Some nights, dinner feels like an impossible task. You’re tired, the kids are hungry, and the last thing you want is a complicated recipe with a mountain of dishes. I’ve been there more times than I can count.
That’s when I turn to my trusty crockpot.
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice recipe is the answer. It’s a complete meal in one pot. It’s creamy, comforting, and so easy you’ll feel like you cheated. Let’s make a dinner that everyone at the table will actually eat.
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
This dish is a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of simple, hearty meal that makes a busy weeknight feel a little more manageable.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked instant rice (or minute rice)
- 2 cups frozen broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Tools You’ll Need
- A 6-quart crockpot or slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Two forks for shredding chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps. The crockpot does most of the work for you.
Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are in a single layer.
Step 2: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper all over the chicken.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth together until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
Step 4: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. Chicken should be cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Take the chicken out of the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 6: Put the shredded chicken back into the crockpot. Stir in the uncooked instant rice and the frozen broccoli florets.
Step 7: Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir everything together until it’s well combined.
Step 8: Put the lid back on and cook on HIGH for another 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is cooked and the broccoli is tender.
Step 9: Turn off the crockpot. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top, cover, and let it sit for about 5 minutes to melt. Then serve it up warm.
Pro Tips
After making this dish for years, I’ve picked up a few tricks. These will help you get it perfect on the first try.
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Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has powders on it to stop it from clumping. This also keeps it from melting smoothly. A block of cheese shredded at home will give you a much creamier sauce.
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Don’t Add Broccoli Early: If you put the broccoli in at the beginning, it will turn to mush by the end. Adding it with the rice keeps it tender but not soggy.
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Use Instant Rice: This is important. Regular long-grain rice needs a lot more liquid and time to cook. It will end up gummy and uncooked in this recipe. Stick to instant or minute rice.
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Don’t Lift the Lid: Every time you open the crockpot, heat escapes and adds about 15-20 minutes to your cooking time. Trust the process and leave it closed until it’s time to add the rice.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to swap things out based on what you have.
| Component | Substitution Ideas |
|---|---|
| Protein | Chicken Thighs, Turkey Breast |
| Soup | Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Celery |
| Cheese | Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Provolone |
| Veggies | Cauliflower, Peas, Carrots |
You can also add some fun extras to change the flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or use pepper jack cheese.
- Bacon: Stir in some cooked, crumbled bacon at the end for a smoky flavor.
- Ranch Flavor: Mix in a tablespoon of dry ranch seasoning with the other spices.
Make-Ahead Tips
Want to make dinner even faster? You can prep a few things the night before.
- Shred your cheese and store it in a sealed bag in the fridge.
- Mix your seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper) in a small container.
- That’s it! This little bit of prep saves you a few minutes when you’re in a rush.
Nutritional Info and Diet Swaps
This is an estimate, and the actual numbers will change based on your ingredients.
| Nutrition Fact | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | ~40 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~25 g |
| Fat | ~20 g |
Here are a few ways to adjust this for different dietary needs.
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Gluten-Free: Make sure you use a gluten-free condensed cream of chicken soup. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels.
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Lower Carb: Swap the instant rice for cauliflower rice. Add it during the last 15 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t get too soft.
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Lower Fat: Use low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. Stick with chicken breasts, as they are leaner than thighs.
Meal Pairing and Leftovers
This is a one-pot meal, but sometimes you want a little something extra on the side.
| Serve With | Why It Works Well |
|---|---|
| Simple Side Salad | A fresh, crisp salad cuts through the richness. |
| Steamed Green Beans | Adds a pop of color and another vegetable. |
| Crusty Bread | Perfect for scooping up any leftover cheesy sauce. |
Leftovers and Storage
Leftovers are one of the best parts of a crockpot meal.
Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you reheat it, the rice may have absorbed more liquid. Just add a splash of milk or chicken broth when you warm it in the microwave or on the stove to make it creamy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Ans: Yes, you can. You don’t need to thaw them first. Just add about an hour to the cooking time on LOW or about 30-45 minutes on HIGH.
Q2. My rice came out crunchy. What happened?
Ans: This usually means it needed a little more time or liquid. Make sure you used instant rice, not regular rice. If it’s still crunchy, add a splash more broth, stir, and cook for another 15 minutes on HIGH.
Q3. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Ans: Absolutely. Use the same amount of fresh, chopped broccoli florets. Add them at the same time you would add the frozen ones.
Wrapping Up
This recipe is a lifesaver on days when you just can’t deal with a complicated dinner. It’s simple, forgiving, and tastes amazing.
Give it a try and see how much your family loves it. When you do, come back and leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how it turned out or if you made any fun changes
