Description

This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts cook slowly with long-grain rice, chicken broth, and flavorful seasonings until everything is perfectly tender. Fresh or frozen broccoli is stirred in with creamy cheddar cheese and a splash of heavy cream, creating a rich and cheesy dish that’s both simple to prepare and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Main Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream or milk

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Instructions

Prepare the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crockpot and season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks.
Add Rice and Broth: Sprinkle the uncooked long-grain white rice over the seasoned chicken. Pour the chicken broth carefully over the rice to ensure it is fully submerged, which helps the rice cook evenly.
Cook: Cover the Crockpot with the lid. Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice has become tender.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the Crockpot. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the Crockpot to combine with the rice.
Add Broccoli and Cheese: Stir in the broccoli florets (fresh or frozen), heavy cream or milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix all ingredients thoroughly so the cheese and cream evenly coat the broccoli and rice.
Final Cooking: Cover the Crockpot again and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes. This step ensures the broccoli becomes tender and the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy texture.
Serve: Give everything a good stir to blend the layers of flavor. Serve warm and optionally garnish with extra shredded cheese for added cheesiness.

Notes

You can substitute heavy cream with milk for a lighter version, but cream provides a richer texture.
Frozen broccoli can be used directly without thawing, but if using fresh broccoli, chop into bite-sized florets before adding.
Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper after cooking if needed.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk instead of cream.