Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice: 5 Comfort Food Tips

By:

Christina R. Jones

October 7, 2025

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Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight meal: crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice! This dish is like a warm hug after a long day. Imagine tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice all swimming in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s just to die for. The best part? You can throw everything into your trusty crockpot and let it work its magic. Seriously, you just set it and forget it! No fuss, no stress, just pure comfort food that the whole family will love.

crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice - detail 1

What’s not to adore about this recipe? It’s not only incredibly easy to make, but it also transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal. Picture this: you come home after a busy day to find a delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen, and all you have to do is scoop some onto your plate. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, once you try this crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice, it’ll become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work! You’ll have a delicious dinner without slaving away in the kitchen.
Family-Friendly: This cheesy chicken broccoli rice is a hit with both kids and adults. Who can resist creamy cheesy goodness?
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the broccoli, it’s comfort food you can feel good about serving.
Versatile & Adaptable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand! You can add other veggies or even use different types of cheese.
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax! Everything cooks together beautifully in one pot, making it a hassle-free meal.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice:

2 cups of cooked rice: You can use any type of rice you prefer, just make sure it’s cooked and fluffy before adding it to the mix.
1 pound of chicken breast, diced: Fresh chicken breast works best here. Cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2 cups of broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli is great, but frozen broccoli works too! Just make sure to thaw it before adding.
1 can of cream of chicken soup: This gives the dish its creamy base. If you want a healthier option, look for low-fat versions.
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese: I love sharp cheddar for that extra flavor kick, but feel free to use your favorite cheese!
1 cup of chicken broth: This adds moisture and flavor. You can use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
1 teaspoon of garlic powder: For that delicious garlicky flavor! You can also use fresh minced garlic if you prefer.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season your dish! It really brings everything together.

How to Prepare Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar. Just follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken ready! Take your fresh chicken breast and dice it into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly—nobody wants a rubbery piece of chicken in their bowl! Once diced, simply place the chicken at the bottom of your crockpot. This way, it’ll soak up all those yummy flavors as it cooks.

Step 2: Add the Broccoli

Next up, it’s time for the broccoli! If you’re using fresh broccoli florets, just wash and chop them into smaller pieces. They should be about the same size as the chicken for even cooking. If you’ve got frozen broccoli, no worries—just make sure to thaw it beforehand. Toss the broccoli on top of the chicken in the crockpot. This layering keeps the broccoli from getting too mushy while everything cooks!

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, it’s time to make that creamy sauce! Combine the can of cream of chicken soup with the chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth—no lumps allowed! This sauce is the heart of your dish, so don’t skimp on the mixing!

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Now, pour that luscious sauce over the chicken and broccoli in the crockpot. Give it a little gentle stir to ensure everything is coated. Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for about 6 hours or high for 3 hours. You’ll want to check it halfway through to make sure it’s bubbling away nicely. The smell will be divine!

Step 5: Finish with Rice and Cheese

Once the chicken and broccoli are tender and cooked through, it’s time to add the star ingredients: the cooked rice and shredded cheddar cheese! Stir them in gently until everything is well combined. This is when the magic happens—the cheese melts and creates that creamy goodness we all love. Give it a minute to heat through, and then it’s ready to serve!

Tips for Success

To really make your crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice shine, here are a few tips that have worked wonders for me!

Don’t rush the prep: Take your time dicing the chicken and chopping the broccoli. Consistent sizes ensure even cooking, which means a better overall dish!
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrients. You could even swap the cheddar for a pepper jack cheese if you’re in the mood for a little kick!
Adjust the liquid: If you like a creamier consistency, feel free to add a splash more chicken broth to the sauce before cooking. Just keep an eye on it to avoid excess liquid!
Check for doneness: Every crockpot can be a little different, so make sure to check the chicken for tenderness and the cheese for that perfect melt before serving.
Let leftovers shine: If you have leftovers, they make a fantastic filling for wraps or can be baked into a casserole the next day!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to comfort food like crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice, it’s nice to know that it can be satisfying and nutritious too! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:

Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. This dish packs a great protein punch from the chicken while providing a solid dose of carbohydrates from the rice—making it a well-rounded meal to keep you fueled throughout your day!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great option for this recipe, and it can save you some prep time. Just make sure to thaw the broccoli before adding it to the crockpot. You can either leave it in the fridge overnight or run it under warm water for a few minutes. This helps prevent excess moisture in the dish, keeping your crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice nice and creamy.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you’re looking for a substitute for cream of chicken soup, there are a few options! You can use cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor or even a homemade white sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. For a healthier twist, consider using Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of chicken broth and seasoning. Just keep in mind that if you choose a different soup, it might alter the flavor profile a bit, but it will still be delicious!

How can I store leftovers?

Leftovers are fantastic with this dish! Once cooled, store any remaining crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stove over low heat. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up if it seems a little thick. Enjoy your delicious leftovers without any hassle!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice, the options are endless! I love pairing it with a fresh garden salad to add a little crunch and freshness to the meal. A simple vinaigrette drizzled over mixed greens balances out the creaminess of the dish beautifully.

If you want to add some more texture, consider serving it with crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls. The bread is perfect for soaking up that delicious cheesy sauce! You can even throw together a light fruit salad on the side for a refreshing contrast.

Don’t forget about drinks! A chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade complements the flavors wonderfully. Whatever you choose, these sides will enhance your meal and make it even more enjoyable. Happy eating!

Call to Action

If you’ve enjoyed making this crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice as much as I do, I’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts or any tweaks you made. And if you’re feeling generous, don’t forget to rate the recipe! Your feedback helps me create more delicious dishes. Plus, if you share this recipe on social media, tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty creations. Happy cooking!