There’s nothing better than coming home to a warm, comforting meal that’s been simmering all day. This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is the ultimate one-pot dinner—creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and hearty rice.

I first discovered this recipe when I needed an easy weeknight meal that required minimal effort but delivered maximum flavor. After one bite, my family was hooked! Now, this dish makes a regular appearance at our dinner table.

Why You'll Love This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Get ready to add this recipe to your weekly meal rotation! It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for busy families.

First off, it’s a true dump-and-go meal. Just toss everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it! No need for constant stirring or multiple pots and pans—your slow cooker does all the work.

Next, it’s incredibly family-friendly. The creamy, cheesy texture is irresistible, even for picky eaters. Plus, the broccoli blends right in, making it a sneaky way to get in some veggies.

Another reason to love this dish? It’s budget-friendly. With simple ingredients like rice, chicken, and cheese, you can feed a whole family without breaking the bank.

And finally, this recipe is versatile. You can easily switch up the protein, cheese, or veggies to make it your own. More on that later!

Ingredients Notes

This recipe is made with pantry staples and fresh ingredients that come together beautifully for a rich and creamy dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – They cook up tender and shred easily. You can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Long-grain white rice – This type of rice holds up well in the slow cooker. Avoid instant rice, as it will get mushy.
Chicken broth – Adds deep flavor and keeps everything moist while cooking.
Broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen both work! If using fresh, chop them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives the dish that signature cheesy goodness. Feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or Colby for extra creaminess.
Cream of chicken soup – This adds thickness and richness to the dish. You can also use cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar for a different twist.
Milk – Helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper bring out the best flavors in this dish.

For equipment, you’ll need a slow cooker (5-6 quarts is ideal), a mixing spoon, and measuring cups.

How to Make This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Making this dish couldn’t be easier! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal waiting for you.

Prep the ingredients. Start by spraying your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the liquids. Pour in the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, stirring slightly to mix the flavors. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.
Shred the chicken. Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return it to the crockpot and stir everything together.
Cook the rice and broccoli. Add the uncooked rice and broccoli florets to the crockpot. Stir well, then cover and cook for another 45 minutes to 1 hour on LOW, or until the rice is tender.
Add the cheese and milk. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk, mixing well until the cheese is fully melted and the dish is creamy.
Serve and enjoy! Spoon the cheesy chicken and rice onto plates and top with extra cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

This dish takes about 6 hours total on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH, making it perfect for busy days when you need dinner ready without much effort.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store them:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.
Freezer: This dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Meal Prep Tip: Portion the dish into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize! Here are some fun variations to try:

Swap the protein: Instead of chicken breasts, use rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even cooked ground beef for a different flavor.
Make it extra cheesy: Try a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for an ultra-cheesy version.
Add more veggies: Mix in carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
Go low-carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to make a keto-friendly version. Just add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a little kick.

No matter how you make it, this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and let me know how you customize it!