Let me introduce you to the ultimate comfort dish: Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice. Imagine walking into your home after a long day to the aroma of creamy, cheesy goodness wafting from your kitchen, with tender chicken, nutty rice, and garden-fresh broccoli all melded together into the warmest, most satisfying meal. This dish is everything you love about a homemade casserole, only easier, since your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you! Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner, prepping for a potluck, or simply need a foolproof family favorite, this recipe delivers unbeatable flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice such a star is just how simple the ingredients are—and how each one adds its own unique flair. From the juicy chicken and creamy soup to the vibrant broccoli and sharp cheddar, every bite is layered with savory, homestyle flavor and irresistible texture.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is ideal for tender shredding and soaks up all those comforting flavors throughout the slow cooking.
Long grain white rice: Uncooked rice absorbs all the wonderful broth, growing fluffy, hearty, and never mushy.
Low-sodium chicken broth: This gives depth and savoriness while still letting you control the salt content.
Milk: Adds a velvety richness that helps bind the sauce and create that classic casserole creaminess.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: The secret shortcut that brings an ultra-creamy, cohesive base to your dish.
Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen both work—broccoli adds a pop of color, a touch of sweetness, and that wholesome crunch.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Seriously cheesy, sharp cheddar delivers the signature gooey pull and loads of bold flavor.
Garlic powder: For a subtle kick and aromatic background.
Onion powder: Adds savory warmth and depth to balance the creamy sauce.
Salt and pepper: Season everything just right, rounding out the flavors in this irresistible Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice.

How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Step 1: Prep the Crockpot and Layer the Chicken

Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. This tiny step ensures you won’t lose any cheesy goodness to sticking later on. Place your chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of the crockpot so each piece gets evenly cooked and infused with flavor.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce and Rice

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken broth, milk, and condensed cream of chicken soup. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Sprinkle in the uncooked rice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, giving it another good stir. This creamy mixture is what will soak into your chicken and rice, making them deliciously tender.

Step 3: Pour and Slow Cook

Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken in your crockpot. Pop on the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. The rice will plump up, the chicken will become fork-tender, and the magic of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice truly begins!

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, carefully remove the chicken breasts. Using two forks, shred the chicken right on a cutting board or plate—then return those savory shreds right back into the crockpot. The shredded chicken soaks up all of that luscious sauce for an unbeatable bite.

Step 5: Stir in Broccoli and Cheese

Add the broccoli florets and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the crockpot. Give it all a good stir so everything is evenly combined. Cover, crank the heat up to high, and let it cook for another 20 to 30 minutes. This final stretch ensures the broccoli turns bright and tender, and the cheese melts into pure creamy deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Once the broccoli is perfectly cooked and your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is irresistibly creamy and melty, give everything a quick stir. Dish it up while it’s piping hot and let the dinnertime smiles roll in!

How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions adds a fresh, herbaceous pop of color on top of the golden cheesy surface. For an extra kick, you might even try a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika for warmth and color contrast.

Side Dishes

This dish is ultra-satisfying all on its own, but it also plays nicely with sides like a crisp green salad, crusty bread rolls, or light roasted veggies. The simple flavors of a classic Caesar or a tangy vinaigrette salad will perfectly complement the richness of the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice.

Creative Ways to Present

For an unexpected twist, try serving the rice mixture spooned into hollowed-out bell peppers or baked acorn squash halves for a dramatic dinner-party flair. Or, divide the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice among individual ramekins, top with extra cheese, and give them a quick broil for bubbly, golden mini casseroles!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The creamy texture actually gets even more luscious as it sits, making this ideal for meal prep or quick weekday heat-and-eat lunches.

Freezing

This dish is very freezer friendly! Spoon cooled portions into zip-top freezer bags or freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. To make reheating easier, flatten freezer bags for quicker thawing.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir well to bring the creamy, cheesy texture back to life.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but brown rice takes longer to cook and may not soften completely within the usual crockpot timeframe. If you attempt it, add an extra half cup of liquid and expect a chewier, nuttier texture.

Can I add other vegetables to Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice?

Absolutely! Diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers would all be lovely additions. Just be aware that harder veggies may benefit from being added earlier, while softer ones can go in with the broccoli.

How do I make this recipe extra creamy?

For a creamier version, stir in a couple tablespoons of cream cheese with the cheddar. You can also use half and half in place of milk, or even a splash of heavy cream for extra decadent richness.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! If using cooked chicken, skip the initial slow-cooking step. Just mix the shredded chicken in when you add the broccoli and cheese, and cook until everything is heated through and well combined.

How can I make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice gluten-free?

Swap in a gluten-free condensed soup and double-check your broth and spices. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish without worry.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try making Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice in your own kitchen—it’s cozy, simple, and practically guaranteed to become a family favorite. Treat yourself to an ultra-comforting meal that comes together with just a few everyday ingredients and lets your slow cooker work its magic. You deserve this deliciousness!

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a delicious and easy comfort food dish that the whole family will love. Tender chicken, creamy cheese, and nutritious broccoli come together with rice in a flavorful, satisfying meal cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Rice Mixture:

1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Add-ins:

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Crockpot: Spray the inside with nonstick cooking spray.
Layer Ingredients: Place chicken in the crockpot. Mix broth, milk, soup, rice, seasonings; pour over chicken.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours until chicken is cooked and rice is tender.
Shred Chicken: Remove, shred, return to crockpot.
Add Cheese and Broccoli: Stir in broccoli and cheddar. Cook until tender and cheese is melted.
Serve: Stir and serve warm.