Mastering the Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
You’re about to discover why this dish is a dependable favorite in many families’ homes. With just a few simple ingredients, a slow cooker, and a bit of patience, you can whip up a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic that practically cooks itself while you focus on more pressing matters—like the kids’ homework or that pile of laundry staring at you. You’ll love the way it fills your kitchen with rich, savory aromas that will have everyone drifting into the dining room.
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A creamy, cheesy comfort food classic that cooks itself in the crockpot, perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, mixing well.
- Layer the cooked rice and broccoli on top.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Notes
For a fun twist, serve in hollowed-out bread bowls. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Your Ingredient Lineup
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Method Made Simple
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, mixing well.
- Layer the cooked rice and broccoli on top.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
Serving & Pairing Ideas
This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner on a weeknight, especially when paired with a crispy green salad or garlic bread to balance out the creaminess. You could even serve it in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun twist at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheat Tips
To keep this dish fresh, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its life, consider freezing portions; it’ll be good for up to a month. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if it’s too thick.
Smart Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut; just shred and toss it in!
- Experiment with different cheeses—pepper jack for a kick or mozzarella for creaminess.
- For a bit of texture, sauté some onions and garlic before mixing them in.
Creative Flavor Twists
- Add a cup of diced bell pepper for a pop of color and flavor.
- Incorporate a handful of spinach at the end of cooking for added nutrients.
- Swap in a curry powder sprinkle for an exotic twist that brightens the dish.
Learn from my mistakes
- Adding too much liquid can make the dish soupy; stick with the recommended amounts.
- Forgetting to mix in the cheese at the end leads to a less cheesy experience—don’t skip this step!
- Overcooking can dry out the chicken; check for doneness at 4 hours.
What to do with Leftover
- Transform it into a casserole by layering it with breadcrumbs and baking until golden.
- Stuff it into crepes or burritos for a new meal with the same great flavors.
- Top with eggs for a savory breakfast option that’ll kickstart your day.
Quick Questions, Straight Answers
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup in the Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice?
You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce to keep it creamy while changing the flavor profile.
Can I make this dish in a regular pot?
Absolutely! Just cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well! Just ensure you cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container to enjoy later.
Can I add extra vegetables to the Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice?
You can certainly add more veggies! Carrots, peas, or even corn can be delicious additions, just adjust cooking times if they need longer to soften.