Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 195 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.; 2 cups chicken broth.; ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt).; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional).; 1 teaspoon dried thyme.; ½ teaspoon garlic powder.; ½ teaspoon onion powder.; ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste.; ¼ teaspoon pepper, to taste.; 1 cup long-grain brown rice (or risotto rice, rinsed).; 1 lb broccoli florets (fresh or frozen).; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated.

Imagine coming home to the aroma of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice 🍲, a dish that promises to transport your senses straight to a place of comfort and warmth. This recipe is not just about combining ingredients; it's about creating memories. The tender chunks of chicken, paired with the freshness of broccoli and the creaminess of cheese, make every bite a delightful experience. What makes this dish stand out is the convenience of using a crockpot, ensuring that the flavors meld together beautifully over slow cooking. The rice absorbs the chicken and broccoli flavors, making it irresistibly fluffy and full of taste. It's a meal that doesn't just fill your stomach but also warms your heart ❤️. Perfect for those days when you need a hug from the inside. Let this dish be your go-to comfort meal, proving that sometimes, the simplest ingredients can create the most spectacular flavors.

There's something incredibly comforting about a well-made, home-cooked meal that warms the soul and satisfies the taste buds. Our Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is the epitome of such comfort food. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, melding together tender chicken, hearty broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese to create a dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is easy to follow and yields fantastic results every time.

Ingredients

The key to a great dish is using quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need for our Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these provide a lean source of protein that cooks to tender perfection in the slow cooker.
2 cups chicken broth: This adds depth and richness to the dish, infusing the rice and chicken with savory flavor.
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Adds creaminess and a slight tang, balancing the richness of the cheese.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional): For an extra layer of flavor, providing a subtle kick and complexity.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb that pairs beautifully with chicken and adds a hint of earthiness.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with its robust and aromatic qualities.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor without the hassle of chopping onions.
¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.
1 cup long-grain brown rice (or risotto rice, rinsed): A hearty grain that absorbs the flavors of the broth and spices, becoming tender and flavorful.
1 lb broccoli florets (fresh or frozen): Adds a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, complementing the richness of the dish.
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated: The star of the dish, providing a creamy, cheesy finish that ties everything together.

Instructions

Following these detailed steps will ensure your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice turns out perfect every time:

1. Prep The Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Aim for pieces that are approximately 1 to 1½ inches in size to ensure they cook evenly and remain tender.

2. Add Ingredients To Slow Cooker: Pour the chicken broth into your crockpot. Add the sour cream, and if you're using it, the Dijon mustard. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

3. Add Rice and Chicken: Next, add the rinsed long-grain brown rice (or risotto rice) to the crockpot. This type of rice is perfect for slow cooking as it absorbs flavors beautifully while retaining a pleasant texture. Add the chicken pieces, stirring to mix everything together, ensuring the rice and chicken are evenly distributed.

4. Add Broccoli: Layer the broccoli florets on top of the rice and chicken mixture. Whether you use fresh or frozen broccoli, it will cook down and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, adding both flavor and nutrition.

5. Cover And Cook: Place the lid on your crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You'll know it's done when the chicken is fully cooked, the broth has been absorbed, and the rice is tender. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

6. Melt Cheese and Serve: Once the cooking time is up, stir in half of the grated sharp cheddar cheese. This will melt into the dish, creating a creamy consistency. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for about 15 minutes. This final step ensures a cheesy, delightful finish. Serve the dish immediately, and if you like, garnish with chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or a few extra turns of the pepper mill for added flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

Now that your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is ready, here are some tips on how to serve and store this delicious dish:

When serving, consider adding a fresh, vibrant garnish to enhance both the presentation and flavor. Chopped parsley, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper can add a delightful finishing touch. Pair this dish with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal.

For storage, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, this dish reheats well. Simply place it in the microwave or reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to maintain its creamy texture. You can also freeze portions of this dish for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm through in the microwave or on the stove.

Helpful Notes and Variations

Here are some helpful notes and variations to make this recipe even more versatile:

Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add extra vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to make it hearty and flavorful.
Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno to the crockpot. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.
Make it Creamier: For an even creamier texture, stir in a little more sour cream or a splash of heavy cream before adding the cheese.

According to renowned chef Ina Garten, “The best comfort foods will always be greens, cornbread, and fried chicken.” While this dish might not be fried, it certainly hits the mark for comfort with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Another tip from celebrity chef Rachael Ray suggests adding a squeeze of lemon juice over the broccoli right before serving to brighten the flavors.

Enjoy this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice as a wholesome, comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table.