This dish is a warm hug in a bowl! Tender chicken meets cheesy goodness, all mixed with broccoli and fluffy rice—perfect for busy days when you need comfort food.
Making this in a crockpot is super easy. Just dump everything in, set it, and forget it! I love not having to stir it constantly. Plus, leftovers taste even better!
Ingredients & Substitutions
White Rice: I recommend long-grain rice for this dish because it cooks nicely in the crockpot. If you’re out of rice, quinoa or brown rice can work too, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds great texture and flavor. If you don’t have fresh, frozen broccoli can be an easy swap. Just add it towards the end of the cooking to prevent it from turning mushy.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. You can use thighs if you prefer dark meat, or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Just add it in shredded form towards the end.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella create a lovely creamy texture. Feel free to try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for more flavor, or use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk is great for creaminess. Almond milk or coconut milk can also work, just make sure they’re unsweetened to keep the flavors in check.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Rice in a Crockpot?
Cooking rice in a crockpot is simple, but it’s important to get the liquid ratio right and prevent it from getting mushy. Since rice absorbs a lot of water, ensure you rinse it first to remove excess starch, which helps keep the grains separate. Also, adding it at the bottom of the crockpot allows it to cook evenly.
- Rinse the rice under cold water until clear.
- Spread it evenly in the crockpot before adding other ingredients.
- Make sure to pour the broth over it to ensure even cooking.
If using brown rice, increase the cooking time and broth slightly, as it takes longer to cook than white rice.
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups uncooked white rice (preferably long grain)
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets (about 2 cups)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional, adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Cooking spray or a little oil (to grease crockpot)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll need 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high for cooking. A little patience goes a long way to bring all those cheesy flavors together! After cooking, let it sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Crockpot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or lightly oiling it. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleaning up easier.
2. Rinse the Rice:
In a fine mesh strainer, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This gets rid of excess starch and helps keep your rice fluffy.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Spread the rinsed rice evenly in the bottom of the crockpot. Then, place the chicken breasts right on top of the rice. Add the broccoli florets, making sure to scatter them evenly. Finally, sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over everything.
4. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
Pour the chicken broth evenly over the layered ingredients. Then season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will give your dish lots of flavor.
5. Cook:
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. It’s okay if it looks a bit soupy at this point!
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once it’s done cooking, carefully remove the chicken breasts. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should come apart easily!
7. Mix in the Cheeses:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Stir in the milk, cream cheese (if using), cheddar, and mozzarella until everything is well combined and the cheeses have melted.
8. Final Touches:
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, let it sit with the lid off for about 5-10 minutes to thicken up.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish it out warm and enjoy your delicious, creamy, cheesy chicken broccoli rice! This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, and it’s super comforting.
Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or switching up the cheeses—it’s a dish that’s both versatile and satisfying!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breast in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but adjust the cooking time. Cook on high for about 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours. Just ensure that the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C) before shredding.
Can I Substitute the Rice for Another Grain?
Absolutely! You can swap out white rice for brown rice or quinoa. If using brown rice, increase the cooking time to about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, as it takes longer to cook than white rice. Adjust the broth accordingly, too!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to help revive the creamy texture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas. Just make sure to chop them small enough to cook through in the time it takes for the rice and chicken to finish. Add denser veggies, like carrots, at the beginning of the cooking time and quicker-cooking ones, like peas, in the last hour.
