This cheesy chicken broccoli rice is a warm, comforting dish that’s easy to make in a crockpot. Just combine chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese for a creamy delight!
Who doesn’t love a one-pot meal? I love how simple it is to just throw everything in and let it cook. Plus, the cheesy goodness is always a hit with the family! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Rice: Long-grain or jasmine rice works best for this dish. If you need a quicker option, you can use pre-cooked rice. For a healthier twist, try brown rice, but adjust the cooking time since it takes longer to cook.
Chicken: I recommend boneless skinless chicken breasts for tenderness. If you prefer, you can substitute with thighs for more flavor, or use rotisserie chicken to save time—just add it in the last hour of cooking.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is great, but frozen florets are perfectly fine too! They save you prep time and hold up well in the slow cooker.
Cheddar and Mozzarella: These cheeses create a creamy texture. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different flavor. Vegan cheese is a good swap for a dairy-free option.
Sour Cream/Cream Cheese: Both provide creaminess; sour cream is tangy, while cream cheese gives a richer taste. You can use plain Greek yogurt as a lighter substitute!
How Can I Ensure the Chicken is Tender and Flavorful?
The secret to juicy chicken lies in slow cooking and seasoning well. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, don’t skip the seasoning! Properly season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- When cooking, keep the crockpot covered as it holds moisture, which helps the chicken retain tenderness.
- Shredding the chicken at the end allows it to soak up the cheesy, delicious sauce. Don’t rush this step!
These tips will help ensure that your chicken comes out flavorful and perfectly cooked every time!
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 cups uncooked white rice (long-grain or jasmine)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Cheesy Goodness:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 4 to 5 hours of cooking in the crockpot. Simply toss all the ingredients in, and let the slow cooker do its magic while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grease the Crockpot:
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your crockpot with olive oil or butter. This prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup!
2. Layer the Rice:
Pour the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the crockpot. This will be the base of your dish.
3. Add Onion and Garlic:
Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the rice. This will add delicious flavor as everything cooks together.
4. Place the Chicken:
Put the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for added taste.
5. Pour in the Broth:
Gently pour the chicken broth over the entire mixture in the crockpot. Make sure the rice is covered well, as it needs liquid to cook properly.
6. Cook the Dish:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
7. Add Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is done, carefully add the broccoli florets on top of the chicken. This will allow it to steam nicely without becoming mushy.
8. Shred the Chicken:
Once fully cooked, take the chicken breasts out and shred them using two forks. It’s easy to do when it’s hot, and it mixes well back in the dish.
9. Mix It All Together:
Add the shredded chicken back into the crockpot. Then add the sour cream (or cream cheese) along with both cheeses. Stir well until everything is creamy and the cheese is melted throughout.
10. Final Touches:
Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Give it one last stir!
11. Serve It Up:
Dish out the cheesy chicken broccoli rice warm. You can sprinkle some extra cheese or fresh chopped parsley on top if you wish for a nice garnish!
Enjoy this comforting and creamy meal—it’s a one-pot wonder that is sure to satisfy everyone at the table!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, but be aware that brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. Adjust the cooking time to 6 to 7 hours on low to ensure it’s tender.
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even diced turkey. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using firm tofu or chickpeas instead!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to moisten it if needed.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese or Sour Cream?
No worries! You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option or use heavy cream for a richer flavor. Just stir gently to combine before serving!
