This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Meal is a warm and comforting dish. Just toss chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese in your slow cooker and let it do all the work!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for easy shredding. You can also try chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, as they tend to be juicier.
Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets are both great options. I lean towards frozen for convenience. If you’re not a broccoli fan, you can use other vegetables like peas or green beans.
Rice: Long grain white rice is traditional here, but you can substitute with brown rice. Just be aware it may require a longer cooking time. Quinoa is another healthy alternative!
Cheese: I love using cheddar for its flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or even a pepper jack for a bit of spice. Vegan cheese can work for a dairy-free option!
Milk or Half-and-Half: To keep it lighter, you can use low-fat milk, or you can also use unsweetened almond or oat milk for a dairy-free meal.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Stays Tender?
Cooking chicken in the crockpot is all about low and slow! Here are some tips:
- Always start with enough liquid, like chicken broth, to keep the chicken moist.
- Don’t skip shredding the chicken at the 30-minute mark—it helps it soak up flavors!
- Keep an eye on the cooking time. Overcooked chicken can become dry, so test it with a fork.
This method will give you juicy, tender chicken that blends beautifully with the cheesy goodness of the dish!
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Meal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping, optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or dried basil and oregano)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take approximately 10 minutes to prepare, and you’ll let it cook in the crockpot for about 4-6 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high. So, in total, you’re looking at a quick prep and then plenty of time to relax while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Crockpot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with some non-stick cooking spray or lightly greasing it with oil. This will prevent your meal from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Layer Your Ingredients:
Place the chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the dried Italian seasoning to give it some flavor.
3. Add Onions and Garlic:
Next, sprinkle the finely chopped onion and minced garlic over the chicken. This step adds a lovely aroma and taste to your dish!
4. Mix in Rice and Broccoli:
Now, add the rice and broccoli florets on top of the chicken, spreading them out evenly so they cook uniformly.
5. Pour the Chicken Broth:
Take the chicken broth and pour it evenly over all the ingredients in the crockpot. This will keep everything moist and help the rice cook perfectly.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and the rice to be tender.
7. Shred the Chicken:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, take two forks and shred the cooked chicken right in the crockpot. Give everything a good stir to mix all the flavors together.
8. Add the Cheeses and Cream:
Now it’s time to make it cheesy! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, melted butter, and the milk or half-and-half. Mix until the cheese melts and everything looks creamy.
9. Final Touches:
Cover the crockpot again and let it cook for an additional 15-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to fully melt.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
When it’s ready, serve this warm and delicious meal in bowls. You can even top it with a bit more shredded cheddar and a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor. Enjoy your comforting crockpot meal!
FAQ: Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Meal
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to increase the cooking time a bit, as it will take longer to cook through. The chicken will be safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, feel free to use vegetable broth or water. You can enhance the flavor by adding a bit more seasoning or a splash of soy sauce!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little milk if it looks too thick.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients the night before, store them in the refrigerator, and start cooking them in the crockpot in the morning. Just keep in mind that the rice should be added fresh, as it may become mushy if stored with the liquid for too long.
