This warm and creamy cheesy chicken broccoli rice dish is a total winner! With tender chicken, bright broccoli, and gooey cheese, it’s a meal you’ll love to come home to.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a one-pot dinner? Just toss everything in your crockpot and let it work its magic. I often make this when I want an easy night in—so comforting!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this dish. You can substitute with boneless thighs for more flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or tofu for a hearty alternative.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give a nice crunch and color. If you’re in a hurry, frozen broccoli also works well. Just be cautious of overcooking it as it can become mushy rapidly.
Cheese: I love using cheddar for its sharp taste, but you can mix it up with Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for some spice. Mozzarella adds a nice stretch, so keep that if you want a gooey texture.
Rice: Long grain white rice makes this dish fluffy, but you could substitute with brown rice. Just note you may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time!
What’s the Best Way to Keep the Chicken Moist and Flavorful?
Cooking chicken in the crockpot is a foolproof way to keep it moist. Here are some tips:
- Use enough chicken broth to create a flavorful base that infuses the chicken as it cooks.
- Don’t lift the lid too often while it cooks, as this can let the heat escape and prolong cooking time.
- Shredding the chicken back into the mix after cooking helps it soak up all the yummy flavors from the rice and sauce.
With these tips, your cheesy chicken broccoli rice will turn out delicious and comforting every time!
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 2 cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep, and then let your crockpot work for 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. Just enough time to relax while your delicious meal cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Crockpot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick spray or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This will make cleaning up easier later!
2. Add the Rice, Onion, and Garlic:
In the bottom of your crockpot, add the uncooked rice. Next, sprinkle in the chopped onion and minced garlic. This will create a flavorful base for the dish.
3. Layer the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. They will cook down and infuse the flavors into the rice as they cook.
4. Pour in the Chicken Broth:
Carefully pour the chicken broth evenly over the chicken and rice. This broth is essential for cooking the rice and keeping everything nice and moist!
5. Season It Up:
Sprinkle the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper over everything. This will add delicious flavor to your dish.
6. Let It Cook:
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You want the chicken to be cooked through and the rice to be nice and tender!
7. Add Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before cooking is done, add the chopped broccoli florets on top. This keeps them crisp and vibrant! If you prefer softer broccoli, you can steam it separately and add it later.
8. Shred the Chicken:
When the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then stir it back into the rice mixture.
9. Mix in the Cheese and Cream:
Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, along with the milk or heavy cream and butter. Stir until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted to create a creamy texture.
10. Taste and Serve:
Give your dish a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, serve the cheesy chicken broccoli rice warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice generally requires more cooking time—around 6 to 7 hours on low—and may need an additional cup of broth for proper cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! You can use water in place of chicken broth, although your dish might be less flavorful. To enhance the taste, consider adding a bouillon cube or some herbs to the water.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. Just remember that more watery vegetables may require a slight reduction in broth to avoid a soupy texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
