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- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup uncooked brown rice - 4 cups chicken broth The main ingredients form the base of this dish. I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean protein. They cook well and stay moist in the crockpot. Broccoli florets add great color and nutrients. Uncooked brown rice gives a nice texture and absorbs flavor. Chicken broth adds richness to the dish, making every bite tasty. - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened Dairy ingredients give the dish a creamy finish. I love using sharp cheddar because it adds a bold flavor. Cream cheese makes the dish rich and smooth. Together, they create a delightful contrast with the chicken and rice. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Optional: chopped parsley for garnish Seasonings bring the dish to life. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Salt and pepper enhance the overall taste. Olive oil helps the chicken stay moist. Lemon juice adds a bright touch to balance the flavors. I often add chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These spices add great flavor to the chicken. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and coat it well. This helps keep the chicken moist during cooking. I recommend using a sharp knife for easy cutting and a large bowl for mixing. This makes prep quick and neat. Next, layer the ingredients in the crockpot. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom first. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Then, add the uncooked brown rice right on top of the chicken. This rice will soak up all the tasty broth. Scatter the broccoli florets over the rice. Proper layering is key for even cooking. Following this order ensures all ingredients cook well together. Now it’s time to cook. You can choose to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low gives deeper flavors, while high cooks faster. To check if it’s done, look for the chicken to be white and firm. The rice should be soft and fluffy. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. When cooking is done, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. Shred them using two forks. This makes the chicken easy to mix back into the dish. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Now, add the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything until it’s creamy and well combined. Taste the dish and adjust the flavors if needed. This is the time to add more salt or pepper. Serve hot, and for a fresh touch, sprinkle with chopped parsley. To get tender chicken and fluffy rice, follow these steps: - Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This helps lock in flavor. - Layer the ingredients correctly. Place the chicken at the bottom, followed by rice, then broccoli. This helps the rice cook evenly. - Adjust the cook time based on your crockpot model. Some cook faster than others. For a standard model, cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You can swap out ingredients if needed. Here are some ideas: - Alternative vegetables: Try using cauliflower or carrots instead of broccoli for a different taste. - Cheese options: If you want a lighter option, consider using a lactose-free cheese or nutritional yeast. - For dietary restrictions, make sure to check labels on broth and cheese. To add more depth to your dish, try these flavor enhancers: - Spices and herbs: Add a pinch of paprika or thyme for extra flavor. They blend well with chicken and rice. - Flavor boost ideas: Consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a dash of hot sauce before serving. They can really bring the dish alive! Pro Tips Use Frozen Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, add it in the last hour of cooking to maintain its bright color and texture. Cooking Time Adjustment: If you prefer softer rice, consider adding an extra half cup of chicken broth and extending the cooking time by an hour. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist. Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of lemon zest over the finished dish can enhance the flavors and provide a fresh finish. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even healthier. Using quinoa instead of brown rice boosts protein. Quinoa has more nutrients and cooks well in the crockpot. Adding more vegetables can also help. Try carrots, bell peppers, or spinach. These veggies add color and nutrients. They also keep the dish fresh and tasty. Cheese makes this dish creamy and rich. You can swap cheddar for mozzarella or gouda. Mozzarella gives a milder taste, while gouda adds a nutty hint. The type of cheese you choose changes the flavor and texture. Soft cheeses melt smoothly, while hard cheeses add a nice bite. Experiment to find your favorite! Want to spice things up? Add international flavors! Use spices like cumin or paprika for a new twist. These spices bring warmth and depth to the dish. You can also use sauces like teriyaki or curry. These sauces add a burst of flavor and change the whole dish. Don't be afraid to mix and match! To store your delicious Crockpot broccoli chicken and rice, use airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing it. This helps keep the flavors locked in. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, use the microwave or stovetop to reheat. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even warming. On the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth. This helps bring back some moisture. For a fresh taste, sprinkle some extra cheese or herbs before eating. You can freeze the dish before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, place all ingredients in a freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air and seal tightly. For freezing after cooking, let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on low heat until warmed through, stirring often. Yes, you can use frozen chicken! It is safe to cook frozen chicken in a crockpot. Just remember to add an extra hour to the cooking time. You want the chicken to reach 165°F for safety. Always check the doneness before serving. If you want to swap brown rice, try quinoa or white rice. Quinoa cooks faster and adds protein. White rice is soft and fluffy, perfect for this dish. You can also use pasta, but adjust the cooking time. Pasta may cook faster than rice. This dish lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you see any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or mold, throw it away. Always trust your senses! Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Start by sautéing the chicken in a pot. Once browned, add the rice, broccoli, and broth. Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender. This method saves time and adds flavor! This blog post covered a tasty crockpot dish with chicken, broccoli, and rice. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to make sure it comes out just right. You learned how to layer ingredients and check for doneness. Remember, you can switch ingredients for your needs and add fun flavors. With careful storage, leftovers can be enjoyed later. Now, you have the tools to create a delicious meal easily. Try it out and enjoy the rewards of your cooking!

Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Chicken & Rice

A comforting and creamy dish made with chicken, broccoli, and rice cooked in a crockpot.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup uncooked brown rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • optional chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drizzle with olive oil and coat well.
  • Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Add the uncooked brown rice on top.
  • Scatter the broccoli florets over the rice layer.
  • Carefully pour the chicken broth and the lemon juice over the ingredients in the crockpot.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
  • Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts. Shred them using two forks and return them to the crockpot.
  • Mix in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until thoroughly combined and creamy.
  • Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if using for added flavor and a pop of color.

Notes

Garnish with chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
Keyword broccoli, chicken, creamy, crockpot, rice