There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, cheesy, and creamy bowl of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice. This easy slow cooker meal is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, filling your home with irresistible aromas while requiring minimal effort.

I first tried making this dish on a hectic Monday when I needed something simple yet satisfying. Tossing everything into the crockpot and coming back to a cheesy, flavor-packed dinner felt like pure magic. Now, it’s a family favorite that we enjoy at least once a month!

Why You'll Love This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Get ready to fall in love with this effortless crockpot meal. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and wholesome broccoli – all in one pot!

First, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a few minutes of prep, you can let the slow cooker do all the work. No need to babysit a stovetop or oven – just dump, stir, and enjoy.

It’s also a complete meal in one dish. You get protein from the chicken, veggies from the broccoli, and comforting carbs from the rice, all smothered in melty cheese.

Another bonus? Kids love it! The cheesy goodness makes even the pickiest eaters dig in happily. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some veggies without complaints.

Lastly, this recipe is budget-friendly and customizable. It uses simple, affordable ingredients and can be adapted to whatever you have in your kitchen, making it an ideal go-to meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice comes from its simple ingredients, each bringing its own delicious element to the dish.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make this meal protein-packed and tender. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier texture.

Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe, as it absorbs flavors beautifully. Avoid using instant rice, as it can become mushy in the crockpot.

Broccoli florets add a fresh, nutritious crunch. Frozen or fresh broccoli works, but if using frozen, add it in the last hour of cooking to keep it from becoming too soft.

Cheddar cheese is the star of this dish. A sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but feel free to experiment with a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different twist.

You'll also need chicken broth to keep the rice perfectly cooked and flavorful. Using a low-sodium version lets you control the salt level better.

For best results, a 6-quart slow cooker is recommended to ensure even cooking and enough room for all the ingredients to blend together perfectly.

How To Make This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Making this creamy, cheesy meal is as easy as setting it and forgetting it. Let’s go through the simple steps!

Start by spraying your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you love, such as garlic powder or paprika.

Pour in the chicken broth and cover. Set the slow cooker to low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, allowing the chicken to cook until tender and easily shreddable.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return it to the pot and stir in the uncooked rice. Let it cook for another 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally.

In the last 30 minutes, add the broccoli florets and stir well. This keeps them from overcooking while still becoming tender.

Finally, stir in the cheddar cheese and mix until everything is creamy and well combined. If you want it extra cheesy, feel free to sprinkle more on top before serving!

This dish takes about 7 hours on low or 4 hours on high in total, but your patience is rewarded with a hearty, comforting meal that tastes like pure comfort food.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, they store wonderfully for easy meals later!

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.

Freeze: This dish freezes well, though the texture of the rice may soften slightly. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat: For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little broth to bring back the creamy consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is how customizable it is! Here are some fun ways to switch things up.

Switch up the protein: Try using rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version. You can also swap the chicken for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.

Make it even creamier: Stir in cream cheese or a can of cream of chicken soup for an ultra-rich texture.

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.

Try a different veggie: Don’t love broccoli? Substitute with peas, green beans, or spinach for a fresh twist.

Use brown rice: If you prefer brown rice, note that it takes longer to cook and may need extra broth. Adjust the cooking time by an additional 1-2 hours on low.

No matter how you customize it, this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is guaranteed to be a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Give it a try and make it your own!