Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy days. It combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and melty cheddar cheese for a creamy, flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Optional garnish: extra shredded cheddar cheese or chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Step 2: Spread the uncooked rice evenly at the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice, allowing them to overlap if needed.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and salt over the chicken for seasoning.
5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk until smooth.
6. Step 6: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken and rice in the crockpot.
7. Step 7: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
8. Step 8: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts and shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces, then return to the crockpot.
9. Step 9: Add broccoli florets and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot and stir well to combine.
10. Step 10: Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes until the broccoli is tender and cheese is melted.
11. Step 11: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
12. Step 12: Serve warm, garnished with extra shredded cheese or fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor, but increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
• Swap chicken breasts for thighs or shredded rotisserie chicken for different texture and taste.
• Try pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick, or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it well to avoid extra moisture in the dish.
• Add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas to customize your meal.
• For dairy-free options, try vegan cheese and plant-based cream soups.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but it requires a longer cooking time—about 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high—and slightly more liquid, around 2 to 2.5 cups of broth, to cook properly.

What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup?

You can substitute with homemade cream of chicken soup or use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. For a dairy-free version, try plant-based cream soups or a blend of pureed cauliflower and vegetable broth.

Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

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This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a comforting, one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts, fluffy long-grain white rice, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese come together in a creamy sauce, slow-cooked in the crockpot for effortless, flavorful results. This dish is versatile, allowing substitutions like brown rice or vegan cheese, and makes a hearty family-friendly dinner that’s ready when you are.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 2.5 hours on high
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Optional Garnish

• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Crockpot: Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Layer the Rice: Spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly at the bottom of the crockpot. There’s no need to pre-cook the rice because it will absorb the liquids and cook thoroughly during the crockpot process.
3. Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly on top of the rice, allowing some overlap if necessary since they will all cook through.
4. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and salt evenly over the chicken breasts to infuse the dish with savory flavor.
5. Mix the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk until smooth and lump-free for a rich and creamy base.
6. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the chicken and rice, making sure to cover all areas to ensure even cooking and flavor.
7. Cooking Time: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
8. Shred the Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. Shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces, then return them to the crockpot to mix with the rice and sauce.
9. Add Broccoli and Cheese: Stir in the fresh or thawed broccoli florets along with 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to add a nutritious vegetable component and cheesy richness.
10. Final Cooking: Cover the crockpot and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the cheese has melted into a bubbly topping.
11. Taste and Adjust: Sample the dish and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or extra cheese if desired to suit your taste preferences.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cheesy chicken broccoli rice warm, garnished with optional extra shredded cheddar cheese or freshly chopped parsley for color and flavor enhancement.

Notes

• If using brown rice, increase the cooking time to 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high and add about 2 to 2.5 cups of liquid for proper cooking.
• Frozen broccoli should be fully thawed and drained before adding to avoid excess moisture that could make the dish watery.
• You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade cream soup for different flavors or dietary needs.
• For a dairy-free version, swap cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use a plant-based cream soup or pureed cauliflower mixture.
• Do not frequently lift the crockpot lid during cooking to maintain moisture and ensure the rice cooks evenly.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor but keep an eye on cooking time as they may vary slightly.

Keywords: crockpot chicken, cheesy chicken broccoli rice, slow cooker chicken recipes, one pot meals, easy dinner recipes, crockpot rice dishes