If you are searching for a comforting and hearty meal that practically makes itself, look no further than this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe. It brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, creamy cheeses, and fluffy rice all cooked slowly to perfection in a crockpot. This dish captures the essence of home-cooked goodness with minimal effort and maximum flavor, making it one of those go-to recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, providing balance from creamy to savory, and creating an inviting texture that everyone will love.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that becomes irresistibly tender after slow cooking.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a fresh pop of green and a subtle crunch to the creamy rice.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Absorbs all the savory flavors and cooks perfectly in the crockpot setting.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and richness, ensuring the rice doesn’t dry out.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it brings that classic cheesy flavor everyone craves.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Known for its creamy melt, it perfectly complements the cheddar for a luscious texture.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Creates a sweet and savory foundation, enhancing all other ingredients.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a boost of flavor.
- 1 tsp salt: Elevates and balances all the savory notes in the dish.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of spice for sophistication.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Provides a subtle smoky touch and beautiful color.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Creates a creamy, comforting sauce base with ease.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and silkiness to the rice and broccoli mixture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps create a creamy texture that binds everything together beautifully.
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Aromatics
Start by placing the chicken breasts right at the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the foundation that slowly absorbs all the flavors. Then, sprinkle the chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika evenly over the chicken. This combination builds an aromatic base that makes the whole dish incredibly inviting.
Step 2: Add the Liquids
Next, pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the layered ingredients. These liquids are essential—they keep everything moist while infusing the chicken with creamy, savory goodness as it cooks.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover your crockpot and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 7 hours. The slow heat tenderizes the chicken fully while blending the flavors. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is juicy and shreds easily with a fork.
Step 4: Shred and Return the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks until tender and stringy. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot to join the delicious broth mixture, allowing it to soak up all that flavor.
Step 5: Combine Rice, Broccoli, and Dairy
Now it’s time to add the uncooked rice, broccoli florets, butter, and milk into the crockpot. Stir everything together gently. This step is crucial because the rice will cook while the broccoli softens, and the butter and milk create a rich, creamy texture that brings the dish to life.
Step 6: Final Cook for Rice and Broccoli
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour. Keep an eye on the rice’s tenderness—this slow cook will give you perfectly fluffy grains and tender broccoli florets.
Step 7: Melt in the Cheeses
Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. As they melt into the warm crockpot contents, the dish transforms into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. The combination of these cheeses makes every bite smooth, luscious, and utterly satisfying.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe hot for the ultimate cozy meal experience. Each spoonful delivers comfort, nutrition, and a joyful flavor explosion.
How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate this dish beautifully. Try freshly chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the cheese’s richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad or some warm, crusty bread makes an excellent pairing. Veggie sides like roasted carrots or a light cucumber salad provide a nice contrast in texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this cheesy chicken broccoli rice recipe in individual ramekins or hollowed-out bell peppers to impress guests with an elegant presentation. Or, transform leftovers into a stuffed baked potato topping for a creative next-day meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days, making it perfect for busy weeknights or packed lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space for the rice to expand, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of milk or broth if it looks a bit dry. Stir occasionally to bring back that creamy, cheesy texture that makes this recipe so special.
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 cook it separately before adding it to the crockpot to avoid undercooking or a mushy texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the chicken for a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well but add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain some texture and color.
What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
Using two forks to pull apart the cooked chicken works great, but you can also use a hand mixer on low for just a few seconds for a faster option.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
You can double all ingredients, but be mindful of your crockpot size to ensure even cooking; you may need to cook in batches depending on your crockpot’s capacity.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe truly simplifies dinner while delivering big on comfort and flavor. Whether you’re feeding family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a delicious way to enjoy wholesome ingredients with minimal fuss. I can’t recommend it enough — give it a try and get ready to fall in love with one of my absolute favorite crockpot meals!
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Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 5h 0m
- Total Time: 5h 15m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with aromatic onions, garlic, and spices combine with creamy soups, fresh broccoli, and cheesy rice to create a hearty and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Layer the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot, creating the base for the dish.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika evenly over the chicken to infuse flavor as it cooks.
- Pour Liquids: Pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the seasoned chicken and onions to provide moisture and creaminess during slow cooking.
- Slow Cook Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them carefully using two forks for a perfect texture.
- Return Chicken to Crockpot: Add the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, combining with the cooking juices.
- Add Rice and Veggies: Stir in the uncooked rice, broccoli florets, butter, and milk, mixing everything evenly for a balanced dish.
- Cook Rice and Broccoli: Cover and cook on high for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and the broccoli is cooked through.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cheesy chicken broccoli rice hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen broccoli florets if fresh is unavailable.
- For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
- Be sure not to open the crockpot lid frequently during cooking to maintain temperature.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the other spices.
- This dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
