This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a comfort dish that’s super simple to make! Just throw in chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese, and let the magic happen in your slow cooker.
If you’re like me, you love meals that cook themselves! Just set it, relax, and enjoy the amazing smell. Perfect for busy days when you want a cozy dinner! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken helps make this dish hearty. If you don’t have cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken is an easy swap. You can also use canned chicken in a pinch!
Uncooked Rice: I prefer using jasmine rice for its great texture, but long grain white rice works just as well. For a different flavor, try brown rice, but remember it may need extra liquid and time to cook.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli brings a nice crunch. If you’re short on time, frozen broccoli works great too. Just make sure to thaw it beforehand for even cooking.
Cheese: I love using cheddar and mozzarella for that gooey texture. Feel free to substitute with any cheese you enjoy—Gouda or Pepper Jack can add a nice twist!
Sour Cream/Cream Cheese: Adding either gives the dish extra creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is fantastic and can add a nice tang.
How Do I Ensure My Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking rice in a slow cooker can be a bit tricky, but here are some tips to get it just right.
- Use the correct rice-to-broth ratio to avoid mushy or undercooked rice. For this recipe, stick to 1.5 cups of rice to 2.5 cups of broth.
- Don’t lift the lid too often! Every time the lid is opened, steam escapes, which can affect cooking time.
- Check for doneness at the 3-hour mark. If the rice isn’t fully cooked but most liquid is absorbed, add a little more broth and continue cooking.
Following these tips will help you get fluffy rice that’s perfectly cooked every time!
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice (long grain or jasmine)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 3 to 4 hours of cooking time in the slow cooker. You’ll have a deliciously cheesy meal waiting for you with very little hands-on effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing Your Slow Cooker:
Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup easier!
2. Mixing the Base:
In the slow cooker, add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Give everything a good stir to mix it up! This is the tasty base for your dish.
3. Adding the Chicken:
Next, place the shredded chicken evenly on top of the rice mixture. You want the chicken to warm and infuse the flavors as it cooks.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the rice will soak up the broth and become tender. Remember, try not to lift the lid too often because it lets the heat out!
5. Stirring in the Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the broccoli florets on top of the mixture. Gently stir to combine them with the other ingredients. Cover and cook for another 25 to 30 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
6. Adding the Cheesy Goodness:
Once everything is cooked, it’s time to make it cheesy! Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they’re melted and creamy. This is where all that cheesy goodness comes into play!
7. Make it Creamy:
If you’re using sour cream or cream cheese, add it now along with the butter if you like. Stir well to create a luxurious, creamy texture that wraps around the chicken and rice.
8. Final Touches:
Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like more salt or pepper, add it now!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to share! Scoop the cheesy chicken broccoli rice onto plates and enjoy your delicious and comforting meal. This dish is sure to warm you up!
This dish blends creamy, cheesy textures with tender chicken and fresh broccoli—all made effortlessly using your crockpot. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to add an extra hour to the cooking time on low. However, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for even cooking. If you’re in a hurry, submerging it in cold water can help thaw it more quickly.
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
To make this recipe lighter, you can use brown rice instead of white rice, which adds more fiber. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat cheese options. Adding more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can boost the nutrients too!
Can I Prep This Meal Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can combine all the ingredients except for the broccoli and cheese, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just remember to add the broccoli and cheese when you’re ready to start cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for longer storage—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
