If you’re looking for an easy, comforting, and kid-approved dinner, this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is the one! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with goodness – tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and fluffy rice, all in one pot. What’s even better? It’s a total lifesaver on busy weeknights because the crockpot does all the hard work. My kids love it, and I bet your family will, too. Let’s dive in and make this super simple, no-fuss dinner!
What You’ll Need
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (long-grain or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping, if you like!)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcook the broccoli – Add it towards the end so it stays bright green and slightly crisp.
- Pre-rinse your rice – It helps prevent the rice from clumping or becoming gummy in the crockpot.
- Shred the chicken easily – Use two forks or a hand mixer for quick shredding while it’s still warm.
- Customize the cheese – Mix in some mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
- Test the rice – Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your crockpot, so check the rice near the end to make sure it’s tender.
Tools You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Forks (for shredding chicken)
- Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)
Substitutions & Variations
- Rice: Use brown rice or wild rice, but increase cooking time and liquid slightly.
- Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey or cooked rotisserie chicken (just add it at the end).
- Broccoli: Use cauliflower florets or a mix of veggies like carrots and peas.
- Soup: Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a slightly different flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and a non-dairy soup option.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can chop the broccoli and shred the cheese ahead of time.
- Prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge, then dump everything in the crockpot in the morning.
Instructions
1. Prep the Crockpot
Spray your crockpot with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Add Chicken, Rice, and Liquid
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle the uncooked rice around the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, water, and cream of chicken soup. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir lightly to combine.
3. Cook on Low
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
4. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
5. Add Broccoli and Cheese
Stir in the broccoli florets and shredded cheese. Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is fully melted.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Scoop the cheesy chicken broccoli rice into bowls, top with extra cheese if you like, and serve hot!
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy.
- This dish freezes well, too – portion it into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
There’s just something magical about an easy, one-pot meal that makes everyone at the table happy. Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is cozy, satisfying, and packed with flavor – plus, it’s a breeze to make! Give it a try and let me know how it turned out for you in the comments. Did your kids love it? Have any questions? I can’t wait to hear! 😊
