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Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 106 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://topreci.com/easy-crockpot-cheesy-chicken-broccoli-rice-recipe/