This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a cozy dish that’s perfect for those busy days. You’ll get tender chicken, cheesy sauce, and bright broccoli all cooked together.
What’s great is that you just toss everything in the Crockpot and let it do its magic. Honestly, who doesn’t love an easy cleanup? Plus, the kids often ask for seconds—score!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work just as well! Alternatively, leftover rotisserie chicken can save time—just add it when you’re mixing in the cheese and broccoli.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect here, but if you’re looking to switch it up, try brown rice or quinoa. Just note that cooking times may vary, so check for doneness.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli brings a nice crunch, but frozen broccoli is equally convenient. If using frozen, make sure to thaw it first to avoid excess moisture.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives a classic cheesy flavor. You can swap it for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a twist. Mozzarella adds creaminess, but feel free to use any cheese you love.
Sour Cream: This adds creamy richness, but Greek yogurt is a healthy substitute if you’re looking for a lighter option.
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken Stays Tender and Flavors Infuse Well?
To keep your chicken tender and ensure all flavors meld perfectly, layering ingredients properly is key. Start with chicken at the bottom, followed by rice and broth.
- Cook on LOW for longer—this helps the chicken absorb all the flavors without drying out.
- Shredding the chicken before adding broccoli and cheese allows you to mix everything evenly, creating a creamy sauce.
- Don’t rush the cooking time; this dish is best when it has time to cook slowly and thoroughly.
Enjoy your cooking and the delicious outcome! This dish is super forgiving and great for meal prep, so make it your own!
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Main Dish:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For The Cheesy Layer:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high for the chicken and rice to cook perfectly. You’ll also need an additional 30 minutes for adding the broccoli and cheese at the end, making the total time around 5-6 hours depending on your chosen cooking method. It’s a great “set it and forget it” meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker:
Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. This will help prevent the food from sticking and make cleanup easier later on.
2. Layer the Ingredients:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Then, sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth on top, ensuring that the rice is submerged in liquid.
3. Add Flavorings:
Sprinkle the chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme (if you’re using it), paprika, salt, and pepper over the top layer. This will infuse your dish with flavor as it cooks!
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be completely cooked through, and the rice should be tender when finished.
5. Shredding the Chicken:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, take out the chicken and shred it using two forks. It will be tender and easy to pull apart.
6. Mixing Everything Together:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, then add in the broccoli florets, shredded cheddar, mozzarella cheeses, and sour cream. Stir everything well so that it combines nicely.
7. Final Cooking:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on HIGH for an additional 20-30 minutes. This will cook the broccoli until tender and melt the cheese into the mixture.
8. Taste and Serve:
Once done, taste your cheesy chicken broccoli rice and adjust any seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish!
This recipe is perfect for an easy, comforting meal with minimal prep and hands-off cooking. Enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to increase the cooking time slightly. Cooking on LOW may require an extra hour, and on HIGH, an additional 30 minutes. Just ensure it’s cooked through!
How Can I Adjust the Recipe for Dietary Restrictions?
To make this dish gluten-free, double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese and sour cream alternatives. You can also replace cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to revive the creaminess.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or peas. Just chop them into small pieces and add them with the broccoli for even cooking. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the vegetables you choose.
