Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Rice & Chicken

Are you looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further! This Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Rice & Chicken recipe is the perfect solution for busy evenings. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also delivers a hearty meal with minimal effort. Simply toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you spend time with your loved ones or relax after a long day. With tender chicken, nutty brown rice, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese all combined into one comforting dish, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Rice & Chicken is not just another chicken and rice dish; it’s a flavorful explosion that will tantalize your taste buds. Here are some reasons why you will fall in love with this recipe:

• Effortless Cooking: With just a few simple steps, you can prepare a meal that will cook itself while you go about your day. Toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and essential vitamins from the broccoli, this dish is not only satisfying but also healthy. The brown rice adds a wholesome touch, making it a well-rounded meal.
• Cheesy Goodness: Who can resist melted cheddar cheese? The creamy, cheesy sauce envelops the rice and chicken, making each bite rich and decadent.
• Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or even go vegetarian by using tofu. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or peas to suit your family’s preferences.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day! It reheats well, making it an excellent option for meal prep or packed lunches.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Trying new recipes can be a delightful experience, and this Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Rice & Chicken dish is one you simply cannot miss. Here are even more reasons to give it a whirl:

• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to impress. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters!
• Time-Saver: No need to stand over the stove or watch the pot. The slow cooker allows you to prepare your meal ahead of time, freeing you to tackle other tasks.
• Aromatherapy: The combination of garlic and chicken broth creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before it’s done!
• Budget-Friendly: Utilizing pantry staples like rice and chicken makes this meal economical. You can feed a family without breaking the bank!
• Comfort Food: There’s something undeniably comforting about cheesy dishes. This recipe offers the warmth and satisfaction that we often crave after a long day.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To whip up your own Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Rice & Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients and tools:

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp paprika
• Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

Recommended Utensils

• Slow cooker
• Cooking spray or oil
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Two forks for shredding chicken
• Serving spoons
• Chopping board and knife (if using fresh broccoli)

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the cooking process for your Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Rice & Chicken.

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Place the uncooked brown rice at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the rice.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika. Stir until well mixed. Pour this mixture over the chicken and rice.
4. Add Broccoli: Gently place the broccoli florets on top of the chicken and rice mixture, pressing down slightly to submerge them into the liquid.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Shred Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. This step makes the chicken easier to mix with the rice and other ingredients.
7. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined, creating a luscious, cheesy sauce that coats the chicken and rice.
8. Serve: Spoon the cheesy broccoli rice and chicken into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your meal!

FAQs

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Rice & Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So why not give it a try tonight? Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how it turned out for you! And for more delicious recipes, check out this delightful teriyaki chicken recipe.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Rice & Chicken

A comforting and creamy slow cooker dish featuring tender chicken, cheesy broccoli, and wholesome brown rice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Uncooked brown rice
• 2 cups Chicken broth
• 1 cup Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Paprika
• Chopped green onions (optional for garnish)

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
• Layer the Ingredients: Place the uncooked brown rice at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the rice.
• Add Liquids and Seasonings: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika. Stir until well mixed. Pour this mixture over the chicken and rice.
• Add Broccoli: Gently place the broccoli florets on top of the chicken and rice mixture, pressing down slightly to submerge them into the liquid.
• Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
• Shred Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
• Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
• Serve: Spoon the cheesy broccoli rice and chicken into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition and flavor.

Keyword Broccoli Rice, cheesy, chicken, slow cooker