This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice dish is a warm hug in a bowl! It features tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy goodness, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.
It’s so simple to make—just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work while you relax! I love serving it on busy days when I need comfort food without the fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Uncooked Long-Grain White Rice: This rice absorbs the flavors well. If you need a substitute, consider using brown rice, but adjust the cooking time since it takes longer to cook. Quinoa is another great alternative for a gluten-free version.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with, but thighs are an excellent substitute for more flavor and juiciness. You can even use rotisserie chicken—just add it in the last 30 minutes to heat through.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli is the best for texture and taste. If you can’t find fresh, frozen broccoli can work; just add it toward the end to avoid overcooking. I also enjoy adding in some spinach for extra greens!
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses create a deliciously creamy and stringy texture. If you’re looking for lower-fat options, reduced-fat cheese can be used. For a tangy twist, try adding in some pepper jack cheese.
How Do I Ensure My Rice is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking rice in a crockpot can sometimes leave it undercooked or mushy if not done right. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use the correct ratio of rice to liquid. For most long-grain white rice, 1 cup rice to 1.5 cups of liquid works well.
- Layer the ingredients correctly: rice should always be on the bottom to absorb the broth evenly.
- If you notice the rice is too hard after cooking, add a splash more chicken broth and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy and comforting dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks in the crockpot for 4-5 hours on low. You’ll want to set aside some extra time at the end for the flavors to meld and for the cheese to melt, which takes about 20-30 minutes. All in all, give yourself around 5-6 hours for the entire process.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your crockpot with olive oil or butter; this helps prevent sticking. It also adds a little bit of flavor!
2. Combine the Base:
In the bottom of the crockpot, add the uncooked rice along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Give it a gentle stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
3. Add the Liquid:
Pour the chicken broth over the mixture of rice, onion, and garlic. This will be absorbed during cooking to make the rice fluffy and flavorful.
4. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice mixture, allowing it to cook and flavor the dish as it simmers.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for about 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked, and the rice is tender and fluffy.
6. Shred the Chicken:
About 30 minutes before serving, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This will help it mix beautifully with the rice and other ingredients.
7. Add Broccoli and Cheese:
Now it’s time to add the fresh broccoli florets, along with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and sour cream. Stir everything together until well combined and let it cook for another 20-30 minutes on low until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is melted.
8. Final Taste Check:
Before serving, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary; you might want to add a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of pepper for extra flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is melted and creamy, serve your warm, cheesy chicken broccoli rice straight from the crockpot. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by about an hour, as frozen chicken takes longer to reach a safe internal temperature. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand!
What Can I Substitute for the Cheeses?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as gouda or pepper jack. For a lighter option, consider reduced-fat cheese. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk when warming to help regain creaminess and prevent drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or swap in other veggies like carrots, peas, or bell peppers. Just remember that cooking times might vary for different vegetables, so add firmer ones earlier and softer ones closer to the end.
