There's nothing quite as comforting as a creamy, cheesy dish that practically makes itself. This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe is the ultimate one-pot wonder, combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and hearty rice in a velvety cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it’s a meal the whole family will adore.

I first tried this recipe on a rainy afternoon when I needed something warm and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. The result? A dish that has become a staple in our home, loved by kids and adults alike. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s the perfect go-to meal for any day of the week.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this deliciously simple dish. Whether you're a busy parent or just love comfort food, this recipe has something for everyone.
First, it's a true time-saver. All the ingredients go into the crockpot, and it does the work for you. No babysitting required! You can set it up in the morning and come back to a warm, homemade meal.
It's also incredibly family-friendly. The creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken make it irresistible, even for picky eaters. Plus, it's a sneaky way to get some veggies in with the broccoli.
Another reason to love this recipe? It’s budget-friendly. Using affordable staples like rice, chicken, and broccoli, you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Lastly, it’s highly customizable. From swapping proteins to adding extra veggies or different cheeses, this recipe adapts to your pantry and your preferences.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the ultimate comfort food experience.
Chicken thighs or breasts are the protein stars of this dish. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their rich flavor and juiciness, but chicken breasts work well too if you prefer a leaner option.
Broccoli florets add a pop of color and a healthy crunch to the creamy dish. Fresh broccoli is ideal, but frozen florets are a great alternative. Just add them in the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking.
The rice serves as the hearty base. Long-grain white rice works beautifully, as it cooks evenly and absorbs the cheesy flavors. Avoid instant rice, as it can become mushy in the slow cooker.
Cheddar cheese is the highlight of this recipe, creating the gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave. Sharp cheddar works best for bold flavor, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder taste.
For the creamy texture, a combination of chicken broth and cream of chicken soup is used. Together, they create a luxurious sauce that binds the ingredients together. You can substitute cream of mushroom soup if that's what you have on hand.
Lastly, a few pantry staples like onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper elevate the flavors, making every bite irresistible.
How To Make This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

Creating this one-pot wonder couldn’t be easier. Follow these steps, and you'll have a comforting meal ready in no time.
Start by prepping your crockpot. Lightly grease the bottom to prevent sticking. Then, layer your chicken thighs or breasts at the bottom of the pot. Sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a flavorful foundation.
Add your uncooked rice directly on top of the chicken. It will absorb all the delicious juices as it cooks, becoming perfectly tender and infused with flavor.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and evenly distribute the cream of chicken soup over the rice. Give it a gentle stir to combine, but don’t worry about mixing everything thoroughly – the slow cooker will do the work.
Set your crockpot to low heat for 5-6 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. About 45 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the broccoli florets. This ensures they stay bright and slightly crisp.
Once the cooking time is complete, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving. The result? A creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), this dish stores wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the creamy consistency.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
When reheating, ensure the dish is heated through completely. Stirring occasionally will help distribute the heat evenly and maintain its creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Swap the Protein: Use diced turkey, cooked sausage, or even shrimp for a twist on the classic chicken version.
- Go Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or extra broccoli, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add Extra Veggies: Stir in diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
- Cheese It Up: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or a Mexican blend for a unique flavor profile.
- Use Whole Grains: Substitute brown rice for a healthier spin. Just adjust the cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is forgiving and encourages creativity in the kitchen.
With its creamy, cheesy goodness and effortless preparation, this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe is destined to become a staple in your household. Give it a try, and let the aroma of comfort fill your kitchen!
PrintCrockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Made with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and nutritious broccoli, it's a one-pot meal that's perfect for busy nights. Let your slow cooker do the work for a deliciously easy dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: slow cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add rice, chicken broth, milk, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the crockpot.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and broccoli. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted and broccoli is tender.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli; add it in the last 30 minutes to keep it from becoming mushy.
- For extra creaminess, add more cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
- Swap white rice for brown rice, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
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