When it comes to dinner, nothing beats the ease and comfort of a delicious dish that requires little effort. Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is one such meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also embraces the goodness of simple, wholesome ingredients. With the creamy blend of chicken, broccoli, and cheese, all cooked together in a handy crockpot, this recipe transforms your busy day into a stress-free culinary experience. You can set it up in less time than it takes to find your car keys and let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
Why We Love This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
This recipe quickly becomes a family favorite for many reasons. First, it combines protein, vegetables, and carbs all in one pot, creating a balanced meal that pleases both kids and adults alike. The creamy texture from the cream of chicken soup melds beautifully with the shredded cheese, making every bite rich and satisfying. You also love how simple it is to prepare; just toss everything in the crockpot and go about your day. Plus, the cooking process fills your home with an inviting aroma, making everyone anticipate a delicious dinner. It’s easy, hearty, and oh-so-comforting.
Ingredients about Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
For a delightful meal that everyone will love, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 cups chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup rice (preferably uncooked)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
These ingredients are easily found in your local grocery store, making this recipe accessible for any home cook.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Directions
Making this mouthwatering dish is straightforward and requires minimal time in the kitchen. Here’s how you can prepare it:
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your chicken is diced into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Rinse and dry the broccoli florets to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Next, take your crockpot and add in the diced chicken, followed by the broccoli florets and the uncooked rice. The layering of these ingredients creates a great base for your dish.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with the chicken broth. Add salt and pepper to your taste, then mix until the ingredients are fully blended. This creamy mixture adds depth and flavor to your crockpot creation.
- Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken and rice in the crockpot. Ensure to stir gently but thoroughly, making sure the chicken and rice are well coated.
- Set your crockpot to cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld beautifully while the chicken becomes tender and juicy.
- Approximately 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. This is when the magic happens—the cheese melts and becomes gooey, enhancing the dish’s creamy texture.
- Once cooked, give everything a final stir to make sure all the ingredients are well mixed. Serve hot, and enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish that everyone will love.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Serving your Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is as simple as it gets. Use a large serving spoon to scoop out generous portions for everyone at the table. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or some crusty bread, making it a complete meal. You can also sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese or chopped fresh herbs on top for a personal touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of hot sauce can add a great twist. Everyone will have no problem going back for seconds!
Expert Tips: Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
To ensure your Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Cut even-sized pieces: Ensure your chicken and vegetables are cut to a similar size to promote even cooking. This helps all ingredients finish cooking at the same time.
- Use uncooked rice: Start with uncooked rice for the best results. Pre-cooked rice usually leads to a mushy texture after the lengthy cooking time in the crockpot.
- Watch your seasoning: Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, keeping in mind that different brands of canned soup may vary in saltiness.
- Avoid overloading: Don’t overload your crockpot with too many ingredients, as it may affect the cooking time. Stick to the recommended amount for the best consistency.
- Leftovers are key: This dish makes great leftovers, so consider making a larger batch to enjoy the next day. That’s another reason to love this recipe!
How to Store Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Storing your leftovers is a breeze! Start by letting the dish cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it into airtight containers. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 2-3 months. When you want to reheat, you can simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it back up in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if it appears too thick.
Variation of Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
There are plenty of ways to put a fun spin on this recipe. Here are some variations you might consider:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for more nutrients and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure all ingredients are cooked through.
- Change the cheese: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, try using mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a twist. Each cheese brings its unique taste and melts differently, adding a new layer of flavor to your dish.
- Spicy version: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer a little heat to your comfort food. This can elevate the flavor and keep things exciting.
- Use different proteins: If chicken isn’t your favorite, consider substituting turkey or even shredded beef to create a completely different dish. This flexibility allows you to customize your meal to suit your family’s preferences.
FAQ
What is Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice?
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a simple, one-pot meal that combines chicken, broccoli, rice, and a creamy cheese sauce, all cooked in a slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice?
It typically takes about 4 to 6 hours on low in a crockpot, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While it’s best to use fresh chicken, you can use frozen chicken. Just increase the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
What can I serve with Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice?
This dish pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the cheesy goodness.
Can I make Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Then, just pop everything in the crockpot the next day for a hassle-free dinner.
Indulging in this Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice will undoubtedly bring warmth and satisfaction to your table.
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken breasts, diced Diced into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 2 cups broccoli florets Rinsed and dried to remove any dirt.
- 1 cup rice Preferably uncooked.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Added during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- to taste Salt Adjust according to taste.
- to taste Pepper Adjust according to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients. Ensure chicken is diced into small pieces.
- Rinse and dry the broccoli florets.
Cooking
- Add diced chicken, broccoli florets, and uncooked rice to the crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream of chicken soup with chicken broth, salt, and pepper until fully blended.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot and stir gently to coat.
- Set the crockpot to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Give everything a final stir and serve hot.
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