There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a warm, hearty meal filling your home at the end of a long day. This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice recipe is a family favorite that delivers rich, creamy flavors with minimal effort. It's the perfect one-pot wonder that satisfies everyone at the table.

I first tried this recipe on a chilly weeknight when I needed something simple yet comforting. What started as a last-minute experiment quickly turned into a household staple, ideal for busy schedules and picky eaters alike. Let's dive into why this dish deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation!
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that checks all the boxes for convenience, flavor, and versatility. This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice isn't just easy—it's a mealtime game-changer.
First off, it's ridiculously simple to prepare. You toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and let the magic happen while you go about your day. It's perfect for those evenings when cooking feels like an uphill battle.
This dish is also wonderfully comforting. The creamy cheese, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli come together to create a meal that's hearty and satisfying without being too heavy. It's like a warm hug in a bowl!
Budget-conscious cooks will appreciate that it uses affordable pantry staples like rice, chicken, and cheese. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any fresh or frozen broccoli you have on hand, reducing waste and saving money.
Lastly, the recipe is super versatile. You can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences or adapt it based on what’s already in your kitchen. It's the ultimate "clean out the fridge" dinner that still tastes like a million bucks.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice lies in its simplicity and the harmonious balance of flavors. Here’s a closer look at the key components that make this dish shine.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best here. They cook up tender and shred easily, absorbing all the cheesy, savory flavors of the dish.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is the go-to choice for this recipe. It cooks evenly and becomes perfectly tender in the slow cooker. Avoid instant or quick-cooking rice, as they may turn mushy.
Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli both work beautifully. If using fresh, cut the florets into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook through. Add them towards the end to maintain a slight crunch and vibrant color.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is the star of this dish, bringing a rich, tangy flavor. Feel free to mix it up with a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Parmesan for added depth.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This classic pantry staple provides a creamy base that ties the dish together. You can also use a homemade version if you prefer to skip the canned soup.
A slow cooker is the only special equipment you’ll need. Opt for a medium or large size to ensure everything fits comfortably without overcrowding.
How To Make This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Making this dish is as easy as it gets—just a few steps, and dinner is served!
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This ensures the chicken is flavorful from the get-go.
Add the uncooked rice, followed by the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Stir everything gently to combine, making sure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid.
Set your slow cooker to low heat and let it cook for about 4-5 hours. The chicken will become tender, and the rice will absorb all the savory flavors.
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Add the broccoli and stir it into the mixture. The residual heat will cook the broccoli just enough to maintain its color and texture.
Finally, stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. The cheese will blend seamlessly into the dish, creating a luscious, velvety consistency. Serve hot and enjoy the rave reviews!
This recipe takes about 6 hours total, with only 10 minutes of prep time. It's the perfect hands-off solution for busy days.
Storage Options
This recipe is just as good the next day, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or leftovers.
For refrigeration, store the cooled dish in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to maintain its creamy texture.
If you’d like to freeze it, transfer the cooled dish to freezer-safe containers. Label and date them for easy tracking, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, warm the dish gently in a covered pan or microwave. Stir frequently and add a little broth or water to loosen the consistency if needed.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
For a healthier twist, substitute brown rice for white rice. Keep in mind that it may require additional cooking time and liquid.
Swap out the chicken for other proteins like ground turkey, cubed ham, or even shrimp. Each adds its unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Add more vegetables to boost the nutritional value. Diced carrots, peas, or spinach are excellent choices that blend seamlessly into the mix.
Prefer a spicier version? Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Experiment with different cheeses. Colby Jack, Gouda, or even a sprinkling of blue cheese crumbles can elevate the flavor profile to new heights.
Don’t be afraid to make it your own—the possibilities are endless, and each variation brings something special to the table.
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is sure to become a go-to favorite. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor—what more could you ask for? Whether you're feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy meal to keep the weeknight chaos at bay, this recipe is your ticket to stress-free cooking. Enjoy!
PrintCrockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
This crockpot cheesy chicken broccoli rice recipe combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, fresh broccoli, and rice for a comforting and flavorful meal the whole family will love. Perfect for weeknights, this one-pot dish is easy to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes - 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place cubed chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add fresh broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the cooked rice and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well and let the cheese melt.
- Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish!
Notes
- Use brown rice for a healthier twist.
- Frozen broccoli can be substituted for fresh broccoli.
- Adjust the cheese amount based on your preference for extra creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
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