Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice: 4 Amazing Weeknight Perks

Name: Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490709H47M25S
Total time: PT-490709H47M25S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed); 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup milk; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste; Optional: extra cheddar cheese or chopped parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, it’s Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice. And if your evenings look anything like mine—somewhere between juggling errands, answering emails, and trying to remember where you left your sanity—then this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.

This comforting, creamy, set-it-and-forget-it meal brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, melty cheddar, and bright broccoli in one dreamy bowl. It practically makes itself while you’re off living your busy life. And honestly? That’s the kind of cooking magic I’m here for.

As someone who believes dinner should be simple and delicious (hi, I’m Mounia!), this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice checks all the boxes: family-friendly, budget-friendly, picky-eater-approved, and overflowing with cozy vibes.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Let me tell you why this dish quickly became a staple in my slow-cooker rotation:

It’s truly effortless. Everything cooks right in the crockpot—yes, even the rice!
It tastes like classic comfort food, but better.
It’s perfect for busy workdays when the last thing you want to do is hover over the stove.
Kids love it. Grown-ups love it. Your future self will love it the most on leftovers day.
It’s flexible! You can swap ingredients, add veggies, or make it dairy-free.

Plus, your home will smell like a giant comforting casserole just moved in and unpacked its bags.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Optional: extra cheddar or fresh parsley for garnish

Ingredient Swaps & Helpful Substitutions

Because life happens—and sometimes the ingredient you swear you bought is nowhere to be found.

Rice: Long-grain white is perfect. Brown rice works but takes longer. Quinoa is a great gluten-free option.
Chicken: Swap breasts for thighs if you want extra flavor. Rotisserie chicken? Even easier—just stir it in near the end.
Broccoli: Fresh gives the best texture, but frozen is perfectly fine. Don’t skip thawing and draining to avoid extra liquid.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the richest flavor, but pepper jack adds a kick, and mozzarella melts beautifully. Dairy-free cheeses also work!

How to Get Perfect Rice in the Crockpot

Cooking rice in a crockpot feels like a trust fall—and good news: this recipe catches you.

Here’s how to guarantee fluffy, tender grains:

Rice needs enough liquid—about 2 cups per 1 cup of rice.
Keep the lid closed to trap steam.
Avoid lifting the lid (I know, it’s tempting… but patience wins here).
Stick to the recipe cook times.

Follow these, and your rice will behave beautifully.

How Much Time Will You Need?

Just 15 minutes of hands-on prep, then:

4–5 hours on LOW, or
2–2.5 hours on HIGH

Which is basically crockpot language for: “Go live your life—I’ve got dinner covered.”

How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice (Step By Step )

1. Prep the Crockpot

Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick spray. Future-you will appreciate this during cleanup.

2. Add the Rice

Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. No pre-cooking required. The crockpot does the work.

3. Add Chicken

Lay the chicken breasts on top of the rice. Overlapping a little is fine.

4. Season Generously

Sprinkle the garlic, onion powder, pepper, and salt over the chicken.

5. Mix the Creamy Sauce

Whisk together the cream of chicken soup, broth, and milk in a bowl until smooth.

6. Pour Over the Chicken

Evenly pour your creamy mixture over everything. Think of it as giving the ingredients a little warm blanket.

7. Let It Cook

LOW: 4–5 hours
HIGH: 2–2.5 hours
When the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, you’re golden.

8. Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the crockpot.

9. Add Broccoli + Cheese

Stir in the broccoli and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar. Things are getting cozy.

10. Final Cook

Let everything warm for 20–30 more minutes. The broccoli gets tender and the cheese melts perfectly.

11. Taste & Adjust

Add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. More cheese? Always welcome.

12. Serve Warm

Top with extra cheddar or parsley. Enjoy that creamy, cheesy goodness right out of the crockpot.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

If the rice looks a little thick or sticky:
Don’t panic—it’s just extra comfort waiting to happen. Add a splash of broth or milk and stir.
Using frozen broccoli?
Make sure it’s thawed and drained to avoid soggy results.
Want extra color?
Stir in bell peppers or peas during the last 30 minutes.
Want it extra creamy?
Add 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese in step 9.
Prefer a little heat?
Toss in red pepper flakes, or use pepper jack cheese.

I’ve made this dish on weeks when life felt like one long to-do list, and every time, it saves the day. My family loves it, my kitchen smells incredible, and dinner practically makes itself. That’s slow-cooker magic.

Close-up of creamy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice topped with melted cheddar and tender broccoli in a patterned bowl. — A cozy bowl of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice, filled with creamy rice, juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey melted cheddar.

FAQs About Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes! Just remember brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need an extra 45–60 minutes.

Can I make this without cheese?

You can. It won’t be as creamy, but dairy-free cheese melts beautifully if you need an alternative.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Stir shredded rotisserie chicken in during step 8 instead of cooking it from scratch.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating if it thickens.

Can I freeze Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice?

You can, but cooked rice can soften in the freezer. Freeze in portions and reheat gently for best texture.

Bring It All Together

There you have it—your new favorite Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice. A dish that’s comforting, creamy, and packed with the kind of simple flavors your family will ask for again and again. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and low-effort, this recipe steps up beautifully.

And the best part? While the crockpot works its magic, you get to focus on living your life—because great meals don’t have to be complicated.

Ready to bring more easy, comforting dinners to your table? This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is just the beginning. Let’s keep cooking together!

More Cozy Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this warm and comforting Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice, here are a few more slow-cooker favorites that pair perfectly with your busy schedule—and your craving for simple, delicious meals:

Try another creamy, family-friendly favorite with this hearty Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing—a classic comfort dish that’s just as easy as it is satisfying.
Looking for more set-it-and-forget-it chicken dinners? You’ll love the cozy flavors in this Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe.
If your family enjoys rich, cheesy meals, be sure to check out the ultra-comforting Crockpot Mac and Cheese—it’s perfect for weeknights or potlucks.
For another creamy, chicken-forward slow cooker dish, this flavorful Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken delivers all the cozy vibes your dinner table deserves.