– **Title**: Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup long grain white rice
– 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional garnishes: chopped green onions or parsley
– **Instructions**:
1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken breasts, then add the cream of chicken soup. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
3. Layer the uncooked rice evenly on top of the mixture, then add the broccoli florets.
4. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken gives you lean protein. If you’re looking for a faster option, rotisserie chicken is great—just add it in later to warm through!
Brown Rice: Brown rice adds fiber and nutrients. If you’re short on time, use white rice but adjust cooking time to about 30 minutes less. Quinoa is also a healthy, gluten-free swap that cooks faster.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth enhances flavor without too much salt. You could use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or even water in a pinch, though you might lose some flavor.
Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli works well. If you don’t have broccoli, green beans or peas could be fun alternatives for a pop of color and nutrition!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix this up with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile—just keep it melty!
Cream of Chicken Soup: You can make a homemade version with cooked chicken, broth, and some milk. Alternatively, use cream of mushroom soup for a different twist or a dairy-free version using nut-based cream.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy?
Keeping chicken moist in the crockpot is key to a great meal. Use these tips to avoid dryness:
- Layer the chicken at the bottom to get direct heat, which helps cook it thoroughly.
- Avoid opening the lid too often, as this releases steam and can dry out the chicken.
- Make sure the liquid (broth and soup) covers the chicken well; this keeps it moist during cooking.
Shredding the chicken after cooking not only makes it tender but allows those delicious flavors to blend into the rice and veggies!
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup (or homemade alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 4-5 hours to cook on low, or 2-3 hours on high, plus a little time for preparing the ingredients—about 10 minutes. It’s an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base of your dish, so make sure it’s nice and even.
2. Add the Ingredients:
Next, pour in the uncooked brown rice, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup directly over the chicken. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir, but make sure the chicken stays at the bottom!
3. Start Cooking:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for about 4-5 hours or on high for about 2-3 hours. You want the chicken to be cooked through and tender—check it at the lower time mark to ensure it doesn’t overcook!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces right inside the pot. Stir it back into the mixture to combine everything well.
5. Add the Broccoli and Cheese:
Now it’s time to add the broccoli florets and the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently mix everything together until the broccoli and cheese are evenly distributed.
6. Finish Cooking:
Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. This step allows the broccoli to become tender and the cheese to melt beautifully into the dish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is ready, serve the cheesy chicken broccoli rice hot! If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use White Rice Instead of Brown Rice?
Yes, you can substitute white rice for brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. White rice typically cooks faster, so reduce the cooking time to about 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high. Just keep an eye on it to prevent it from becoming mushy!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free or make your own using cornstarch as a thickener. Additionally, check the labels on the broth to confirm it’s gluten-free as well.
Can I Use Fresh Broccoli Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh broccoli, just chop it into smaller florets and add them in at the same time as the cheese, during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will ensure they stay bright green and tender!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick. Enjoy your meal again!
