This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice dish is a warm and comforting meal! With tender chicken, broccoli, and a cheesy sauce, it’s a satisfying mix that everyone will love.
Honestly, who can resist cheese? I throw everything in the crockpot and relax while it cooks. Perfect for busy days when you want a tasty dinner with zero fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work well too. If you’re looking to reduce cooking time, shredded rotisserie chicken makes a speedy and delicious substitute.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch, but frozen broccoli is a great timesaver. Just make sure to thaw and drain it to avoid excess moisture in the pot.
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for a bold flavor, while mozzarella brings the gooey goodness. If you’re a fan of Swiss or Pepper Jack, either would also work beautifully in this dish.
Canned Soup: Cream of chicken soup gives creaminess, but if you prefer a lighter option, you can use a homemade white sauce or cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Cook it to Perfection in the Crockpot?
Getting the right texture and flavor in a crockpot is all about timing and layering ingredients. Here’s how I do it:
- Always place the protein at the bottom; this helps it cook evenly and stay moist.
- Mixing cream of chicken soup with broth before pouring over creates a nice sauce that permeates the chicken.
- Adding rice early (if uncooked) allows it to absorb the flavors. If you’re using cooked rice, add it closer to serving time to avoid mushiness.
- Don’t forget to add broccoli 30 minutes before serving to keep its vibrant color and crispness.
Stir gently at the end to combine everything, and enjoy your cheesy, comforting meal!
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or 1 cup uncooked rice)
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or oregano/basil mix)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
For Greasing:
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time. Cooking takes approximately 3-6 hours, depending on whether you choose to cook on HIGH or LOW. Just pop everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
If you’re using uncooked rice, rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, preventing it from becoming gummy.
2. Grease the Crockpot:
Spray the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray or lightly grease it with oil. This step will help with easy cleanup later!
3. Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the crockpot. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance their flavor.
4. Mix the Soup:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, minced garlic, and chopped onion. This will create a delicious sauce for the chicken.
5. Combine It All:
Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
6. Add the Rice:
If you’re using uncooked rice, sprinkle it evenly over the soup mixture now. If using cooked rice, set it aside for a little later.
7. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked, and the rice should be soft and fluffy.
8. Add Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets on top of the chicken and soup mixture. This step allows the broccoli to steam and soften without losing its bright green color.
9. Stir in Cooked Rice:
If you’re using cooked rice, gently stir it into the crockpot along with the broccoli now. Mix well to incorporate it all together.
10. Add the Cheeses:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top. Cover the crockpot and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the broccoli is tender.
11. Mix and Serve:
Give everything a gentle stir to combine the cheesy chicken, rice, and broccoli well. It should look delicious and inviting!
12. Optional Topping:
If you’d like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish just before serving.
13. Enjoy:
Serve warm and enjoy your easy crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice! It’s a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.
This recipe combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, all cooked effortlessly in your trusty crockpot!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure it cooks through completely. It’s best to place the frozen chicken at the bottom of the crockpot, followed by the other ingredients.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Chicken Soup?
No worries! You can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and broth. Just whisk them together until smooth, and it will work beautifully!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cheesy chicken broccoli rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it looks dry.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in the crockpot the night before, refrigerate it, and then cook it in the morning on LOW. Just make sure to add the broccoli during the last 30 minutes as mentioned!
