Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner
Crockpot chicken and rice with broccoli and cheddar is a creamy, comforting dinner that’s better than takeout and ready in just 4 hours. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping it from drying out. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Moist Banana Bread with a Cinnamon Swirl and Crispy Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs for Game Day.
Why This Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy and comforting
- Better than takeout
- Easy and hands-off
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.
- chicken breasts
- broccoli florets
- sharp cheddar cheese
- long grain white rice
- chicken broth
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- dried thyme
- bay leaves
- Optional: fresh parsley
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes
📝 Ingredient Notes
- chicken breasts: Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts work best for this recipe.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Crockpot — Hands-off cooking, perfect for busy weeknights → 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 crockpot. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and bay leaves.
- Step 2: Add broccoli florets, uncooked rice, and chicken broth to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred using two forks. Return chicken to the crockpot and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
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 reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pro tip: For even creamier results, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water before adding the cheese.
- Pro tip: To make ahead, prepare the ingredients and place them in the crockpot. Cook when ready to eat.
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 in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Yes, prepare ingredients and place in the crockpot. Cook when ready to eat.
Freezing Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner
Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the crockpot.
- Best substitution: Substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender result.
- Make-ahead: Prepare ingredients and place in the crockpot. Cook when ready to eat.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the chicken isn't tender enough, cook it in the crockpot for an additional 30 minutes.
Want to level up this recipe?
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Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breasts
- broccoli florets
- sharp cheddar cheese
- long grain white rice
- chicken broth
Seasonings
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- dried thyme
- bay leaves
Optional Toppings
- fresh parsley
- crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the crockpot. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and bay leaves.
- Step 2: Add broccoli florets, uncooked rice, and chicken broth to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred using two forks. Return chicken to the crockpot and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the crockpot.
- Best substitution: Substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender result.
- Make-ahead: Prepare ingredients and place in the crockpot. Cook when ready to eat.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the chicken isn't tender enough, cook it in the crockpot for an additional 30 minutes.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway through.
- Make ahead: Yes, prepare ingredients and place in the crockpot. Cook when ready to eat.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sat. Fat: 10g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner FAQs
Yes, prepare the ingredients and place them in the crockpot. Cook when ready to eat.
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Yes, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
No, this recipe is designed for the crockpot. Air fryers cook food differently and may not achieve the same results.
Water or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth.
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!
