Patrick Simon December 20, 2025

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Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Name: Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 pound chicken breasts, diced; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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There is nothing quite like the smell of cheese and warm chicken filling the house on a cool evening, the slow cooker humming quietly in the background while soft steam fogs the kitchen window. This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is the kind of comfort food that makes weeknights feel like a hug, perfect for busy families, potlucks, or a cozy solo dinner. It is forgiving, warmly cheesy, and full of tender bites of chicken and bright green broccoli that look as good as they taste.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice, and What Makes It Special

This recipe takes simple pantry and fridge staples, and turns them into a creamy, satisfying meal with almost no hands-on time. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, melding the savory cream of chicken soup with garlic and chicken broth so each spoonful tastes rich without being heavy. The cheddar melts into a silky sauce that clings to the rice and chicken, while broccoli adds a pop of color and fresh texture.

What keeps people coming back

Effortless prep, great for busy evenings
Balanced meal in one pot, easy cleanup
Flexible, kid friendly, and deeply comforting

What You’ll Need for Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

A few swaps and small choices make a big difference, like using leftover cooked rice for texture, or choosing a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. If you want to lighten the dish, low sodium broth and a reduced fat soup work well. For a casserole-style bake instead of the crockpot, try a similar mix warmed in an oven dish for a crisp top like in this chicken broccoli rice casserole, which shares many of the same cozy flavors chicken broccoli rice casserole.

2 cups cooked rice
2 cups broccoli florets
1 pound chicken breasts, diced
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Cook Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice, Step by Step

Prepare the chicken and base, place the diced chicken breasts in the slow cooker, then spoon in the cream of chicken soup and pour the chicken broth over the top. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, and season lightly with salt and pepper, stirring the mixture until the soup and broth form a creamy base that smells savory and garlicky.
Add rice and broccoli, fold in the cooked rice and the broccoli florets so the grains and florets sit evenly throughout the mixture, the rice helping to thicken the sauce while the broccoli keeps the dish bright. The broccoli will shrink slightly as it softens, keeping a pleasant bite.
Cook low and slow, cover the slow cooker and set it to low, cook for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the kitchen fills with a warm, cheesy aroma. Check at the earlier time if your slow cooker runs hot, the chicken should be opaque and easily flaked with a fork.
Finish with cheddar, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue to stir until the cheese melts into a silky sauce that coats the rice and chicken, transforming the texture into a creamy, cohesive casserole-like dish. Taste and adjust salt and pepper, watching the glossy sheen as the cheese blends in.
Serve warm, scoop onto plates while steaming, and notice the contrast between the soft rice and the small, tender bites of chicken, with flecks of green broccoli throughout.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 4 to 6 hours, Total ~ 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes, Servings ~ 6, Kcal ~ 420

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

This recipe is especially forgiving when planned ahead. You can dice the chicken and measure the spices the night before, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, which saves precious time on busy days. Cook the rice in advance, cool it quickly, and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days so it fits straight into the slow cooker. The broccoli can be prepped and blanched briefly, then chilled to maintain a bright green color, or left raw for a slightly firmer bite after slow cooking.

If you want to assemble the whole dish in the morning and start it later, layer the solids and liquids in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate until you set it on the cooker base. For safety, let chilled assembled ingredients warm a little on the counter before turning the cooker on to ensure an even slow cook. If you prefer a casserole finish, transfer the cooked mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for a couple of minutes until golden.

Storing and Reheating, Simple Guidelines

Cool leftovers within two hours and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headroom for expansion, and keep frozen for up to 3 months. Label the containers with the date to track freshness.

To reheat from the fridge, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive creaminess, stirring until steaming through. In the microwave, cover loosely and heat in 1 minute bursts, stirring between each interval. From frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as above. A freshness cue is the aroma and texture, the sauce should smell savory and look glossy, if it smells off or has an unusual texture discard it. Avoid high heat that will separate the sauce, always reheat slowly and stir to restore a smooth consistency.

Perfect Pairings, What to Serve with Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette for brightness
Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for extra crunch
Warm crusty bread or soft rolls to mop up the sauce
Crisp apple or pear slices, the sweetness complements the savory cheese
Light roasted Brussels sprouts for an earthy counterpoint

Variations and Swaps, Make It Your Own

Explore small changes to keep the recipe fresh, all while avoiding pork and alcohol. Swap the chicken for shredded cooked rotisserie chicken for an even faster assembly, or use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer, moister result. For a leaner twist, use ground turkey browned and drained first, then added to the slow cooker, which creates a different, crumblier texture that still soaks up the sauce.

Add extra vegetables, stir in diced carrots, peas, or a handful of chopped spinach toward the end of cooking, the spinach wilting quickly while peas add a pop of sweetness. Make it spicy by folding in a little hot sauce or red pepper flakes when you add the cheese, this wakes up the savory notes. For a lower carb option, swap the rice for cauliflower rice, stirring it in during the last hour of cooking so it retains some texture rather than turning mushy.

If you enjoy a baked finish, transfer the slow cooked mixture into a casserole dish, top with a mix of panko and extra cheddar, and bake at 400 F for 10 minutes for a golden, crunchy top. If you love pasta versions of cheesy chicken dishes, try a related crowd-pleaser like this cheesy chicken pasta for inspiration, it uses similar flavors in a different format cheesy chicken pasta.

Pro Tips for Best Results, Cook’s Notes and Secrets

Use leftover cooked rice that is slightly dry for the best texture, freshly cooked hot rice can become gluey.
Keep the slow cooker on low for tender chicken, high heat can dry the meat.
Stir gently when adding cheese, a smooth melt gives that creamy finish without clumps.
If the sauce seems thin near the end, stir in a tablespoon of instant mashed potato flakes or a small slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken.
Aim for an internal chicken temperature of 165 F to ensure safety and juiciness.

Frequently Asked Questions, Your Questions Answered

What type of rice works best for this dish?
Short grain rice will become creamier, while long grain rice stays more separate, which many prefer to avoid mushiness. Leftover day-old rice is ideal because it has less moisture and holds its texture during slow cooking.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well, but add it in the last hour of cooking to avoid it turning too soft. If you add frozen early, expect a softer texture and slightly more water in the final dish.

Is it safe to cook raw chicken in the slow cooker with the rice?
Yes, cooking on low for 4 to 6 hours allows the chicken to cook gently to a safe temperature, just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 F. If you prefer, use pre-cooked chicken and add it later to prevent overcooking.

How can I make this dairy free or lighter?
Use a dairy free cheese alternative and a dairy free cream soup, or swap the soup for a blended mixture of pureed white beans and chicken broth to maintain creaminess. Lighten it further with low fat cheese and low sodium broth.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd or freezer meals?
You can double the ingredients in a larger slow cooker, but avoid overfilling, keep the insert no more than two thirds full for even cooking. For freezing, portion into meal-sized containers for easy thawing and reheating.

Final Thoughts, Closing Encouragement

This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is the kind of dependable, comforting meal that becomes a family favorite, delivering warm cheesy flavors, tender chicken, and bright broccoli with almost no effort. It is forgiving in timing and flexible with swaps, making it perfect for busy nights or when you want a simple, satisfying dish waiting at dinnertime. Give it a try this week, and enjoy how a few straightforward ingredients can turn into a cozy, nourishing dinner everyone will ask to have again.

Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 255 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A creamy and comforting slow-cooked dish featuring chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked rice
2 cups broccoli florets
1 pound chicken breasts, diced
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Place the diced chicken breasts in the slow cooker, then spoon in the cream of chicken soup and pour the chicken broth over the top.
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, and season lightly with salt and pepper, stirring the mixture until a creamy base is formed.
Add the cooked rice and broccoli florets, folding them into the mixture.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is cooked and tender.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the mixture is creamy.
Serve warm, scooping onto plates while steaming.