Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than our mouthwatering Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice! This all-in-one meal combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli, all infused with savory flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep time and lets your slow cooker do the rest. Dive into this comforting dish that promises to be a hit with the whole family—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by trimming any excess fat and patting them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Pour the uncooked rice evenly around and between the chicken breasts.
- Carefully pour the chicken broth over the rice and chicken, ensuring the rice is mostly submerged.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for
- 5 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the rice to absorb the liquid.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets on top of the chicken and rice. This will steam the broccoli while keeping it crisp and green.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and gently mix with the rice and broccoli.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can season the chicken and chop the broccoli the night before. Just store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh broccoli and high-quality chicken broth will enhance the flavor of your dish. Opt for low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the saltiness.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese: Adding shredded cheddar cheese at the end not only adds a creamy texture but also a rich flavor. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist!
- Adjust Cooking Time: If you’re using larger chicken breasts, you may need to extend the cooking time by 30 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
- Serve with a Twist: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
- Leftover Magic: This dish makes excellent leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and enjoy a quick lunch or dinner.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
