Are you ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish that practically cooks itself? Say hello to the Crock Pot Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole! This comforting American classic combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese, all nestled on a bed of fluffy rice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep time before you let your slow cooker do the magic for the next four hours. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. So grab your crock pot and get ready to impress your loved ones with a dish that’s both delicious and effortless!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking.
- Lightly grease the interior of the crock pot with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Place cubed chicken breasts evenly across the bottom of the crock pot as the first layer.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken to enhance flavor and season thoroughly.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, whisking until smooth and well-blended.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
- Add cooked rice as the next layer, spreading it uniformly across the chicken and sauce.
- Distribute broccoli florets on top of the rice layer, creating an even vegetable coverage.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the broccoli for additional flavor and a golden top.
- Cover crock pot and set to low heat, cooking for 4 hours until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- After cooking, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot, portioning into individual servings and garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Uniform Chicken Cubes: For even cooking, cut your chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures that every piece cooks thoroughly and is tender.
- Grease the Crock Pot: Lightly grease the interior of your crock pot with cooking spray or butter. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Layering is Key: Start with the cubed chicken as the first layer, followed by the seasoned soup mixture, rice, broccoli, and finally the cheese. Layering helps to distribute flavors evenly throughout the casserole.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Seasoning each layer enhances the overall flavor of the dish, making every bite delicious.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken, resulting in a richer taste.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch, consider garnishing your servings with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of additional cheese just before serving to make the dish visually appealing.
- Customize Ingredients: Feel free to customize your casserole by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or even using brown rice for a healthier twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 275kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: mg
