Introduction

This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and broccoli, it’s effortless to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.

The dish shows a close-up of a creamy, cheesy rice casserole in a white plate, filled with tender, soft white rice mixed with bright green broccoli florets evenly spread throughout. The top layer is melted golden-yellow cheese with a smooth, slightly oily texture, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The dish looks rich and moist, with a spoon lifting a portion, revealing the creamy, soft texture of the rice and broccoli underneath. The whole scene rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Spread the uncooked rice evenly at the bottom of the crockpot. No need to pre-cook it.
Step 3: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice, allowing them to overlap slightly if needed.
Step 4: Sprinkle the minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and salt over the chicken for seasoning.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk until smooth and lump-free.
Step 6: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken and rice in the crockpot.
Step 7: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours, until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
Step 8: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts and shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces. Return to the crockpot.
Step 9: Add the broccoli florets and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to combine.
Step 10: Cover and cook for another 20 to 30 minutes until the broccoli is tender and cheese has melted.
Step 11: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Add extra cheese if desired.
Step 12: Serve warm, garnished with additional shredded cheese or chopped fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use frozen broccoli florets directly if you’re short on time; just increase the final cooking time slightly to ensure tenderness.
Swap sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning to the seasoning mix.
Stir in a handful of cooked bacon bits before serving for a smoky twist.

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 milk or broth if needed to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a spoon full of creamy cheesy broccoli rice. The spoon shows three main layers: bright green broccoli pieces with a rough, bumpy texture on top, soft white rice grains mixed throughout the middle, and golden melted cheddar cheese with a smooth, slightly shiny texture draped over parts of the broccoli and rice. The background has a blurred white bowl with more of the same dish, resting on a white marbled surface. The colors are warm with green, white, and orange-yellow tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so it’s best to stick with long-grain white rice for this crockpot recipe to ensure it cooks properly and becomes tender.

Is it possible to freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating may take a bit longer and you might want to add extra liquid to keep it creamy.