There's nothing more comforting than the creamy, cheesy goodness of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice bubbling away in your slow cooker. The smell alone will have your family rushing to the table, and the combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and melted cheese makes this dish a guaranteed hit.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something that could practically cook itself. The simplicity and delicious results made it an instant favorite. If you’re looking for a family-friendly meal that’s hearty, easy to prepare, and full of flavor, you’ve come to the right place.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort food. This recipe brings together all the best parts of a home-cooked meal without the hassle.

First off, it's an absolute time-saver. With just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, freeing you up to tackle your to-do list or simply relax.

It’s also budget-friendly, relying on pantry staples and simple ingredients that stretch to feed the whole family. No need for fancy or hard-to-find items here.

Another major perk? It’s a one-pot wonder! This means fewer dishes to wash and more time to enjoy with your loved ones.

Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. From swapping out ingredients to adjusting the flavors, this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences and what you have on hand.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every time.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice lies in its simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Let’s take a closer look:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully. They cook up tender and shred easily, soaking in all the flavors of the dish.
White or Jasmine Rice: Stick with white rice for this recipe. It cooks evenly in the crockpot and absorbs the cheesy sauce perfectly. Avoid instant rice as it can become mushy.
Chicken Broth: This forms the base of the dish, keeping everything moist and adding depth of flavor. Low-sodium broth is a great option if you’re watching your salt intake.
Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli works equally well. Add it toward the end of cooking to keep it vibrant and slightly crisp.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is a must for that classic cheesy flavor. Feel free to add more for extra indulgence.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This ingredient gives the dish its creamy consistency. Use a low-sodium or homemade version if preferred.

No special equipment is required for this recipe, but a 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for ensuring everything cooks evenly.

How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Creating this delicious dish is incredibly simple. Follow these steps, and dinner will practically make itself:

Prep the Crockpot
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your slow cooker to prevent sticking. Place your chicken breasts at the bottom in a single layer.
Add Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the cream of chicken soup. Sprinkle in seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the uncooked rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Cook on Low
Set your slow cooker to LOW and let it cook for 3-4 hours. During this time, the rice absorbs all the flavors while the chicken becomes tender and juicy.
Add Broccoli
About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the crockpot. This ensures they stay bright green and slightly crisp.
Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. This helps distribute the meat evenly throughout the dish.
Stir in Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese just before serving. It melts beautifully into the dish, creating a rich, creamy sauce that ties everything together.

The entire process takes about 4-5 hours, making it perfect for a busy day when you need dinner to cook itself.

Storage Options

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores. Here’s how to keep those leftovers fresh:

Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: This dish freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, use the microwave for individual servings or a stovetop skillet for larger portions. Add a splash of broth to restore the creamy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, making it easy to customize:

Switch the Protein: Try swapping chicken for ground turkey, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Add Extra Veggies: Bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms make excellent additions to this dish.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Try a Different Cheese: Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a smoky gouda can bring new dimensions to the dish.
Make It Lighter: Use low-fat cheese and cream of chicken soup to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.

Don’t be afraid to get creative – the possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is the ultimate comfort food – creamy, cheesy, and hearty enough to satisfy the whole family. With its easy preparation and adaptable ingredients, it’s bound to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments below! Happy cooking!