Description
A comforting, easy-to-make slow cooker meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and broccoli in a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup long grain white rice (rinsed thoroughly)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream (room temperature)
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup of long grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside.
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the rinsed rice, chopped chicken, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well coated.
- Spray the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or line with a liner. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and spread evenly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. Do not cook on HIGH.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the broccoli florets. Cover and continue cooking until broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Once rice and chicken are cooked, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow residual heat to melt the cheese.
- Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not use instant rice or brown rice as they have different cooking times and textures. Add broccoli in the last 30 minutes to prevent mushiness. Use sharp cheddar for better flavor and melting properties. If rice is crunchy after 5 hours, add 1/4 cup hot water and cook for another 30-45 minutes. For a richer flavor, substitute half the broth with heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cu
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: crockpot recipe, slow cooker chicken, cheesy rice, chicken broccoli rice, easy weeknight dinner, meal prep, comfort food, one pot meal