This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a warm hug in a bowl. It’s packed with tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and hearty broccoli all mixed with fluffy rice!
I love how I can just toss everything in the crockpot and forget about it for a few hours. Plus, who can resist that melty cheese? It’s like comfort food magic! 🧀✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken works great as well!
Rice: You can use white or brown rice as both work well. If you’re short on time, using instant rice can save you some prep time, although cooked rice gives a better texture.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is nice for its crispness. Frozen broccoli is also convenient and cooks beautifully in the crockpot, so use whatever you have on hand.
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, yet feel free to experiment! Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while cream cheese creates a richer texture.
Cream of Chicken Soup: You can substitute it with homemade cream soup or a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor, especially for those avoiding chicken.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Turns Out Tender in the Crockpot?
To get perfectly tender chicken, cook it low and slow. Make sure not to rush the cooking time. Here’s how:
- Keep the lid on the crockpot during cooking to maintain moisture.
- Cut chicken into smaller pieces for faster cooking, but whole breasts retain moisture better.
- If using frozen chicken, add an extra hour to the cook time, but ensure it’s fully cooked.
Shredding the chicken after cooking allows it to absorb the flavorful sauce, making every bite delicious!
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Components:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen)
Cheesy Goodness:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Base Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Oil:
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil mix)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or 1 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 4 to 5 hours to cook in the crockpot. After that, it needs an extra 15 to 20 minutes for the cheese to melt nicely. It’s a straightforward recipe that lets you set it and forget it, making meal time a breeze!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
Begin by spraying the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray or lightly greasing it with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup!
2. Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts directly in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for flavor. It’s easy and makes sure everything cooks perfectly!
3. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with the milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, and a bit more salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well blended. This mixture will add creaminess to your dish!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure it covers the chicken. Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. This makes it easy to mix back into the dish.
6. Add Rice and Broccoli:
Add the cooked rice and broccoli florets to the crockpot. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together until combined. This will ensure every bite is bursting with flavor!
7. Sprinkle on the Cheese:
Now, it’s time for the cheesy goodness! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the mixture in the crockpot.
8. Melt the Cheese:
Cover the crockpot again and let it cook on low for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt beautifully, creating a gooey, delicious topping.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give everything a gentle stir to combine the melted cheese throughout. Serve warm, and enjoy this comforting bowl of cheesy chicken broccoli rice!
This recipe is super flexible. Feel free to use either fresh or frozen broccoli, and adjust the cheese to your liking. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just ensure they are fully cooked before shredding—this might take an extra hour in the crockpot. It’s best to add them directly from the freezer without thawing for the safest and most convenient preparation.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the cooking stage, then refrigerate the uncooked ingredients in the crockpot insert. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the slow cooker and adjust the cooking time as needed.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in individual portions or warm in a skillet on the stove until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk for creaminess if it thickens up in the fridge!
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you’re looking for a substitute for cream of chicken soup, you can use homemade cream soup, cream of mushroom soup, or a similar condensed soup. For a lighter option, a mixture of sour cream or Greek yogurt with a bit of chicken broth can also work well!
