Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a comforting, one-pot meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces cook alongside wholesome brown rice and nutritious broccoli, all infused with savory spices and creamy sour cream. Topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese, this hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups chicken broth
Dairy and Seasonings
- 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
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice (or risotto rice, rinsed)
- 1 lb broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Cheese
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to 1½ inches in size, ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In the crockpot, mix the chicken broth, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard if using, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Add Rice and Chicken: Stir in the rinsed long-grain brown rice evenly into the broth mixture, then add the cut chicken pieces, distributing them evenly.
- Add Broccoli: Layer the broccoli florets on top of the combined rice and chicken mixture without stirring, which allows them to steam perfectly during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked, the rice is tender, and the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Once cooked, stir in 1 cup of the grated cheddar cheese until melted throughout. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for about 15 minutes.
- Serve: After the cheese has fully melted, serve hot. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or freshly ground black pepper for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Brown rice generally takes longer to cook than white rice; ensure it is fully tender before serving.
- If using frozen broccoli, no need to thaw; it can be added directly to the crockpot.
- Dijon mustard is optional but adds a subtle tang that enhances flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Check seasoning before serving and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
