Description
Hearty crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice brings comfort and flavor to weeknight dinners. Creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and nutritious broccoli creates a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- 1 pound chicken thighs
Vegetables and Grains:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the crockpot, creating a uniform base for the dish.
- Add raw chicken breasts directly on top of the rice layer, ensuring they are spread out for even cooking.
- Sprinkle chopped broccoli florets around and between the chicken pieces, distributing them throughout the cooking surface.
- Pour condensed cream of chicken soup and water over the ingredients, making sure to cover most of the rice and chicken.
- Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, distributing the spices evenly across the surface.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together for approximately 4-5 hours.
- Verify chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking its internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
- Shred the chicken using two forks, breaking it into tender, bite-sized pieces directly in the crockpot.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and integrated into the creamy rice mixture.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to further develop.
- Serve hot, garnishing with optional fresh chopped parsley for added color and subtle herb flavor.
Notes
- Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping, ensuring a fluffy texture in the final dish.
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, making the recipe more diet-friendly and heart-healthy.
- Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and a more complex, nutty flavor profile that complements the creamy cheese sauce.
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra depth of flavor, cutting down on preparation steps while maintaining delicious results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg