Cozy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe for Families

Comfort comes calling with this creamy cheesy chicken broccoli rice crockpot recipe that transforms weeknight dinners into effortless delights.

Busy home cooks adore how simple ingredients meld together in one magical slow cooker.

Tender chicken mingles with soft rice and crisp broccoli, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Melted cheese adds a rich, indulgent layer that makes every bite irresistible.

Protein-packed and nutritious, this dish satisfies hunger while delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Weeknight meals never looked this good or tasted this incredible.

Gather your ingredients and let the magic of slow cooking work its delicious charm.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Crowd Pleaser

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work while you tackle other tasks or relax.
• Nutrition-Packed One-Pot Meal: Combines protein-rich chicken, fiber-filled broccoli, and hearty rice into a single comforting dish that nourishes the whole family.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding different vegetables, trying alternative cheeses, or using different protein options to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy texture and mild flavors make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that children will love without fussing about eating their vegetables.

Ingredients List for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that creates the hearty base of this comforting dish.

• White Rice: Provides a fluffy and filling foundation for the casserole.
• Chicken Broth: Adds rich flavor and helps cook the rice and chicken perfectly.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a creamy and smooth sauce that binds all ingredients together.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and bright color to the dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into a gooey, delicious topping that makes the meal extra comforting.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances the richness and creates a luxurious texture.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic blend of spices that provide depth and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Cooking Cheesy Broccoli Rice in Crockpot

Step 1: Toss Together Creamy Chicken Base

Grab your trusty crockpot and dump in the chicken breasts, uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and seasonings.

These ingredients will create a dreamy, comforting base.

Give everything a good mix so all the flavors start dancing together.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken and Rice

Pop the lid on your crockpot and let it work its magic.

If you’re in a hurry, use the high setting for 2-3 hours.

If you want a more relaxed cooking experience, go for the low setting for 4-5 hours.

You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken becomes super tender and the rice is perfectly fluffy.

Step 3: Shred the Protein

Take two forks and start pulling apart the chicken right in the crockpot.

Shred it into delicious, bite-sized pieces that will blend beautifully with the rice and sauce.

Step 4: Add Veggie and Cheese Goodness

Time to amp up the flavor!

• Broccoli florets
• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheese

Cover and let everything simmer for another 20-30 minutes.

The broccoli will become tender, and the cheese will melt into a gorgeous, creamy blanket.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Give the dish a final stir to ensure everything is perfectly combined.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle some additional cheese on top.

Serve this comforting meal warm and watch everyone’s faces light up with delight.

Tips for Cheesy Broccoli Rice Success

• Stir ingredients thoroughly before cooking to ensure even distribution and avoid sticky, uneven rice texture.
• Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Cut broccoli into small, uniform florets to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking.
• Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk for a healthier version without sacrificing creaminess.
• Replace chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken or turkey for a quick alternative that reduces cooking time.

Flavor Twists for Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth for a plant-based version that maintains creamy texture and nutritional balance.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce and use certified gluten-free rice to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and reduce cooking time, maintaining the cheesy and creamy elements while cutting down carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a similar rich, cheesy flavor profile for those with lactose intolerance.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Broccoli Rice

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty one-pot meal with a crisp green salad for added freshness and nutrition.
• Protein Power Boost: Top each serving with crispy bacon bits or sliced grilled almonds to enhance texture and add extra protein crunch.
• Bread Pairing Paradise: Accompany the dish with warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and complete the meal.
• Side Veggie Companion: Roast some seasonal vegetables like asparagus or carrots as a complementary side dish to balance the creamy chicken and rice casserole.

Storing Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled meal to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces for best texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until steaming hot.
• Pour leftovers into skillet, add small amount of broth or water, stir occasionally over medium-low heat until thoroughly warmed and creamy consistency returns.

FAQs

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this crockpot chicken broccoli rice dish is perfect for meal prep. You can store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays.

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

• What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Greek yogurt or half-and-half work great as alternatives to heavy cream. They’ll provide similar creaminess while slightly reducing the fat content of the recipe.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice delivers hearty home-style goodness straight from your kitchen. Rich cheese and tender chicken blend perfectly with fluffy rice and fresh broccoli, promising warmth in each delicious spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Grains:

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup long-grain white rice

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

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Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts, uncooked rice, and seasonings into the crockpot, then pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Set crockpot to low temperature and cook for 4-5 hours, or high temperature for 2-3 hours, until chicken becomes fork-tender and rice absorbs the liquid completely.
3. Use two forks to carefully shred the cooked chicken directly inside the crockpot, creating uniform, tender pieces throughout the dish.
4. Add fresh broccoli florets, heavy cream, and shredded cheese to the crockpot, gently folding ingredients together to distribute evenly.
5. Replace the lid and continue cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes, allowing broccoli to soften and cheese to melt into a creamy, cohesive texture.
6. Give the mixture a final gentle stir to ensure all components are well integrated, then sprinkle optional extra cheese on top for added richness.
7. Serve immediately while the dish is warm and the cheese remains gooey and inviting.

Notes

• Adjust rice type for dietary needs by using brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to make the dish gluten-free or lower carb.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing added salt, perfect for heart-healthy diets.
• Prevent mushy broccoli by adding it later in the cooking process and keeping cooking time short to maintain texture and nutrients.
• Swap chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian version of this comforting one-pot meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg