Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner
Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner is a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to making it creamy and flavorful every time. This cozy dinner is a family favorite that’s better than takeout. Keep reading for my best tips or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Smoky Grilled Mushroom Skewers for Dinner and Easy Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe.
Why This Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- It's a one-pot wonder that's easy to clean up.
- The creamy cheese sauce is made right in the crockpot.
- It's customizable with your favorite veggies and seasonings.
- Leftovers reheat perfectly for meal prep.
What You'll Need for Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- broccoli florets
- sharp cheddar cheese
- long grain white rice
- chicken broth
- milk
- sour cream
- onion soup mix
- onion soup mix
- garlic powder
- salt
- black pepper
- paprika
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: additional shredded cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- chicken breasts: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- broccoli: Frozen broccoli florets work great in this recipe.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Crockpot — Cooks food evenly and keeps it warm until serving. → See on Amazon
- Instant Read Meat Thermometer — Ensures chicken is cooked to a safe temperature. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Top with uncooked rice, then broccoli florets.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix together chicken broth, milk, sour cream, onion soup mix, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the top of the broccoli.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from crockpot and shred using two forks. Return chicken to crockpot and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Sprinkle with paprika and serve.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the chicken or it will become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Pro tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Pro tip: Make it ahead: Prepare the recipe through step 2, then refrigerate overnight. The next day, cook as directed.
Storing & Reheating Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: This recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months.
Freezing Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until heated through. Stir halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a smoother cheese sauce, use a whisk to stir the cheese into the crockpot until completely melted and combined.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the broccoli with cauliflower or your favorite steamed vegetable.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the recipe through step 2, then refrigerate overnight. The next day, cook as directed.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out. If it's too thin, cook on high for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Want to level up this recipe?
Crockpot Liners — Makes cleanup a breeze and prevents food from sticking. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- broccoli florets
- sharp cheddar cheese
- long grain white rice
- chicken broth
- milk
- sour cream
- onion soup mix
Seasonings
- onion soup mix
- garlic powder
- salt
- black pepper
- paprika
Optional Toppings
- crushed red pepper flakes
- chopped fresh parsley
- additional shredded cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Top with uncooked rice, then broccoli florets.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix together chicken broth, milk, sour cream, onion soup mix, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the top of the broccoli.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from crockpot and shred using two forks. Return chicken to crockpot and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Sprinkle with paprika and serve.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a smoother cheese sauce, use a whisk to stir the cheese into the crockpot until completely melted and combined.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the broccoli with cauliflower or your favorite steamed vegetable.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the recipe through step 2, then refrigerate overnight. The next day, cook as directed.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out. If it's too thin, cook on high for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, until heated through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until heated through. Stir halfway through.
- Make ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sat. Fat: 9g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the recipe through step 2, then refrigerate overnight. The next day, cook as directed.
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked to 165°F (74°C).
Yes, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Yes, you can make this recipe in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then quick release the pressure.
Yes, this recipe is better than takeout because it's made with fresh ingredients and can be customized to your liking. Plus, it's more affordable!
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
