This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a warm and comforting dish! It combines tender chicken, broccoli, and creamy cheese with rice, all cooked together in a slow cooker.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a one-pot meal? Set it and forget it—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic. Perfect for busy weeknights!
I enjoy serving this with extra cheese on top for that gooey goodness. It’s always a hit at my house, and I love how little effort it takes to make such a tasty dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice works perfectly here for a fluffy texture. If you need a substitute, use jasmine rice for a fragrant touch, or brown rice for a healthier option, keeping in mind that cooking time will change for brown rice.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy and quick to cook. If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great alternative. Just add it in during the last 30 minutes to warm it up.
Broccoli: Fresh is best for a bright flavor and crispness. However, frozen broccoli florets are a convenient substitute and can be added directly from the freezer without thawing.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a classic flavor. For a twist, mix in pepper jack for a little heat or use a dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free option. Don’t forget to save some cheese for topping!
Milk: Whole or 2% milk gives creaminess. Almond or oat milk can also work as a non-dairy substitute, although the texture may vary slightly.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken and Rice Cook Perfectly?
Getting the chicken to cook just right can be tricky, but here are some tips:
- Layer order matters! Place the rice at the bottom so it can soak up the flavors from the chicken and broth.
- Keep the lid on during cooking to maintain heat and moisture. Every time you lift it, you lose precious heat.
- Shred the chicken just before adding cheese and broccoli to keep it juicy. This ensures everything mixes nicely and the broccoli cooks evenly.
Slow cooking is forgiving, so if the rice seems a little al dente after the time is up, just cover and let it sit for an additional 10-15 minutes to soften!
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10-15 minutes to prep, followed by 5-6 hours of cooking on low or 2.5-3 hours on high in the crockpot. After cooking, an additional 20-30 minutes is needed to melt the cheese and tenderize the broccoli!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Crockpot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or lightly greasing it with butter. This will make cleanup easier later!
2. Layer the Rice:
Spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly in the bottom of the crockpot. This is the base for all your tasty ingredients!
3. Add the Aromatics:
Next, sprinkle the finely chopped onion and minced garlic over the rice. This will infuse wonderful flavor right from the start.
4. Pour in the Liquids:
Now, gently pour the chicken broth and milk over the rice mixture. The rice will soak up all that flavorful goodness as it cooks!
5. Place the Chicken:
Carefully lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice. They’ll add protein and flavor as they cook!
6. Season it Up:
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning if you’re using it. These will add a nice touch of flavor!
7. Let it Cook:
Set your crockpot to cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through, and the rice nice and tender when it’s done.
8. Shred the Chicken:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. This will make it easier to mix back into the dish!
9. Add the Broccoli and Cheese:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and add the broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and butter pieces. Stir gently to combine all the delicious ingredients!
10. Final Cook Time:
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for another 20-30 minutes, until the broccoli is tender, and the cheese is melted and gooey.
11. Taste and Adjust:
With everything combined, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Feel free to add a little more salt or pepper if you like!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice hot, optionally topped with extra cheese or chopped parsley for a fresh touch!
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal—perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware that the cooking time will increase. If substituting, cook on low for about 7-8 hours or on high for 3.5-4 hours until the brown rice is tender.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Broth?
If you’re looking for a substitute, vegetable broth or a homemade chicken stock will work perfectly. For a lighter option, you can use water mixed with a bit of seasoning to add more flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just layer everything in the crockpot in the morning and let it cook while you’re away!
