Description
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty crockpot cheesy chicken and rice dish, perfect for busy weeknights. Creamy, cheesy goodness combines tender chicken and fluffy rice, offering you a satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 small chicken thighs (with skin and bones in)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon parsley
Vegetables and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1.5 cups (354 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) cream of chicken soup
Dairy and Grains:
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (400 grams) uncooked Jasmine rice
Instructions
- Create a flavorful spice blend using salt, pepper, and parsley to thoroughly coat the chicken thighs.
- Heat a skillet and carefully sear the seasoned chicken thighs until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior.
- Transfer the skillet drippings and browned chicken into the crockpot, layering with aromatic chicken broth and creamy condensed chicken soup.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and distribute finely chopped onions throughout the liquid base for enhanced depth of flavor.
- Gently nestle the chicken thighs into the savory liquid mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.
- Scatter fresh broccoli florets across the top of the chicken, creating a vibrant green layer.
- Generously shower shredded cheddar cheese over the broccoli and chicken, allowing it to melt and create a luscious coating.
- Distribute uncooked Jasmine rice evenly across the surface, ensuring it will absorb the flavorful cooking liquids.
- Cover the crockpot and slow cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform into a tender, comforting one-pot meal.
- Verify doneness by checking that chicken is completely cooked and rice has reached a soft, fluffy consistency before serving.
Notes
- Browning chicken beforehand enhances the depth of flavor and creates a beautiful golden exterior that adds complexity to the dish.
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the recipe from becoming too salty.
- Select bone-in chicken thighs for extra moisture and richer taste, as they remain juicier during slow cooking compared to boneless cuts.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce using cornstarch and gluten-free chicken stock.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg