Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a comforting, all-in-one meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts cook slowly with flavorful seasonings, white rice, and chicken broth, then are combined with nutritious broccoli and melted cheddar cheese for a creamy, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot. Lightly grease your crockpot if desired to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Season the Chicken. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Add Rice and Broth. Evenly spread the rice over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth on top, making sure the rice is completely submerged for even cooking.
- Cook on Low or High. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Shred the Chicken. Remove the cooked chicken breasts carefully and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add Broccoli, Cheese, and Cream. Stir in the broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, and heavy cream or milk until well combined.
- Final Cooking Stage. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the cheese has melted into a creamy sauce.
- Serve and Garnish. Stir the mixture to blend all ingredients evenly and serve warm. Optionally, top with extra shredded cheese before serving for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or green beans if preferred.
- Using heavy cream results in a richer, creamier texture, but milk can be used for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried thyme or oregano along with the other seasonings.
- If using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s thawed slightly or increase cooking time to ensure tenderness.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
