Crockpot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of a creamy, tender Crockpot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole waiting for you after a long day. This hearty slow cooker masterpiece combines juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked rice all wrapped in a velvety cheese sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor that develops during the slow cooking process. You’ll learn how to create this family-favorite dish with minimal effort while achieving maximum flavor and satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is about to become your new weeknight hero for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly convenient – simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work while you handle other priorities. The contrast between the tender chicken, the slight bite of the broccoli, and the creamy rice creates a textural symphony that satisfies with every forkful.

The rich, cheesy sauce brings everything together, creating a dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. Unlike many casseroles that require multiple cooking steps, this slow cooker version simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor. The hands-off cooking approach means you can prep in the morning and return to a complete meal later. Plus, this chicken and rice casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or busy families who need reliable, delicious dinners.

Ingredients

For this crowd-pleasing Crockpot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole, gather these simple ingredients:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 cups (950ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 cups (370g) uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups (280g) fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups (8oz/226g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 can (10.5oz/298g) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5oz/298g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, cut into small pieces

The chicken provides lean protein, while the broccoli adds essential vitamins and a pop of color. The combination of cream soups creates that classic casserole creaminess without requiring you to make a sauce from scratch.

Pro Tips

Use the Right Rice: For this Crockpot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole, long-grain white rice works best because it holds its structure during slow cooking. Always rinse your rice before adding it to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the casserole from becoming too gummy. If you substitute brown rice, you’ll need to increase the cooking time by approximately 30-45 minutes and may need additional liquid.

Perfect Broccoli Timing: To avoid mushy broccoli, don’t add it at the beginning of the cooking process. Instead, stir it in during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking time. This ensures your broccoli retains its vibrant green color and maintains a slight crispness that provides the perfect textural contrast to the creamy rice and tender chicken.

Cheese Strategy: Reserve half of your shredded cheese to add during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This creates a gooey, melty cheese layer on top that gives your casserole that irresistible finish. For an extra golden top, you can quickly place the crockpot insert (if removable and oven-safe) under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after cooking is complete.

Instructions

Step 1

Spray your 6-quart crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth, whisking until smooth. This creates the creamy base that will cook your rice to perfection and infuse flavor throughout the casserole.

Step 2

Add the diced onion to the bottom of the crockpot, then place the chicken pieces on top. Season the chicken with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, distributing the seasonings evenly. This layering approach helps the chicken absorb flavor while cooking.

Step 3

Pour the rinsed and drained rice over the seasoned chicken, spreading it in an even layer. Now carefully pour the soup mixture over everything, ensuring all the rice is submerged in liquid. Dot the surface with small pieces of butter, which will melt during cooking to add richness to your Crockpot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole.

Step 4

Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, until the rice is nearly tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. The exact timing may vary depending on your specific slow cooker, so start checking at the 3-hour mark. Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently, as this releases heat and extends cooking time.

Step 5

When the rice is almost tender, gently stir in the broccoli florets and half of the shredded cheese. Cover again and continue cooking on LOW for an additional 30-45 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the rice is fully cooked.

Step 6

Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover for about 5-10 minutes until melted. Your Crockpot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is now ready to be scooped into bowls and enjoyed by all!

Variations

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken and Rice: Transform your Crockpot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole by adding 1 packet of ranch seasoning to the soup mixture and stirring in 6-8 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon along with the broccoli. Top with a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for an irresistible twist on the classic recipe. The smoky bacon and tangy ranch create a flavor profile that kids and adults alike will devour.

Mediterranean Chicken and Rice: Create a Mediterranean-inspired variation by substituting the cream soups with a mixture of 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup Greek yogurt, and 1 can of diced tomatoes (drained). Add 1 teaspoon of oregano, ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and ½ cup sliced black olives. Replace the cheddar with 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese stirred in at the end. This lighter version offers a bright, tangy flavor profile while still maintaining the comforting essence of the original slow cooker chicken and rice casserole.

Dairy-Free Option: For those avoiding dairy, replace the cream soups with 2 cans of dairy-free condensed soup alternatives (available at most grocery stores) or make your own thickened broth using chicken stock and dairy-free thickeners. Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. The result is still a comforting and flavorful meal that accommodates dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.

Storage and Serving

Your Crockpot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together, making this an excellent make-ahead meal. For longer storage, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore moisture, as the rice tends to absorb liquid during storage. Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or warm larger amounts in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through.

Serve this hearty casserole with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal, pair with crusty artisan bread for sopping up the creamy sauce. You can also elevate your presentation by serving in hollowed-out bread bowls for a restaurant-worthy dinner that’s sure to impress.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this Crockpot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole. Add it during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking since it’s already blanched and doesn’t need as much cooking time as fresh broccoli.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. If using brown rice, increase cooking time by about 45 minutes and add an extra ½ cup of broth. Monitor closely to ensure it cooks properly.

My rice turned out mushy. What went wrong?
Overcooked rice can become mushy. Be sure to use long-grain rice, rinse it well before adding, and don’t exceed the recommended cooking time. Different slow cookers heat at varying rates, so check your rice at the minimum cooking time.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and often stay more tender during slow cooking. The cooking time remains the same.

Can I prepare this the night before and start cooking in the morning?
You can prep all ingredients the night before, but don’t combine the rice with liquids until you’re ready to cook, as the rice will absorb the liquid and become soggy. Store prepped ingredients separately in the refrigerator overnight.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a creamy, satisfying one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and perfectly cooked rice in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s the kind of dish that brings the family together around the table with minimal effort from the cook. Whether you’re feeding a hungry household on a busy weeknight or looking for a reliable meal prep option, this slow cooker casserole delivers both convenience and homemade flavor that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

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