Name: Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489372H35M26S
Total time: PT-489372H35M26S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed); 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup milk; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste; Extra shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped fresh parsley

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I am so excited to share this Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe with you because it has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s an absolute lifesaver when I want something hearty, cheesy, and packed with wholesome ingredients but without the hassle of constant stirring or babysitting. Just toss everything into the crockpot, walk away, and come back to a creamy, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness you want, balanced with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, plus the perfect fluffy rice to soak up all those savory flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

What excites me the most about this recipe is the amazing flavor combo of sharp cheddar cheese with tender chicken and fresh broccoli, all wrapped up in a creamy sauce. The garlic and onion powder bring just enough of a savory punch to keep every bite interesting, while the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup make sure the rice cooks perfectly soft and flavorful. It’s a complete meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple.

Another reason I’m so eager to recommend this is the incredible ease of preparation. I can prepare everything in less than 20 minutes, set my crockpot on low, and go about my day. Whether I’m busy with work, running errands, or managing family schedules, this dish comes together with zero stress. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you want a fuss-free meal that still impresses. What really makes it stand out for me is how the crockpot turns simple, everyday ingredients into a comforting, cheesy feast without me needing to watch over the stove.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black slow cooker is filled with creamy soup that has two main visible layers: a smooth, thick, pale yellow base mixed with melted orange and white cheese strands, and scattered bright green broccoli florets throughout. The texture shows a mix of smooth cream and chunky broccoli pieces, with some black pepper sprinkled on top for contrast. A wooden spoon is partially dipped into the soup on the right side, resting just below the surface. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right here is key, but you’ll be pleased how straightforward they are. Each one plays a vital role in building the perfect taste, texture, and color of the dish. From the tender chicken breasts to the sharp cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli, every element adds something wonderful to this easy crockpot masterpiece.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Long-grain white rice: Cooks perfectly in the crockpot, absorbing all the delicious sauce without getting mushy.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and easy to shred, they soak up all the creamy flavors beautifully.
Fresh broccoli florets: Adds vibrant color, crunch, and a healthy boost to the dish (frozen works well too).
Condensed cream of chicken soup: Creates the creamy, comforting base without needing extra thickening agents.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides that rich, cheesy punch that brings the whole dish to life.
Chicken broth: Gives depth and savory notes, helping cook the rice perfectly.
Milk: Adds creaminess and balances the richness of the cheese and soup.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives wonderful aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheddar.
Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness without overpowering the dish.
Black pepper and salt: Essential for seasoning and rounding out all the flavors.
Optional garnishes: Extra shredded cheddar or fresh parsley brighten the presentation and add an extra hit of flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare your crockpot by spraying the inside with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Spread the uncooked rice evenly at the bottom of the crockpot. Don’t worry about pre-cooking; the rice will cook perfectly in the sauce throughout the process.

Step 3: Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the rice. It’s okay if they overlap slightly since they’ll cook thoroughly during the process.

Step 4: Sprinkle the minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and salt evenly over the chicken breasts for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk until smooth with no lumps remaining.

Step 6: Pour this creamy soup mixture evenly over the chicken and rice in the crockpot, giving everything the moisture and flavor it needs.

Step 7: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours. The chicken should be cooked through, and the rice will be soft and tender.

Step 8: About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. Shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces, then return them to the pot.

Step 9: Add the broccoli florets and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot. Stir well to mix everything together evenly.

Step 10: Cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the cheese has melted into a bubbly, creamy delight.

Step 11: Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cheese as needed. Remember, a little extra cheese sprinkled on top never hurts!

Step 12: Serve warm and garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese or fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy this comforting, cheesy, and completely hands-off meal straight from your crockpot!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week. Prep time is impressively quick at just 15 minutes, which is perfect for busy days. Cooking time depends on your crockpot setting: 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 2.5 hours on high. I love the flexibility here because if I’m home all day I go low and slow, but if I’m short on time, the high setting works great too! There’s no resting or cooling time needed, so you can serve up as soon as the final cheese melts and broccoli is tender.

How to Serve This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with creamy rice mixed with small pieces of cooked chicken, bright green peas, broccoli florets, and yellow corn. The rice looks soft and cheesy with strands of melted cheese stretching from the spoon to the plate. The spoon, held by a woman’s hand, is lifting a serving that shows a mix of chicken pieces and vegetables covered in melted cheese sauce. The plate sits on a wooden surface with a blurred white cloth and soft blue background behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving, I love pairing this recipe with a fresh, crisp side salad to complement the rich, creamy flavors. A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette or even a tangy cucumber salad works beautifully. Since this dish is already so hearty and filling, balancing it with something light and refreshing really hits the spot.

For garnishes, I often sprinkle extra sharp cheddar cheese or a handful of chopped fresh parsley right before serving to add a pop of color and brightness. It really lifts the presentation and makes the dish feel extra special without extra fuss. I like to serve it warm straight from the crockpot, but it also tastes great if it sits for a little while, allowing the flavors to fully meld.

This recipe is perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy weekend gathering with friends. For beverage pairings, I enjoy a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy beer with it. If I want non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with fresh lemon or iced herbal tea are refreshing complements. Portion-wise, I typically scoop generous helpings onto plates, making sure each serving has a nice balance of chicken, rice, broccoli, and that melty cheesy goodness.

Variations

I love tweaking this Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe to keep it interesting. One of my favorite swaps is using boneless skinless thighs instead of breasts for even juicier, more flavorful chicken. If you want to load up more veggies, sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers are delicious additions that cook well in the crockpot.

If you need a gluten-free version, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free cream of chicken soup and broth. For a vegetarian spin, you can swap the chicken for hearty tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth along with a cream of mushroom soup alternative. Vegan cheese and plant-based milk also work nicely here, though the texture will be slightly different but still satisfying.

I’ve also experimented with different cheeses: mixing in pepper jack adds some gentle heat, while mozzarella lends extra creaminess. For another cooking method, you could try making this in an oven-safe dish baked at 350°F for about an hour, covered with foil, stirring midway for even cooking, though I personally prefer the crockpot for its ease.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, any leftovers store beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator. I like to divide the dish into portions so I can grab exactly what I need later. It will keep fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week without losing that creamy, cheesy magic.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, which makes it a real time-saver. I recommend letting it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze in meal-sized portions to thaw easily when you’re ready. It will keep well frozen for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer gently warming leftovers in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through to keep a nice texture. You can also reheat on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry. The microwave is convenient for quick meals; cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Avoid overheating to preserve the creamy texture and tender chicken.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! I often use frozen broccoli florets that I thaw before adding. They work just as well and make this recipe even more convenient, especially when fresh broccoli isn’t in season.

Do I have to shred the chicken?

Shredding the chicken is recommended because it mixes more evenly through the dish, giving you bites of tender chicken in every spoonful. But if you prefer, you can leave the breasts whole and slice them after cooking or serve as is.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can adapt it for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to layer ingredients then cooking on high pressure for about 10 minutes with a quick release. Just add broccoli and cheese afterward and use the sauté mode to melt the cheese and soften the broccoli.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can make a simple homemade substitute by mixing chicken broth with a bit of flour and milk or cream to thicken. Alternatively, cream of mushroom soup also works well for a slightly earthier flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! This dish reheats well and keeps its flavor, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. I usually portion it out into containers right after cooking so I have ready meals for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe a try because it has made such a difference in my cooking routine—delivering big flavor and comfort with so little effort. It’s the perfect cozy meal for busy days, and I promise you’ll love how creamy and satisfying it is. Once you try it, I have a feeling it will become a regular in your crockpot rotation, just like it has in mine!