There’s something magical about a warm, hearty dinner waiting for you at the end of a busy day. This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy cheese, crisp broccoli, and fluffy rice into one irresistible dish. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
I first tried this recipe on a rainy weeknight when I needed something cozy yet simple. Little did I know it would become a go-to for my household. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you’ll love how effortless it is to bring this dish to life. Let’s dive in and see why this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Get ready to embrace the coziest dinner you’ll make all week. This recipe is a true lifesaver for busy families, picky eaters, and anyone craving a satisfying, stress-free meal.
First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few minutes of chopping and measuring, you can toss everything into your crockpot and let it work its magic. No babysitting required!
Next, the combination of flavors is unbeatable. The creamy, cheesy sauce coats the chicken, broccoli, and rice perfectly, creating a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
It’s also a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes to clean up. Who doesn’t love a meal that saves you both time and effort?
Finally, it’s versatile enough to fit your needs. Whether you want to sneak in extra veggies or swap out the protein, this recipe adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients Notes

This recipe shines with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together in a harmonious way. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each one special.
Chicken is the star of the show, and I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They cook to tender perfection in the crockpot and shred easily for that classic creamy texture.
Broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition. Use fresh florets for the best texture, but frozen broccoli works in a pinch – just add it toward the end of cooking to prevent it from getting too soft.
Rice provides the foundation for this dish. Long-grain white rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and absorbs all the cheesy goodness. Avoid using instant or quick-cooking rice, as it may become mushy.
Cheese is what makes this dish truly decadent. Sharp cheddar cheese melts into a creamy sauce, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or your favorite blend for extra flavor.
Chicken broth forms the base of the cooking liquid. Opt for a low-sodium variety to control the saltiness of the dish.
You’ll also need pantry staples like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
No special equipment is required beyond a trusty crockpot and a good cheese grater for that fresh, melty goodness!
How To Make This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Making this dish is as simple as setting it and forgetting it! Here’s how to bring it all together.
Start by preparing your crockpot. Lightly grease the insert with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then layer your chicken on the bottom. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a flavorful base.
Add the chicken broth and sprinkle the rice over the top. Give it a gentle stir to ensure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. The exact time may vary depending on your crockpot, so check for doneness around the 4-hour mark.
About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir in the broccoli and top with shredded cheese. Cover again and let it cook until the cheese is melted and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
Before serving, give everything a good stir to evenly coat the rice and chicken in the cheesy sauce. Serve hot and watch it disappear from plates!
Storage Options
Leftovers (if there are any!) store beautifully and make for a quick, delicious meal the next day.
Refrigerate the dish in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Simply reheat portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked dish in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the crockpot or on the stove with a splash of broth to refresh the texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to make it your own.
Want to sneak in more veggies? Add diced carrots, peas, or spinach along with the broccoli.
Prefer a different protein? Swap the chicken for turkey or even ham for a unique twist.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and low-calorie cream of chicken soup as part of the liquid base.
Experiment with different cheeses to create new flavor profiles. Gouda or smoked cheddar would add a delicious depth!
Finally, spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who love a little kick.
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a must-try for anyone looking to simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor. Give it a try, and let me know how you’ve made it your own!
PrintCrockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice recipe is a one-pot meal that's loaded with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy, cheesy rice—perfect for family-friendly dinners!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked white rice
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add uncooked rice, chicken broth, milk, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Mix well.
- Layer the chicken cubes over the rice mixture. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, add broccoli florets to the crockpot and mix gently.
- Once done, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish!
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding paprika or chili flakes.
- Use brown rice for a healthier twist, but adjust the liquid and cooking time.
- Fresh or frozen broccoli works fine; no need to thaw frozen broccoli beforehand.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
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