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- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional) - Fresh parsley for garnish This recipe is all about simple, tasty ingredients. You start with two cups of cooked rice. You can use either white or brown rice. Brown rice adds more fiber, which is a bonus. Next is one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This cut is lean and easy to cook. For veggies, you need three cups of broccoli florets. You can use fresh or frozen; both work well. The cream of chicken soup is the magic ingredient. It adds a rich, creamy flavor. You also need one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This cheese melts beautifully and adds a nice sharp taste. One cup of chicken broth helps keep everything moist and flavorful. You will need one teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. They give the dish a nice aroma and taste. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a little extra flavor, add a half teaspoon of paprika. For a pop of color, use fresh parsley as a garnish. These ingredients make a warm, comforting meal that is easy to prepare. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Layering the Rice First, grab your crockpot. Spread the cooked rice evenly across the bottom. This rice layer builds a solid base for your dish. It will soak up all the tasty juices later. - Seasoning the Chicken Next, take your chicken breasts. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on them. If you want, add paprika for a little kick. Place the seasoned chicken right on top of the rice. This adds flavor to both the chicken and rice. - Pouring in the Soup and Broth Open the can of cream of chicken soup. Pour it over the chicken, covering it well. Then, add the chicken broth. This liquid helps cook the chicken and keeps everything moist. - Incorporating the Broccoli Now, gently add the broccoli florets on top. Do not stir them in just yet. This keeps the broccoli nice and bright. It will cook perfectly during the process. - Setting the Crockpot Temperature Cover your crockpot. Set it to low heat for 4-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours. This slow cooking lets all the flavors mix well. The chicken will be tender and juicy. - Shredding the Chicken About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. Mix it into the rice and broccoli. This step adds a great texture and flavor. - Adding the Cheese Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the crockpot again. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. This step allows the cheese to melt thoroughly. - Serving Suggestions Once the cheese is melted, stir everything together. Serve it hot and garnish with fresh parsley. This adds a nice touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your meal! - Best Practices for Shredding Chicken To shred chicken well, use two forks. Hold one fork steady and pull the chicken apart with the other. Shred it right in the crockpot for easy mixing. This keeps all the flavors blended. - How to Achieve Perfectly Melted Cheese For cheese that melts just right, add it near the end. Cover the crockpot after adding cheese. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This will give the cheese time to melt perfectly without burning. - Alternatives to Cream of Chicken Soup If you want a different flavor, use cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce. Both options give a tasty twist to the dish. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter taste. - Dairy-Free Cheese Options For a dairy-free diet, choose plant-based cheese. Look for brands that melt well. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy. - Adjusting Cooking Times for Different Slow Cookers Slow cookers heat differently. If yours cooks fast, check the chicken after 2 hours on high. If it’s slower, it may need a full 6 hours on low. Always check the chicken is tender before serving. - Preparing Ingredients in Advance To save time, prep ingredients the night before. Chop broccoli and season the chicken. Store them in the fridge. This makes it quick to throw everything in the crockpot in the morning. Pro Tips Use Leftover Rice: This recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover rice, saving you time and reducing food waste. Frozen Broccoli is Fine: If you're short on fresh broccoli, frozen florets work just as well and help save on prep time. Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more spices or herbs for extra flavor. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, for a unique twist! {{image_2}} Adding Extra Vegetables You can boost the nutrition by adding more veggies. Try carrots, bell peppers, or peas. Just chop them small and toss them in with the broccoli. This adds color and flavor! Using Brown Rice Swap white rice for brown rice for a healthier twist. Brown rice has more fiber and nutrients. Just remember, it may take a bit longer to cook, so adjust your time. Spicing It Up with Hot Sauce Want a kick? Add your favorite hot sauce to the mix. Just a few dashes can elevate the dish. It’s a fun way to customize each serving for heat lovers. Experimenting with Different Cheese Types Cheddar is great, but don’t stop there! Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist. Each cheese brings its own taste and texture. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! Gluten-Free Options To make this dish gluten-free, check your cream of chicken soup. Use a gluten-free brand to keep it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal! Vegetarian Alternative For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken. Replace it with extra beans or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying without meat. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat it within this time. When reheating, use a microwave or stove. If using a microwave, heat in small bursts. Stir between sessions to warm it evenly. If using a stove, add a splash of broth. Heat on low until hot. If you want to freeze the dish, first let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. This meal can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This helps keep the texture nice. For reheating, you can use either the microwave or stove. The microwave is quick and easy. Just remember to stir often for even heating. If you choose the stove, heat it on low. Stir well to ensure it warms up evenly. This way, you keep all the cheesy goodness intact. Can I use frozen chicken in the recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add an extra hour of cooking time. This helps the chicken cook fully. How can I make this recipe in a shorter time frame? To save time, use the high setting on your crockpot. Cook for 2-3 hours instead of 4-6 hours. What are the best sides to serve with Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice? You can serve it with a fresh salad or garlic bread. These sides complement the creamy dish well. What to do if the rice is too dry? If the rice is dry, add more chicken broth. Stir gently and let it cook for a bit longer. How to fix a bland flavor? To boost flavor, add more salt or spices. A dash of hot sauce also adds a nice kick. Can I substitute different vegetables? Absolutely! You can use carrots, bell peppers, or peas. Just chop them small so they cook well. What if I don't have chicken broth? If you lack chicken broth, use water or vegetable broth. This still keeps the dish tasty and moist. This blog post guides you through a simple recipe for Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice. We covered the ingredient list, from the chicken to the cheese. The step-by-step instructions help you layer and cook everything perfectly. I shared tips for shredding chicken and ingredient substitutions. You can also try variations to fit your taste and dietary needs. In the end, this dish is easy, tasty, and perfect for any meal. Enjoy making it your own!

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

A creamy and cheesy chicken dish cooked in a crockpot with rice and broccoli.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • In the bottom of your crockpot, place the cooked rice evenly.
  • Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice.
  • Pour the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring it's well covered.
  • Gently add the broccoli florets on top of the soup mixture without stirring them in.
  • Cover the crockpot and set it on low heat for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  • About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks and mix it into the rice and broccoli mixture.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it sit until the cheese melts (about 15-20 minutes).
  • Stir well to combine everything, then serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Feel free to use fresh or frozen broccoli.
Keyword broccoli, cheesy, chicken, crockpot, Rice