This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a warm hug in a bowl! Tender chicken, broccoli, and rice get cozy in a creamy cheese sauce for a tasty meal with very little fuss.
Honestly, the slow cooker does all the hard work! I love being able to toss everything in and just let it cook while I do my thing. Super simple, and it’s a hit with the whole family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken is a great time-saver! You can use rotisserie chicken, which is flavorful and convenient. If you need a substitute, shredded turkey works well too, or you could even make it vegetarian with chickpeas or tofu.
Rice: I recommend white rice for this recipe because it cooks evenly and absorbs flavor nicely. If you prefer brown rice, just remember it will take longer to cook—adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is excellent for a crunchy texture, but frozen broccoli is convenient and just as good. You can also swap in other veggies like peas or spinach if you like!
Cheese: Cheddar is my favorite for that classic cheesy taste. You can mix it up with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick. If you want a dairy-free option, try a plant-based cream cheese and shreds.
How Do I Get Creamy Cheese Blended Perfectly?
Achieving a wonderfully creamy texture is all about how you add the cheese. Here are the steps to keep in mind:
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps it blend smoothly.
- Stir in the shredded cheese gradually after cooking. This prevents clumping.
- If the mixture seems too thick, add milk a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess.
Cooking on low heat allows the cheese to melt gently, blending beautifully into the dish. Enjoy the process!
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
Cheesy Goodness:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
Flavor Boosters:
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For Creaminess:
- 1/2 cup milk (or more as needed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 4 to 6 hours to cook on LOW or 2 to 3 hours on HIGH. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want a hearty meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your crockpot with olive oil or butter. This will help with clean-up later and prevent your food from sticking.
2. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In your crockpot, combine the uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Give it a good stir to blend everything together.
3. Add the Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and mix again to combine all those tasty ingredients evenly. The broth will cook the rice and keep everything moist!
4. Layer the Chicken:
Now it’s time to add the cooked chicken! Place the chicken pieces right on top of the rice mixture, but don’t stir it in just yet. We want the chicken to stay on top during cooking.
5. Cook to Perfection:
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook. If you’re using the LOW setting, let it go for 4 to 6 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the HIGH setting will do it in 2 to 3 hours, until the rice is tender and the chicken is heated through.
6. Add the Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, gently place the broccoli florets on top of the mixture. Cover again and let them steam into the dish. If you’re running short on time, you can steam the broccoli separately and mix it in just before serving.
7. Stir in the Cheesy Goodness:
When everything is cooked, stir in the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and milk until all the cheese is melted and the dish is creamy. Feel free to add more milk if you’d like it even creamier!
8. Taste and Adjust:
Give it a taste and see if it needs any extra seasoning. Add a pinch more salt or pepper if desired!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish it out warm, and if you like, sprinkle some extra cheese or chopped parsley on top for a delightful finishing touch. Enjoy this comforting meal made effortlessly in your crockpot!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Can I Use Raw Chicken Instead of Cooked?
While this recipe calls for cooked chicken, you can use raw chicken breast too! Just add it to the crockpot at the beginning and ensure it cooks for 6-8 hours on LOW or 4-6 hours on HIGH, until fully cooked and tender that you can shred it.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to revive the creaminess.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or sour cream. Both will add creaminess, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just replace the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein, like chickpeas or firm tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version!
