Do you ever feel like you’re juggling too many tasks, and finding time to make a warm, comforting meal feels impossible?
That’s why this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli is a lifesaver; no casserole dish or oven is needed!
Made in a slow cooker with simple ingredients, it’s the perfect solution for a hassle-free dinner that the whole family will love.
This cheesy chicken and rice casserole is made right in your Slow Cooker, so it’s so easy!
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: Low – 4-5 hours
- Main Ingredients: Chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken, and more
- Servings: 4-6
- Extras: Serve over rice, pasta, with warm biscuits, and more
Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli
I get it – as a busy mom, making sure dinner is both easy and delicious is a daily challenge.
On busy weeknights, my slow cooker is my best friend and making these easy slow cooker recipes has changed my routines for the better!
To make this cheesy chicken and rice casserole, I start by combining the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with a bit of water (or chicken broth) and seasoning in my slow cooker.
I like to stir everything well before adding the chicken breasts. Setting the slow cooker on low for about 4-5 hours gives me time to focus on the rest of my day.
While those cook, I melt butter in a small saucepan and whisk in flour to make a simple roux.
This step only takes a few minutes, but it’s worth it because the creamy cheese sauce is what brings the whole dish together.
Once the butter and flour are ready, I slowly stir in some milk, letting the mixture thicken before adding a generous amount of cheddar cheese.
Once the sauce is smooth, I mix it into the slow cooker, and the smell of melted cheese and tender chicken fills the kitchen.
The final touch is to microwave some frozen broccoli, mix it into the casserole, and serve everything over white rice.
You can also add the rice to the pot for the full rice mixture you’d expect for a casserole; it’s totally up to you!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup or celery soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen broccoli
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and seasoned salt in the slow cooker and mix well.
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker with the soup mixture.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- To Make A Cheese Sauce (with Roux): In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Mix in flour and whisk continuously for about 5 minutes or until the roux turns slightly brown.
- Add milk and stir until thick and bubbly. Add cheddar cheese and stir until smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce into the slow cooker and mix well.
- Cook broccoli as directed in the microwave, and mix into the slow cooker.
- Slightly pull chicken into smaller chunks (if not already done so through stirring)
- Serve your cheesy chicken and broccoli over white rice for an easy casserole; no oven needed!
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe Substitutions
I love the dish as is, but there are ways to change it up to suit your tastes!
Here are some recipe substitutions you could make to alter my recipe:
Meat
You can easily change up the protein in this dish to suit your preferences or whatever you have on hand.
Chicken thighs are a great substitute for chicken breasts if you’re looking for a richer, juicier flavor.
If you’re in a hurry, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and cuts down on prep time.
For a heartier version, you could try using ground turkey or ground beef, which adds a more robust, meaty element.
Alternatively, cubed ham or smoked sausage would bring a delicious savory twist to the dish, giving it an extra layer of flavor.
Vegetables
This cheesy chicken and rice casserole is flexible and customizable when it comes to vegetables. Instead of broccoli, you can use cauliflower florets, which have a similar texture but offer a milder taste.
Adding spinach is another excellent option, as it wilts nicely in the cheesy sauce and boosts the dish’s nutritional value.
For a pop of sweetness and color, peas or green beans are great alternatives.
If you’re looking for even more flavor, sautéed bell peppers and onions can bring a rich, savory element that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Seasoning
As for seasoning, swapping out the basics can completely change the flavor profile.
Instead of seasoned salt, you can try Cajun seasoning to add a bit of heat. If you’re in the mood for something smoky, sprinkling in some smoked paprika will give the casserole a deep, rich depth of flavor.
You can also season your chicken with garlic powder and onion powder to get a stronger flavor, but Italian seasoning is also a great choice. It adds a blend of herbs that infuse the dish with a fresh flavor.
Cheese
Finally, cheese lovers can have fun experimenting with different varieties to change the dish’s taste and texture.
Mozzarella is a mild, gooey option that melts beautifully into the dish, while Colby Jack offers a creamier and slightly sweeter alternative.
For those who like a little spice, pepper jack cheese adds just the right amount of kick. If you’re a fan of strong, tangy flavors, mixing in sharp white cheddar will give the dish a more pronounced, bold taste.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy chicken and rice casserole can be served in so many different ways, whether right out of the crock pot or for leftovers.
While I usually serve it over white rice, it also pairs perfectly with pasta or mashed potatoes.
If you’re in the mood for extra comfort, serve it with warm biscuits or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
A healthy option option is to serve it over quinoa or couscous as a healthier alternative to rice. Both quinoa and couscous will soak up the creamy sauce while adding a slightly nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Another idea is to stuff the casserole into baked potatoes. The cheesy chicken and broccoli filling pairs perfectly with the soft, fluffy texture of a baked potato, turning it into a satisfying, all-in-one meal.
For something a bit more portable, you can turn the casserole into a wrap by spooning it into a large tortilla. To take it up a notch, consider adding a bit of salsa or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken will be tender and easy to pull apart with a fork after cooking for 4-5 hours on low in the slow cooker.
Can I make this casserole without making a roux?
Yes, you can skip the roux and just stir in pre-shredded cheese at the end. However, making the roux ensures a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! You can steam fresh broccoli and add it in, just make sure it’s cooked before mixing it into the casserole.
Is it okay to use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works well as a healthier alternative. Just be sure to cook it separately before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect example of how a simple, budget-friendly meal can bring so much comfort with minimal effort.
The ingredients are affordable, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you, making it an ideal choice for busy families.
Whether you serve it over rice or pasta, it’s a warm, satisfying dish that doesn’t require much hands-on time but delivers a lot of flavor.
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