Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner
Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner is a creamy, comforting, and easy meal that’s better than takeout. 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 Mexican Street Corn Style Grilled Zucchini Recipe and Creamy Jalapeno Popper Corn Casserole Recipe.
Why This Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy, comforting chicken and rice dinner
- Easy, hands-off cooking in the crockpot
- Better than takeout and freezer-friendly
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.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Additional shredded cheese, for serving
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli works.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Crockpot — Hands-off cooking for busy weeknights → See on Amazon
- Instant-read meat thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over chicken.
- Step 3: Add broccoli florets on top of the rice mixture.
- Step 4: 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 5: Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot, topped with additional cheese if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the chicken. It can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Time-saving tip: Chop broccoli and measure ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.
- Make-ahead tip: This dish freezes well. Prepare and freeze before cooking, then thaw and 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 in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: This dish can be made ahead and frozen before cooking.
Freezing Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner
Freeze before cooking for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it in before adding the cheese.
- Best substitution: Substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender result.
- Make-ahead: Prepare and freeze before cooking, then thaw and cook as directed.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the chicken is still frozen in the middle, cook it on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Seasonings
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Optional Toppings
- Additional shredded cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over chicken.
- Step 3: Add broccoli florets on top of the rice mixture.
- Step 4: 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 5: Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot, topped with additional cheese if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it in before adding the cheese.
- Best substitution: Substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender result.
- Make-ahead: Prepare and freeze before cooking, then thaw and cook as directed.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the chicken is still frozen in the middle, cook it on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze before cooking for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Make ahead: This dish can be made ahead and frozen before cooking.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- 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 and freeze this dish before cooking. Thaw and cook as directed.
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and no more.
No, this recipe is best suited for the crockpot. The air fryer doesn't have the capacity or cooking method for this dish.
You can substitute 1 cup of chicken broth mixed with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of butter for the cream of chicken soup.
Yes, this dish is perfect for a cozy Thanksgiving dinner. It's easy to make ahead and freezes well.
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!
