If you’re craving a comforting, wholesome meal that practically cooks itself, then you’re going to love this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, hearty brown rice, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese all coming together in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s a complete, crowd-pleasing meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a lazy weekend meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your crockpot will become your new best friend in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun with this recipe, and the fantastic news is, they’re all simple pantry staples that come together to create big flavor and satisfying texture. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the tender chicken and fresh broccoli to the creamy cheese and aromatic spices.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds moisture and infuses the rice and chicken with savory flavor.
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Brings creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the cheese beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional): Provides a gentle kick and depth, but feel free to leave it out if you prefer.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy, herbaceous note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers rich, mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savoriness with subtle sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt & pepper each: Essential for highlighting all the other flavors.
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice (or rinsed risotto rice): Makes the dish hearty and nutritious with a wonderful texture.
- 1 lb broccoli florets (fresh or frozen): Adds vibrant green color, crunch, and a healthy dose of vitamins.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated: The star of the show—melty, tangy cheese that brings everything together into pure comfort food bliss.
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces roughly one to one and a half inches in size. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and becomes wonderfully tender without drying out.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Base
In your crockpot, combine the chicken broth, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard if you’re using it, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This creamy base is the secret to infusing the rice and chicken with incredible flavor.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Chicken
Next, stir in the rinsed long-grain brown rice directly into the crockpot. This will absorb all those wonderful flavors as it cooks. Add the chicken pieces on top and gently stir to distribute everything evenly. This helps ensure every bite has a balanced mix of tender chicken and creamy rice.
Step 4: Layer the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets on top of your rice and chicken mixture. Whether fresh or frozen, broccoli adds a pop of bright color and a healthy crunch that makes this dish even more satisfying.
Step 5: Cook It Slowly and Steadily
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You want the chicken fully cooked through, the rice tender but not mushy, and the liquid mostly absorbed. This slow cooking develops deep flavors and perfect tenderness.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheese
Once the cooking time is up, stir in one cup of your grated sharp cheddar cheese until it melts into that creamy mixture. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover the crockpot again, and let it melt for about 15 minutes. This cheesy layer adds richness and that irresistible gooey finish we all love.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
When the cheese is melted and bubbly, your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe is ready to enjoy. Give it a final stir for good measure and serve piping hot. This is the moment where simple ingredients come together to create something truly comforting.
How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is your chance to brighten up this rich dish. I love adding chopped fresh parsley for a hint of herbaceous freshness or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper to enhance the savory notes. You could even try a squeeze of lemon juice for a little tangy brightness that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
Side Dishes
This meal shines as a standalone dish thanks to its balance of protein, veggies, and carbs. But if you want to add some extra flair, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement. Steamed carrots or a side of roasted sweet potatoes can bring additional sweetness and texture contrast for a colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or mini casserole dishes topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy crust. You could also turn it into a cheesy casserole by transferring to a baking dish and broiling briefly to brown the top, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or easy next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Portion the cooled Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm leftovers on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help revive the creamy texture if it has thickened too much. The cheese may firm up but will soften again once warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, you can swap in white rice if you prefer a softer texture and shorter cooking time, but keep in mind it may cook faster, so adjusting crockpot timing is important to avoid mushiness.
Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well and is convenient. Just add it directly to the crockpot without thawing—it will cook perfectly during the slow-cook time.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or omit it, and use a vegan cheese alternative to keep it creamy and cheesy without dairy.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth, but if you don’t have it, you can simply leave it out; the dish will still be delicious with the other flavors.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Chicken thighs are a great alternative because they stay moist and tender; just cut them into bite-sized pieces as you would the breasts, and cook according to the same times.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe enough for those days when you want something hearty, tasty, and hassle-free. It’s comforting, packed with wholesome ingredients, and so easy to prepare. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite go-to dinner that everyone in your family will adore.
Print
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and hearty brown rice all cooked together in a crockpot. This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice dish is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken & Broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups chicken broth
Dairy & Condiments
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (divided)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Vegetables & Grains
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice (or risotto rice, rinsed)
- 1 lb broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces about 1 to 1½ inches in size to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Mix Liquids and Seasonings: In the crockpot, combine chicken broth, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard (if using), dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Add Rice and Chicken: Stir in the rinsed long-grain brown rice into the broth mixture, then add the cut chicken pieces, making sure everything is evenly mixed and submerged.
- Layer Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets on top of the chicken and rice mixture without stirring, to allow them to steam and cook properly.
- Crockpot Cooking: Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through, rice is tender, and most liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese into the cooked mixture until melted and creamy. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt fully for about 15 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the cheese topping is melted and bubbly, serve the dish hot. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream adds more protein and reduces fat.
- If you prefer softer broccoli, you can add the florets earlier in the cooking process.
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming gummy.
- Dijon mustard is optional but adds a nice tangy depth of flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
