy, dreamy base. No need to babysit—just let your kitchen fill with a mouthwatering aroma.
Step 3: Shred and Add Broccoli
Once the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then toss in the broccoli florets. Mixing them in distributes that lovely green color and ensures every bite gets a little veg.
Step 4: Finish Cooking and Melt the Cheese
Cover the crockpot again and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. Right at the end, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is melted together into a luxurious, cheesy embrace—now you’ve got the ultimate Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Spoon your finished dish into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if you’d like. It’s as inviting to look at as it is to eat—bright, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Garnishes
A generous dusting of fresh parsley adds color and a touch of herbaceous flair, but you can also try a little extra black pepper, or even a sprinkling of red chili flakes if you’re after a gentle heat. Sometimes, a few crunchy fried onions or thinly sliced green onions make for fun finishing touches that everyone will love.
Side Dishes
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re in the mood to round out the meal, try serving it alongside a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or a loaf of warm, crusty bread for scooping up every last bit of gooey goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the cheesy casserole into baked bell pepper halves for a fun, colorful twist, or scoop into small bowls for easy grab-and-go lunches. For family gatherings, serve it straight from the crockpot with a pair of tongs and a platter of toppings—everyone can dress up their own bowl! That versatility is one reason Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice always disappears fast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extras? Scoop any leftovers into airtight containers once cooled, and tuck them into the fridge. This dish will keep well for up to 4 days—making it absolutely perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze fully cooled Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. For the best texture, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, as this helps the rice maintain its creaminess.
Reheating
To reheat, simply use the microwave in short bursts, stirring every minute or so to keep things evenly creamy, or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore any lost moisture. The cheese melts beautifully all over again, so each serving is just as satisfying as the first.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be a wholesome swap for white, but it does need a bit more liquid and a longer cook time. Aim to add an extra half cup of chicken broth, and expect the cook to increase by about an hour.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Chopped carrots, peas, or diced bell peppers all work wonderfully. Just add them in when you add the broccoli so they cook to tender-crisp perfection with the rest of the dish.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works well in a pinch! Simply stir it in along with the broccoli, skip the earlier cook time for chicken, and warm everything through. This shortcut makes Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice even speedier.
What cheese works best besides cheddar?
While sharp cheddar brings that classic flavor punch, feel free to use a blend of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked gouda for extra depth. Mix and match to suit your cheese-loving heart!
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
You sure can! As long as your crockpot can handle the volume, simply double everything and follow the same instructions (though the cook time may increase by about 30 minutes). Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a real crowd-pleaser for potlucks and parties.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight lifesaver or a comforting dinner with friends, this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice will keep everyone coming back for seconds. It’s simple, soul-warming, and oh-so-delicious—give it a try, and I promise it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation!
Print
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 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 creamy one-pot meal that the whole family will love. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp broccoli are cooked in a cheesy sauce until perfectly combined.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additions:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place chicken breasts in the crockpot, add rice, broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours until chicken is cooked and rice is tender. Shred chicken, add broccoli, and cook for an additional 20–30 minutes.
- Finish: Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve warm, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use brown rice, adjusting broth and cook time.
- Customize with extra cheese for richness or reduced-fat cheese for a lighter option.
- This dish reheats well for delicious leftovers.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *