This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a warm and hearty dish. With juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and cheesy goodness, it’s a perfect meal for busy days!
I love how simple this recipe is. Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic. Plus, it’s so cheesy that even my pickiest eaters come back for seconds! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Rice: Uncooked white rice is the base of this dish. If you prefer brown rice, you’ll need to adjust cooking times as brown rice takes longer to cook. Quinoa is a great gluten-free alternative, too!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep things simple, but you can use thighs for more flavor. Also, rotisserie chicken is an easy swap if you want to save time—just shred it and toss it in at the end!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add color and nutrition. If you’re short on fresh, frozen broccoli works wonderfully, too. Just add it frozen; it’ll cook perfectly while the dish simmers.
Cheddar & Mozzarella: I love the combination of sharp cheddar for its bold flavor and mozzarella for creaminess. You could switch mozzarella with provolone or even pepper jack for a kick!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. You can use a homemade version or swap with cream of mushroom soup or a dairy-free cream soup for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken and Rice Cook Perfectly in the Crockpot?
Cooking in a crockpot is all about layering and timing! Start by layering rice and then adding liquid. It’s crucial to keep the chicken on top so it stays moist while cooking. Here’s a step-by-step for perfect results:
- Grease the crockpot to prevent sticking.
- Rinse rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping.
- Make sure to cover the crockpot while cooking; this traps moisture and steam, helping everything cook evenly.
- Check doneness about 30 minutes before the end of cooking; this is when you add broccoli to steam without overcooking.
- Add the cheese and milk mixture at the end for a creamy texture that combines well.
Be patient—let it cook undisturbed to achieve the best flavor!
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 cups uncooked white rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Cheesy Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
For Seasoning:
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fabulous dish takes around 10 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of about 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high in the crockpot. Just set it and forget it while it fills your home with delicious aromas!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Crockpot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or lightly greasing it. This will help everything come out easily later on!
2. Rinse the Rice:
Rinse the uncooked rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is key as it gets rid of excess starch, which prevents the rice from getting too gummy.
3. Mix the Base:
Add the rinsed rice to the crockpot. Then pour in the chicken broth and the cream of chicken soup. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely!
4. Layer the Chicken:
Next, place the chicken breasts gently on top of the rice mixture. Don’t worry about it being perfect; it will all come together during cooking.
5. Add Veggies and Seasoning:
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper on top of the chicken. This will infuse the dish with wonderful flavors!
6. Time to Cook:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through, and the rice should be tender when it’s done.
7. Add Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the fresh broccoli florets. Just place them on top of the chicken, and they’ll steam perfectly!
8. Shred the Chicken:
When the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. Shred them or cut them into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
9. Make it Cheesy:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Add in butter, milk or cream, and both cheeses. Give everything a gentle stir until it’s all creamy and the cheese is melted.
10. Final Touch:
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if you need to. This is your chance to make it perfect!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy, cheesy chicken broccoli rice hot! You can garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.
Enjoy your comforting, cheesy chicken broccoli rice made effortlessly in the crockpot!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can! However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. If using brown rice, increase the cooking time by about an hour on low, or 30-45 minutes on high, and ensure there’s enough liquid in the crockpot.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Just store the rice, chicken, and vegetables separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, assemble everything in the crockpot and cook as directed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk or broth if it seems dry.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Chicken Soup?
No problem! You can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or make a simple homemade version by mixing equal parts of cream, broth, and flour with seasonings to taste. You’ll still get a creamy texture without the canned soup!
