Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a comforting and creamy one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts cook alongside uncooked rice in a rich blend of cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk, then are combined with fresh broccoli and melted sharp cheddar cheese for a hearty, delicious dish that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 2.5 hours on high, plus an additional 20-30 minutes for final cooking
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes (low) or 2 hours 35 minutes to 3 hours (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
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
- Prepare Your Crockpot: Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer the Rice: Evenly spread the uncooked long-grain white rice at the bottom of the crockpot, without pre-cooking it, as it will cook perfectly in the sauce during cooking.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice. It’s fine if they overlap a bit because they will cook thoroughly throughout the process.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and salt evenly over the chicken breasts to infuse the dish with flavor.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk until smooth and lump-free to create a creamy sauce.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the prepared soup mixture evenly over the chicken and rice in the crockpot, ensuring everything is coated for moist and flavorful results.
- Cooking Time: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours. The chicken will cook through and the rice will become tender during this time.
- Shred the Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot, shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces, and then return them to the pot.
- Add Broccoli and Cheese: Add the fresh or thawed broccoli florets and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Final Cooking: Cover and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly, completing the creamy texture of the dish.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired. You can also add more cheese for extra richness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cheesy chicken broccoli rice warm, garnished with extra shredded cheddar cheese or chopped fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy a comforting crockpot meal that’s easy and delicious.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli florets for best texture, but frozen broccoli that’s thawed works well too.
- Vegetables other than broccoli can be added or substituted, such as peas or carrots, to vary the dish.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
- Make sure to spray the crockpot well to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- This meal is best served immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Adjust cooking times based on your crockpot’s heat settings as some may vary.
Keywords: crockpot chicken recipe, cheesy chicken broccoli rice, slow cooker chicken dinner, easy crockpot meals, one pot chicken rice casserole
