There's nothing quite like coming home to the comforting aroma of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice filling your kitchen. This dish is the ultimate cozy, one-pot meal, featuring tender chicken, creamy cheese, perfectly cooked rice, and fresh broccoli for a satisfying balance of flavor and texture.

I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when I needed a quick, hands-off dinner. It quickly became a family favorite, especially with the kids, who never say no to cheesy goodness. Plus, with minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s a lifesaver for busy nights.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Get ready to add this dish to your regular meal rotation—it's just that good! Here’s why:
First, it's incredibly easy to make. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic. No babysitting the stove, no complicated steps—just a stress-free meal ready when you are.
Second, it's a complete meal in one pot. With juicy chicken, fluffy rice, melty cheese, and nutrient-rich broccoli, you’re getting a well-rounded dish that doesn’t even need a side.
Third, it’s budget-friendly. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to find, making this an ideal recipe for feeding the family without breaking the bank.
Finally, it’s pure comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, this dish hits the spot when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice comes from a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients that blend perfectly together.
Let’s talk about the chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe because they become tender and shred beautifully after slow cooking. You can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and slightly juicier texture.
The rice is key. I recommend using long-grain white rice since it holds up well in the crockpot and absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly. Avoid instant or quick-cooking rice, as they can turn mushy in the slow cooker.
For the cheese, sharp cheddar cheese is the way to go. It adds that classic, rich, cheesy flavor without being overpowering. You can also mix in some Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Now, let’s talk about the broccoli. Fresh broccoli florets are best, but frozen broccoli works, too—just add it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t get overcooked.
A final essential ingredient is cream of chicken soup. This helps create the creamy, savory base of the dish. You can use store-bought or make a homemade version if you prefer a from-scratch option.
How To Make This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Making this dish is as simple as layering ingredients, setting your slow cooker, and letting the magic happen. Here’s how it all comes together:
Start by placing your chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Season them with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder to infuse flavor as they cook.
Next, pour in the uncooked rice and evenly distribute it around the chicken. Then, add your cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and a bit of butter to ensure everything stays moist and creamy. Stir slightly to combine the liquids with the rice.
Cover and set your slow cooker to low for about 4-5 hours (or high for 2.5-3 hours). The key here is not to lift the lid too often—you want the steam to stay trapped to help the rice cook evenly.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and give everything a gentle stir.
Now, it’s time to add the broccoli. If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam it separately for a few minutes before adding it in. If using frozen, just toss it in and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes until tender.
Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is melted and creamy. Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes so the flavors fully come together before serving.
Storage Options
This dish is perfect for meal prep since it stores and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The rice will absorb some of the sauce over time, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave with a little extra broth to restore the creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so you can switch things up depending on your taste and what you have on hand.
- Swap the protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try using turkey, ground beef, or even ham for a different twist.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add mushrooms or extra veggies for heartiness.
- Use a different cheese: If you like a bit of spice, try pepper jack cheese for a kick. Want extra creaminess? Velveeta works well, too!
- Low-carb option: Skip the rice and use cauliflower rice instead. Just stir it in during the last 30 minutes to keep it from getting too soft.
- Boost the flavor: Add a pinch of paprika, onion powder, or even a dash of hot sauce to enhance the dish’s depth.
No matter how you make it, this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is sure to become a staple in your home. It’s easy, creamy, and packed with comforting flavors—what’s not to love? Try it tonight and watch your family go back for seconds!
Would you like any additional tips or modifications for dietary needs? 😊
PrintCrockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice recipe is a delicious and easy one-pot meal. Tender chicken, creamy cheese, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked rice come together in a slow cooker for a comforting, family-friendly dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Add chicken breasts, rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is tender and rice is cooked.
- Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
- Stir in broccoli florets, heavy cream, and shredded cheese. Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes until the broccoli is tender and cheese is melted.
- Stir well, garnish with extra cheese if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Swap heavy cream with milk for a lighter option.
- Add more cheese for extra creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
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