Description
A cozy, hands-off crockpot meal combining tender chicken, creamy cheddar sauce, broccoli, and fluffy rice for an easy and comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch.
- If using fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets. Set chicken breasts and other ingredients within reach.
- Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray or rub with butter to prevent sticking.
- Place chicken breasts on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Sprinkle the rinsed rice evenly over the chicken.
- Add broccoli florets on top of the rice.
- In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, melted butter, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the ingredients in the crockpot. Do not stir.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, checking at 3 hours to avoid overcooking.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks directly in the crockpot.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese on top and stir until melted and sauce is creamy. Add a splash of broth or cream if too thick.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Rinse rice to prevent stickiness. Cook on LOW heat to avoid drying chicken or mushy rice. Add cheese at the end to prevent grainy texture. Use freshly shredded cheddar for best melt. Add broccoli on top to steam gently and avoid mushiness. Leftover shredded chicken can be added in the last hour to reduce cooking time. Leftovers store well in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat with extra broth or cream. Freezing is not recommended due to sauce separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 38
Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, creamy, easy dinner, comfort food, one-pot meal