There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy rice. This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice recipe has become one of my go-to meals, especially on busy weeknights when I want to serve my family something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of flavors, and best of all, it’s a one-pot wonder that makes cleanup a breeze.
Why make this recipe
You might be wondering why this dish stands out among the endless options for dinner. Here are a few compelling reasons to give it a try. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you—ideal for busy families or anyone looking to save time. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, thanks to the simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
This recipe is also kid-approved, making it a great choice for family dinners. The creamy cheese and tender chicken tend to win over even the pickiest eaters! It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a beautiful addition to a casual family gathering.
“This is my family’s favorite meal! It’s so easy to make, and the kids absolutely love it. I can even prep it in the morning and forget about it until dinner!”
— Satisfied Dinner Maker
Step-by-step overview
Making Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is straightforward and hassle-free. The process involves throwing almost everything into a slow cooker and letting it cook until perfection. You’ll end up with a comforting and creamy dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
What you’ll need
To whip up this dish, you’ll require:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb cube chicken breasts
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar recommended, but feel free to try your favorite)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor
Feel free to swap the broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or cauliflower if you want to mix things up.
Directions to follow
- Begin by combining the chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and your chosen seasonings in the slow cooker.
- Stir everything together to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the cooked rice and cheese; mix well until the cheese is fully melted and everything is heated throughout.
- Serve hot and enjoy this cozy meal with your loved ones!
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a treat! You can serve it straight from the crockpot to your family or plate it creatively for guests. Pair it with a light side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious cheesy goodness. For a touch of freshness, consider adding a squeeze of lemon or some fresh herbs on top before serving.
Storage and reheating tips
To ensure your leftovers stay delicious, store any extra portions in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Remember to label and date your container for easy identification.
Helpful cooking tips
If you’re looking to elevate this dish, try searing the chicken in a skillet before adding it to your slow cooker. This can enhance the flavor significantly! Additionally, be mindful of the size of your chicken cubes; cutting them smaller can help them cook more evenly and quicker.
Creative twists
There are many ways to customize this dish! Consider swapping out the broccoli for sautéed mushrooms or adding sliced bell peppers for a colorful twist. If you’re looking for a healthy spin, try using brown rice instead of white. You can also incorporate spices like smoked paprika or taco seasoning for a fun flavor kick.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The prep time is typically around 10-15 minutes. However, most of the time is spent in the slow cooker, making it a great option for busy days.
Can I use frozen chicken and broccoli?
Yes! Using frozen chicken and broccoli is convenient. Just keep in mind that frozen items may require slightly more cooking time.
Is it safe to store and reheat leftovers?
Absolutely! As long as you cool the leftovers promptly and store them in an airtight container, it’s safe to reheat. Just heat until steaming hot to ensure it’s safe to eat again.
PrintEasy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
A comforting one-pot meal of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy rice, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb cube chicken breasts
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar recommended)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder or onion powder
Instructions
- Combine chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and chosen seasonings in the slow cooker.
- Stir to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until chicken is cooked and tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cooked rice and cheese; mix until cheese is melted and heated throughout.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
To elevate the dish, sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. You can swap vegetables or use brown rice for a healthier twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
