Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Crockpot Dinner
Easy cheesy broccoli chicken and rice crockpot dinner is a creamy, comforting meal that’s better than takeout. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to perfectly cooked chicken and tender broccoli. The melty cheese on top makes this dish irresistible. Try it with my Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken for a complete meal. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe for Dinner and Easy Spring Zucchini Basil Soup Recipe for Dinner.
Why This Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Crockpot Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy, comforting, and better than takeout
- Easy to make with minimal effort
- Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prepping
- Kid-friendly and customizable with your favorite veggies
What You'll Need for Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Crockpot Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- chicken breasts
- broccoli florets
- long grain white rice
- cream of chicken soup
- milk
- shredded cheddar cheese
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- dried parsley
- Optional: crispy bacon bits
- Optional: chopped green onions
- Optional: additional shredded cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe.
- broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets can be used. If using frozen, do not thaw before adding to the crockpot.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Crockpot — Ensures even cooking and perfect results every time. → See on Amazon
- Instant Read Meat Thermometer — Prevents overcooking and ensures food safety. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Crockpot Dinner
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Step 2: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley over the chicken.
- Step 3: Add broccoli florets to the crockpot.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, milk, and rice. Pour over chicken and broccoli.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Step 6: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Crockpot Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Avoid overcooking the chicken by using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Time-saving tip: Prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Make-ahead tip: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Storing & Reheating Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Crockpot Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Freezing Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Crockpot Dinner
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a healthier version, substitute Greek yogurt for the cream of chicken soup and use low-sodium chicken broth.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for even more tender and flavorful results.
- Make-ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the chicken is not cooking through, try increasing the cooking time or cooking on high instead of low.
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Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Crockpot Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breasts
- broccoli florets
- long grain white rice
- cream of chicken soup
- milk
- shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- dried parsley
Optional Toppings
- crispy bacon bits
- chopped green onions
- additional shredded cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Step 2: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley over the chicken.
- Step 3: Add broccoli florets to the crockpot.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, milk, and rice. Pour over chicken and broccoli.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Step 6: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Chef tip: For a healthier version, substitute Greek yogurt for the cream of chicken soup and use low-sodium chicken broth.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for even more tender and flavorful results.
- Make-ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the chicken is not cooking through, try increasing the cooking time or cooking on high instead of low.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, until heated through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
- Make ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1080mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sat. Fat: 12g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Crockpot Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Alternatively, you can cook the entire dish ahead of time and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Overcooking the chicken can cause the dish to become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and no more.
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
No, this recipe is best suited for the crockpot. The air fryer may not cook the chicken and rice evenly.
Yes, this homemade version is healthier, more affordable, and just as delicious as takeout. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite veggies and seasonings.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Crockpot Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
