Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a comforting and easy one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and hearty brown rice slow-cooked to perfection in a creamy, cheesy sauce make it a family favorite with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings & Dairy
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice (or risotto rice, rinsed)
- 1 lb broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces roughly 1 to 1½ inches each to ensure even cooking in the crockpot.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In your crockpot, add the chicken broth, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard if using, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir this mixture until fully combined to create a flavorful base for your dish.
- Add Rice and Chicken: Stir in the rinsed long-grain brown rice ensuring it is evenly mixed with the broth and seasonings. Then add the cut chicken pieces on top and distribute evenly within the mixture.
- Add Broccoli: Layer the broccoli florets directly on top of the rice and chicken mixture for steaming during the slow cooking process.
- Cook: Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The dish is done when the chicken is fully cooked, the rice is tender, and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the grated sharp cheddar cheese into the cooked mixture until melted and creamy. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top, cover again, and let it melt for about 15 minutes to create a golden cheesy crust.
- Serve: Once the cheese topping has melted completely, serve the dish hot. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or freshly ground black pepper to add a fresh touch.
Notes
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Dijon mustard is optional but adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- You can use frozen broccoli florets; no need to thaw before adding.
- For creamier rice, risotto rice can be used instead of brown rice.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger families but cooking time may need slight adjustment.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
