Imagine walking into your kitchen, the enticing aroma of a warm, comforting casserole wafting through the air, ready to pull you into its hug of flavors. This Slow Cooker Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a perfect dish for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or simply when you crave something hearty and delightful. It combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice, all brought together in a slow cooker for maximum convenience and flavor. One of the best things about this dish is that it can serve as a wholesome meal on its own or as a side to a larger spread, making it incredibly versatile. You may also find Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole useful.
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole Works
This casserole is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of chicken and broccoli brings in lean protein and essential nutrients, while the rice serves as the perfect complement, creating a comforting texture. Here are a few highlights of why this dish stands out:
- Effortless Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it!
- Health-conscious Ingredients: Utilizing wholesome ingredients ensures everyone can enjoy it guilt-free.
- Family-Friendly: Its rich and creamy taste appeals to both adults and children.
- Versatile: Great for lunch or dinner, and perfect for meal prep.
If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the heart and belly, this casserole is the ultimate choice.
Gather These Ingredients
To create this delightful casserole, each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to the overall flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 cup long grain brown rice (rinsed and drained; do NOT substitute white rice or any other type of rice)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound broccoli (cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Each of these ingredients contributes to a rich and satisfying flavor. The Dijon mustard and garlic powder elevate the taste, while the cheeses add creaminess that is simply irresistible.
Bringing It Together
Follow these easy steps to prepare your casserole:
- Begin by placing the chopped onion, brown rice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and stir until everything is well combined.
- Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Sprinkle a little more black pepper over the chicken for added flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is perfectly cooked through and the rice has absorbed most of the broth. In my slow cooker, this typically takes about 3 hours on high.
- When the slow cooking is nearing its end, prepare the broccoli. You can steam it on the stove, microwave it, or roast it in your oven. Alternatively, you can add the broccoli directly into the slow cooker on top of the rice and chicken during the last hour of cooking; however, this may cause the broccoli to lose its bright green color.
- Once the chicken and rice are finished, transfer the chicken to a cutting board.
- Stir in the Greek yogurt (if using), Parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese into the rice mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the slow cooker along with the cooked broccoli. Stir everything together until well mixed and serve.
Prep ~15 minutes, Cook ~3 hours, Total ~3 hours 15 minutes, Servings ~6, Kcal ~450.
Prepare in Advance
For those busy days, you can do some prep ahead of time. Chop the onion and cut the broccoli a day before, and store them in the refrigerator to save time. You can also measure out your spices and rice to have everything ready to quickly combine in the slow cooker. If you prefer, you can assemble the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge; just remember to add a little more cooking time if you’re starting with cold ingredients.
How to Store Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious casserole, storing leftovers is simple. Place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you prefer to freeze it, you can do so for up to three months. Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore moisture. A good freshness cue is to check for any change in smell or texture.
Perfect Pairings
Want to create a full meal experience? Here are a few ideas you can consider serving with your casserole:
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls
- A side of steamed vegetables
- Fresh fruit salad for dessert
- Grilled corn on the cob
Make It Your Own
Feel free to customize this dish to suit your taste preferences or to use what you have on hand. Here are some variations to consider:
- Swap in different vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or peas for added color and nutrition.
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep.
- Try adding some spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.
- Replace the cheeses with your favorites or leave them out for a lighter version.
- Serve over a bed of leafy greens for a refreshing twist.
Cook’s Notes and Secrets
For the best results, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use a meat thermometer; chicken is safely cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker; this can affect cooking time.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps with texture.
- If using frozen broccoli, add it during the last hour of cooking for the best texture.
Your Questions Answered
- Can I use other types of rice? It’s best to use long grain brown rice, as other types may require different cooking times and liquid ratios.
- Can I make this in the oven instead? Yes, you can bake it in a casserole dish at 350°F for about 45 minutes to an hour; adjust the liquid accordingly.
- Is there a vegetarian option available? Absolutely! Replace the chicken with chickpeas or use a plant-based protein and vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
- Can I add more cheese? Certainly! Feel free to increase the cheese amounts if you love a cheesier casserole.
- How do I make it gluten-free? Ensure that all ingredients, especially the broth, are labeled gluten-free and swap regular mustard for a gluten-free version.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience perfect for any occasion. Its ease of preparation and wholesome ingredients make it a staple in any kitchen. We invite you to try this recipe soon and savor its delightfully creamy texture and rich flavors with your family!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A warm and comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice, all cooked in a slow cooker for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 cup long grain brown rice (rinsed and drained; do NOT substitute white rice)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound broccoli (cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Begin by placing the chopped onion, brown rice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and stir until everything is well combined.
- Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Sprinkle a little more black pepper over the chicken for added flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is perfectly cooked through and the rice has absorbed most of the broth.
- Prepare the broccoli when the slow cooking is nearing its end, either by steaming, microwaving or roasting, or adding it directly into the slow cooker during the last hour.
- Once the chicken and rice are finished, transfer the chicken to a cutting board.
- Stir in the Greek yogurt (if using), Parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese into the rice mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the slow cooker along with the cooked broccoli. Stir everything together until well mixed and serve.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently, adding broth for moisture if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: casserole, slow cooker, chicken, broccoli, rice, family dinner, easy recipe
