Name: Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500g (1.1lb) Chicken Thighs, cut into 2cm pieces: for flavor and tenderness; 200g (1 cup) Long-Grain White Rice, rinsed: prevents stickiness; 300g (10.5oz) Broccoli Florets: provides vibrant color; 150g (1 medium) Onion, diced: aromatic base; 2 cloves Garlic, minced: savory flavor; 480ml (2 cups) Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: liquid base; 240ml (1 cup) Water: for rice consistency; 120ml (½ cup) Heavy Cream: adds richness; 150g (5.3oz) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated: bold cheesy flavor; 50g (½ cup) Mozzarella Cheese, shredded: stretchy texture; 1 tsp (5ml) Smoked Paprika: smoky flavor; ½ tsp (2.5ml) Black Pepper: subtle spice; ½ tsp (2.5ml) Salt: enhances flavors; 1 tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil: for browning; Fresh Parsley, chopped: for garnish; 1 tsp (5ml) Lemon Zest (optional): brightens flavor

Description

This easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a comforting and flavorful family favorite. It’s a simple ‘set it and forget it’ meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

500g (1.1lb) Chicken Thighs, cut into 2cm pieces: for flavor and tenderness
200g (1 cup) Long-Grain White Rice, rinsed: prevents stickiness
300g (10.5oz) Broccoli Florets: provides vibrant color
150g (1 medium) Onion, diced: aromatic base
2 cloves Garlic, minced: savory flavor
480ml (2 cups) Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: liquid base
240ml (1 cup) Water: for rice consistency
120ml (½ cup) Heavy Cream: adds richness
150g (5.3oz) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated: bold cheesy flavor
50g (½ cup) Mozzarella Cheese, shredded: stretchy texture
1 tsp (5ml) Smoked Paprika: smoky flavor
½ tsp (2.5ml) Black Pepper: subtle spice
½ tsp (2.5ml) Salt: enhances flavors
1 tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil: for browning
Fresh Parsley, chopped: for garnish
1 tsp (5ml) Lemon Zest (optional): brightens flavor

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear Chicken: Brown chicken in olive oil in a skillet.
Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion and garlic in the skillet.
Deglaze Skillet: Scrape up browned bits with water.
Combine Ingredients: Add ingredients to crockpot and stir.
Cook Mixture: Cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2-3 hours.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheese on top and melt for 30 minutes.
Rest & Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a lighter dish, use plant-based cream. Adjust salt to your preference. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: crockpot,chicken,broccoli,rice,cheesy,easy,dinner,comfort food