If you love the cozy magic of making dinner with minimal effort but maximum comfort, you’re about to meet your new weeknight hero: Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice. Imagine golden, bubbling cheese and tender chicken folded through creamy rice and vibrant broccoli, all slow-cooked to absolute perfection. Whether you’re serving a hungry crowd or just craving something hearty and delicious for the family, this dish delivers big flavor with very little fuss. It’s the kind of recipe that’ll soon be requested on repeat in your home!

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice couldn’t be easier to pull together, and each ingredient has an important role to play in that irresistible taste and perfect, creamy texture. Gather these simple staples—there’s nothing fancy, but together, they create pure comfort in every bite.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts become juicy and tender as they slow cook, soaking up all the flavors of the dish.
Long-grain white rice: The classic base for this creamy casserole; it cooks right in the crockpot, making everything one-pot easy.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds essential savory depth without overpowering with salt, letting the other ingredients shine.
Garlic powder: Lends a gentle, aromatic boost that blends seamlessly with the rice and cheese.
Onion powder: Brings a sweet, mellow tang that builds layers of classic comfort flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, creating balance in every spoonful.
Black pepper: Just a touch for mellow warmth and gentle heat.
Broccoli florets: Adds color, freshness, and a tender-crisp bite; use fresh or thawed frozen as you prefer.
Shredded cheddar cheese: This is where the “cheesy” magic happens; cheddar’s sharpness ties every element together.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers extra creamy pull and gooey texture you’ll love in every scoop.
Sour cream: Swirled in at the end for just the right amount of creaminess and tang.

How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Seasonings

Begin by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken. This first layer is the base of the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice, letting those gentle seasonings soak into every bite from the get-go.

Step 2: Add the Rice and Broth

Pour the uncooked long-grain white rice right over the chicken, then cover everything with the low-sodium chicken broth. This duo will infuse the rice with savory goodness as it simmers, turning each grain into fluffy, flavorful perfection.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender

Secure the lid and set your slow cooker to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours (or high for 2 to 3 hours). Let the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice work its magic—your kitchen will gradually start smelling wonderful as the rice becomes tender and the chicken cooks through.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once everything’s cooked, lift the chicken out with tongs and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, making sure it’s evenly distributed for the perfect bite every time.

Step 5: Add Broccoli, Cheeses, and Sour Cream

It’s time for the creamy, cheesy upgrade. Add your broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen work beautifully), shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and the sour cream. Stir everything together—this is where the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice becomes utterly irresistible, with gooey cheese and tender broccoli woven throughout.

Step 6: Final Melt and Serve

Cover the crockpot again and let it all warm through for another 20 to 30 minutes on low, just until the broccoli is perfectly tender and the cheese is melted into lusciousness. Give it one last gentle stir and serve your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice piping hot and bubbling!

How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a shower of fresh herbs over a bubbling bowl of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice. Scatter some chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A sprinkle of extra cheese or a dash of cracked black pepper on top can make each serving even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re feeling a little extra, serve it alongside a light green salad with a zingy vinaigrette to balance its richness. Warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls are fantastic for soaking up every last creamy bite. A simple side of roasted carrots or steamed green beans adds even more color to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknight fun, scoop Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice into bread bowls and let the gooey filling soak into the crust. If you’re hosting, try serving it in individual ramekins for a cozy, personalized touch. You can even use leftovers to fill bell peppers and roast until golden for an easy second-day meal that feels brand new.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a true gift for busy days. Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to four days, making quick lunches or no-stress dinners a breeze.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes beautifully for up to two months. Just be sure to label each container so you can enjoy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice on a moment’s notice!

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your portion in the microwave, stirring every minute or so to ensure even heating. If you prefer, you can also reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if it needs a little loosening up to stay creamy and luscious.

FAQs

Can I make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice with brown rice?

Absolutely! If you swap in brown rice, just remember to increase both the chicken broth and the cooking time a bit, since brown rice takes longer to become tender. The result will be just as hearty and extra wholesome.

What type Main Course

Cheddar and mozzarella are a classic combo, delivering both richness and that perfect melty pull. If you want a sharper flavor, try a little Gruyere or pepper jack for a spicy twist!

Should I use fresh or frozen broccoli?

Either works great! Fresh broccoli gives a slightly firmer bite, while thawed frozen broccoli will soften more but melds beautifully with the creamy rice and chicken. Just avoid adding frozen broccoli straight from the freezer to prevent watering down the casserole.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

If you’re short on time, using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut! Just add it in when you’d normally return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and continue from there—the flavor will still be fabulous.

How can I add more flavor or spice?

Feel free to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat. You can also stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard or smoked paprika for an extra flavor punch!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice—it’s warm, filling, and just plain fun to eat. This is a meal that rarely leaves leftovers and almost always earns requests for seconds. Gather your loved ones, let the slow cooker do the work, and get ready to enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a delicious and comforting meal that is easy to make in a slow cooker. Tender chicken, broccoli, rice, and a blend of cheeses come together for a hearty and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Rice Mixture:

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

Add-Ins:

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup sour cream

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Rice: Pour in the rice and chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Combine Ingredients: Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the crockpot. Add the broccoli, cheeses, and sour cream. Stir together.
Final Cooking: Cover and cook for an additional 20–30 minutes on low until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is melted. Stir and serve hot.

Notes

You can use brown rice, adjusting broth and cooking time accordingly.
For added spice, include red pepper flakes or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American