Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 15 reviews
  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Rice recipe is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice are slow-cooked together with aromatic spices, then enriched with sour cream and a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, creating a hearty dish with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, delivering a delicious, wholesome dinner with a cheesy, creamy finish that's sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Chicken and Rice Base

  • 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • ½ cup sour cream (or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Optional Toppings

  • Crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prep & Layer: Place the cubed chicken, diced onion, minced garlic, and rinsed uncooked rice into the slow cooker. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing gently to evenly distribute the spices.
  2. Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker, stirring gently to ensure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
  3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 3.5 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
  4. Add Broccoli, Cheese & Cream: About 20 to 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, gently fold in the fresh broccoli florets, sour cream (or heavy cream if preferred), and shredded cheddar cheese. Cover again and continue cooking until the broccoli turns bright green and is tender-crisp.
  5. Garnish & Serve: Before serving, top the dish with grated Parmesan cheese, optional crispy breadcrumbs, and freshly chopped parsley for added texture and flavor. Serve warm.

Notes

  • To rinse the rice, place it in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.
  • Using heavy cream instead of sour cream will add extra richness and creaminess to the dish.
  • The optional crunchy topping adds a nice texture contrast but can be omitted to keep the dish gluten free if using gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
  • If you prefer your broccoli softer, add it at the start of the slow cooking time, but for a fresher crunch, add it near the end as directed.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste at the end of cooking as slow cooker flavors can mellow out.

Find it online: https://suerecipe.com/slow-cooker-chicken-and-broccoli-rice-recipe/