If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort dish that’s effortless to make and absolutely irresistible, you’ll fall in love with Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice. This one-pot wonder brings together succulent chicken, fluffy rice, tender broccoli, and a blanket of gooey cheddar cheese—all slow-cooked to creamy perfection! It’s the kind of cozy, homestyle meal that’s just as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for laid-back weekends. Every bite is packed with savory flavor and creamy texture, making it a tried-and-true favorite in my kitchen.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is how you can whip up something so delicious with just a few essential kitchen staples. Every ingredient shines: these everyday favorites come together to create layers of flavor, color, and pure comfort.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and soak up all the savory flavors as they slow cook.
Long-Grain White Rice: This type Main Course.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: A flavorful base that keeps the rice moist and the chicken juicy without going overboard on salt.
Garlic Powder: Adds a mellow undertone without overpowering the dish—my go-to for easy flavor!
Onion Powder: Brings gentle sweetness and savory depth that pairs so well with the cheese.
Salt: Just enough to bring all the ingredients’ flavors together in harmony.
Black Pepper: A little sprinkle enhances the other spices perfectly—don’t skip it!
Broccoli Florets: Use fresh or frozen; they add pops of green, subtle crunch, and nutrition.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The cheesy heart of the recipe—opt for sharp cheddar for maximum flavor.
Milk: Blends with the cheese for that creamy, luscious finish that everyone craves.
Optional: Chopped Parsley: For a fresh, herby garnish that makes each plate look as good as it tastes.

How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Start by giving your 6-quart slow cooker a quick spray or rub with a bit of oil to ensure nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. Laying this foundation is a little favor you’ll thank yourself for at the end of dinnertime!

Step 2: Layer in the Chicken and Base Ingredients

Place your chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Add the uncooked rice, pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure that rice and spices are evenly distributed—this is set-it-and-forget-it magic in the making!

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on and let the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice is tender. Set the slow cooker to high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–7 hours, depending on your schedule. Your home will soon be filled with savory, cheesy aromas—pure anticipation.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, carefully remove the chicken breasts and use two forks to shred them into bite-size pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot for an even distribution of that savory flavor throughout the dish.

Step 5: Add Broccoli, Cheese, and Creaminess

Now, stir in the broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. This is the moment when your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice transforms from classic to creamy-dreamy! Cover and let everything simmer until the broccoli turns bright green and tender, and the cheese has melted luxuriously into the rice—about 20–30 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top just before serving. This fresh touch makes every bowl look irresistible. Serve warm and watch the smiles appear around your table!

How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Garnishes

Not only does a little chopped parsley add a pop of color, but it brings a touch of freshness that balances all that creamy, cheesy goodness. If you want to jazz things up, sprinkle on some extra cheddar or a light dusting of paprika for a touch of smokiness.

Side Dishes

This dish stands strong on its own, but if you love a feast, serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice alongside a simple green salad, warm garlic bread, or even sliced tomatoes with a little salt and pepper. These sides add brightness and crunch to balance the cozy richness of the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice into colorful bowls for a vibrant dinner spread, or spoon it into small ramekins for a party-perfect appetizer. It’s also fantastic inside a baked bell pepper or rolled up in a tortilla for a playful lunch twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cool, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and get even cozier overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!

Freezing

This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice freezes surprisingly well. Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed to restore creaminess. Stir gently as it heats for that just-made texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and possibly add a bit more broth, as brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Stir in cooked, shredded chicken with the broccoli and cheese during the last 30 minutes. Just skip the initial slow cooking for raw chicken.

How do I avoid mushy broccoli?

Make sure to add the broccoli only in the final 20–30 minutes of cooking, not at the beginning. This keeps it crisp-tender rather than overcooked.

Can I make this with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option?

Absolutely! Swap out the white rice for cauliflower rice, but add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep the texture just right.

What if my Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice looks too thick or dry?

Add a splash of milk or extra chicken broth and stir until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Slow cookers vary, so don’t hesitate to adjust the liquid as needed.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice yet, you’re truly missing out on one of the coziest, most comforting dishes you can make with minimal effort. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that never disappoints, and I can’t wait for you to dig in and share it with the people you love!

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a comforting and easy meal that cooks right in your slow cooker. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese come together in a creamy concoction perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additions:

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
Optional garnish: chopped parsley

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Instructions

Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Combine Ingredients: Place chicken breasts in the bottom. Add rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–7 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
Final Steps: Shred the chicken, add broccoli, cheddar cheese, and milk. Cook for an additional 20–30 minutes until broccoli is tender and cheese is melted. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra creaminess, stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese with the cheddar.
You can substitute cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version, adding it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American