Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken just feels like the ultimate rescue dinner for hectic weeknights, doesn’t it? You come home. You’re wiped. Everybody’s looking at you (and your empty hands) for dinner magic. That’s the exact scenario I had last week, and let me tell ya, this recipe had my back. If you’re all about comfort meals with as little fuss as possible, you’ll want to keep scrolling (oh and if you love easy cozy dinners, check out these other simple chicken recipes).

Crock Pot Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Ingredients

Let’s get real. Most days, if it takes more than seven ingredients, I’m out. Sorry, chef vibes. For Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken, you’ll probably have most of this swinging around already. Here’s what you’ll be tossing into that slow cooker:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (I go with thighs because they’re way juicier…don’t fight me on this)
• Broccoli florets (fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch)
• Cheddar cheese (shred it yourself, trust me, it melts better)
• Cream of chicken soup (cheap, easy, classic)
• Chicken broth (keeps things extra saucy)
• Garlic powder and onion powder (not negotiable)
• White rice (add in at the end so you don’t get sad, mushy rice)

Optional: Some people go rogue and toss in diced carrots or peas for color. I do it if they’re about to go bad in the fridge, honestly.

“I never thought my picky eater would eat broccoli without complaints. This stuff disappeared from his plate and I actually got a high-five! Put this on repeat.”
— Jamie N.

How to make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice in a crock pot

So, confession: I still mess up rice sometimes. But with this method, you mostly get it right! Here’s how I wrangle up Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken that tastes like a five-star restaurant (but your kitchen still looks normal).

First, plop your raw chicken into the crockpot. Seriously, just toss it in, don’t overthink it. Pour in your cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, and then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Cover it up and let it do its thing on LOW for 4 to 6 hours (or high for 2.5 if you forgot to start it, like I do sometimes). Here’s where it gets interesting—about 30 to 45 minutes before you’re ready to eat, shred the chicken with two forks right in the crockpot. Then, add your broccoli and rice. Stir, sprinkle in the cheddar, pop the lid back on, and keep your eye out. Once the rice is tender and the cheese is all melted, you’re golden. Serve it up hot, fluffy, and smelling like pure joy.

Not complicated at all. Get the kids to help, too, so they take some ownership of what’s on their plate. More likely to eat broccoli that way (battle tested).

Is it ok to put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

This comes up so much I swear I could chant it in my sleep: yes, it’s not just “ok” to put raw chicken in your slow cooker, it’s kinda the point. As long as the dish cooks on LOW for enough time for the chicken to hit a safe temperature (165°F, if you’re really specific) you’re totally safe. That’s kinda why slow cookers rock, actually. Besides, nobody’s got time to precook chicken when they’re already short on time. I’ve been cooking Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken like this for years.

The main thing? Don’t peek constantly. Every time you lift the lid, you lose heat and slow things down. Patience is your friend here (and maybe an episode of something on Netflix while you wait).

Can you put frozen chicken in a crock pot?

Straight talk—lots of folks do it, but it isn’t officially recommended because of food-safety stuff. The chicken can spend too long at unsafe temperatures before the crockpot gets it hot enough. If you take the risk (ahem, guilty), make sure that bird is fully cooked through. If you’ve got time, hit thaw on microwave, or dunk in cold water in a bag. Still way quicker than ending up at urgent care from undercooked chicken. Your Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken will turn out so much tastier if you just thaw first.

Tools used to make this Crock Pot Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice recipe

Not gonna lie, you really do not need ten fancy things for this. I keep it basic. Absolute must-haves:

• Crockpot or slow cooker (duh)
• Cheese grater (please shred your own cheese for max melting)
• Measuring cups
• Forks for shredding (nothing fancy)
• (Optional but fun: mini rice paddle to scoop out big helpings)

No stand mixer. No digital calipers. No nonsense. Simple kitchen tools are all you need for Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken. If you want to try something new after this? I’ve seriously been loving this creamy crack chicken gnocchi when I’m in a pasta mood.

Common Questions

Can I use minute rice?
Oh, for sure. Just add it way later since it cooks so fast. Don’t let it turn to mush.

How do I store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container, straight into the fridge. They’re even better the next day.

Can this be frozen?
Yep, but the texture of the rice will change a bit. It’s still 100% edible, though.

Do I have to use cheddar?
Nah. Use whatever melty cheese you love. Monterey jack, colby, sharp—go wild.

Will picky eaters notice the broccoli?
Honestly? You’d be surprised what cheese magic can do. Chop it small enough and kids (and adults) might not even care.

Cozy Meals Don’t Have to Be Complicated

Some nights, Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is honestly all the comfort and ease I need—especially when things get wild after work. It’s simple, super cheesy, packed with broccoli, and legit kid-approved. Seriously, if you want to shake up your dinner routine, give this recipe a try. And in case you’re hungry for more warm vibes, check out this viral Half Baked Harvest take on Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken or see a fun step-by-step in this quick Instagram video! Your busy nights just got a whole lot tastier.