Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Crockpot recipes are a lifesaver for busy days, and if you’re in search of a comforting, delicious meal that can be thrown together with minimal effort, look no further than Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice.

This dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce, creating the perfect balance of flavors. The best part? You can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This will ensure the chicken has plenty of flavor. You can also use a bit of ranch seasoning if you’d like to add some extra zing.
2. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the ranch dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir everything until smooth. This creamy mixture will act as the sauce for the chicken, rice, and broccoli.
3. Add the Rice: Pour the uncooked rice into the bottom of the Crockpot. Make sure the rice is spread evenly to ensure it cooks properly.
4. Layer the Chicken and Sauce: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice. Then, pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken and rice, making sure everything is covered.
5. Cook on Low: Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The rice will absorb the sauce and cook to perfection during this time.
6. Add the Broccoli: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the fresh broccoli florets to the Crockpot. Stir them into the rice and sauce mixture, and continue to cook until the broccoli is tender.
7. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the Crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot and stir everything together.
8. Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the creamy sauce. This will give the dish that rich, cheesy flavor that everyone loves.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese is melted, the dish is ready to serve. Spoon the cheesy chicken, rice, and broccoli onto plates and enjoy the comforting goodness of this Crockpot meal.

Variations

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. Just keep in mind that you may need to add 1-2 extra hours of cooking time on low, or 30-60 minutes on high, to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to add an extra 1-1.5 hours of cooking time. Make sure to also add a bit more liquid to ensure the rice cooks properly.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. After cooking, let it cool completely, and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up in the microwave or on the stove.

How to Serve

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a one-pot meal that’s ready to serve right from the Crockpot. You can serve it with:

• A side of garlic bread: For a comforting, hearty meal, serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the cheesy sauce.
• A fresh salad: A light, crisp salad can balance out the richness of the dish and add a refreshing contrast.
• Extra cheese: For those who can’t get enough cheese, sprinkle extra cheddar or parmesan cheese on top before serving.
• Hot sauce: For an extra kick, serve this dish with a bottle of hot sauce on the side.