This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a creamy, comforting dish that cooks slowly to perfection! Juicy chicken, cheesy goodness, and bright green broccoli make a delightful mix.
It’s a one-pot wonder that’s super simple! I love to throw everything in and let it do its magic while I enjoy my day. Perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish lean and easy to shred. If you’re looking for a quicker alternative, cooked rotisserie chicken is great too—just add it later in the cooking process!
Broccoli: I love using fresh broccoli florets for the crunch and color. However, frozen broccoli works just as well and makes prep faster. Just toss it in towards the end of cooking!
Rice: Long-grain white rice cooks well in the slow cooker, but you can use brown rice—just remember it’ll take longer to cook (add about 30 minutes). For a fun twist, try quinoa for a protein boost!
Cheese: While I prefer cheddar for its melty goodness, feel free to mix it up! Pepper jack adds a nice kick, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for extra flavor.
How Do I Get the Chicken to Shred Perfectly?
Shredding the chicken in your crockpot is simple! The key is cooking it just right so it’s tender. After about 4-5 hours on low, check if the chicken is white all the way through. If it pulls apart easily with two forks, you’re set!
- Use two forks to gently pull the chicken apart.
- Mix it right back in with everything else; it absorbs flavor that way!
For an easier cleanup, you could shred the chicken in a bowl and then mix it, but the flavors do meld nicely when done directly in the crockpot.
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the crockpot
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 4 to 5 hours to cook on low in the crockpot. By the time you’re done with your day, you’ll have a delicious, creamy meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Crockpot:
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or a little oil. This will help prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup later!
2. Layer the Ingredients:
Place the boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. On top of the chicken, scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic for great flavor.
3. Add the Rice and Seasonings:
Now, pour the uncooked rice evenly over the chicken and onions. Then add in your chicken broth, making sure you distribute it all around. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, paprika (if using), and Italian seasoning over everything. It’s like a flavor party!
4. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. The chicken should be cooked through, and the rice will become nice and tender. No peeking, let it do its magic!
5. Add the Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, carefully add the broccoli florets on top. They’ll steam perfectly and keep that vibrant green color!
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the broccoli is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This step makes the dish even more delicious!
7. Stir in the Creamy Goodness:
Now it’s time to make it cheesy! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and butter until everything melts together and becomes creamy. Take a moment to taste and see if you want to adjust any seasonings.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your creamy, cheesy, comforting crockpot meal is ready! Serve it warm in bowls and enjoy every bite.
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to increase the cooking time to about 6 hours on low, as frozen chicken will take longer to cook through. For best results, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge if you have time.
What Can I Substitute for the Rice?
If you want to switch things up, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Just note that brown rice usually requires about 30 extra minutes of cooking time. Quinoa is also a great option and cooks quicker!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything and store it in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Just layer the ingredients in the crockpot, cover it, and let it cook when you’re ready for dinner!
