Crock Pot Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs 30 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 45 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
229 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Crock Pot Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice
Description
This recipe layers uncooked brown rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, and dried thyme into a slow cooker, topped with chicken broth for cooking moisture. Chicken breasts are seasoned with onion powder and salt, then rubbed with Dijon mustard before placing atop the rice mixture, which helps flavor the meat and rice simultaneously. The slow cooker cooks the ingredients on high or low, resulting in tender chicken and rice.
After initial cooking, steamed broccoli is added and combined with sour cream and shredded cheddar, which melts into the hot mixture for a creamy texture and cheesy taste. Chopped fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a fresh element. The dish is hearty and balanced in textures, with soft rice and chicken contrasted by tender broccoli.
Using frozen broccoli florets is convenient; they can be steamed in the microwave with a small amount of water covered by a plate to retain steam. Adjusting broth amounts after cooking helps ensure the rice is properly cooked. Leftovers store well and can be reheated gently.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice uncooked
- 1 small yellow onion peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth plus up to 1 cup extra, low-sodium
- 2 chicken breast boneless skinless
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups broccoli cut into smaller pieces as needed, florets
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- parsley chopped, for garnish, fresh
Instructions
- To a slow cooker, add rice, onion, garlic, and dried thyme. Pour chicken broth over rice.
- Season chicken all over with onion powder and salt. Then rub both sides with Dijon mustard. Place in the slow cooker on top of rice.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours.
- Uncover the slow cooker and transfer chicken to a cutting board. Once cool enough to handle, chop chicken into small pieces.
- Steam broccoli in the microwave and then drain. Add steamed broccoli to the slow cooker and stir to combine. (see notes)
- Add sour cream and chopped chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Test rice for doneness - add up to 1 cup more of broth as needed if rice is now fully cooked yet.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese all over the top of the chicken and rice mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rice is soft. Serve warm with chopped parsley on top for garnish, if desired.
Notes
- Frozen broccoli florets can be steamed right in the bag; about 6.5 ounces are needed for the recipe.
- To steam fresh broccoli in the microwave, place florets in a bowl with 1½ tablespoons water, cover with an upside-down plate, and heat for 2½ to 4 minutes until tender.
- If rice is still firm after initial cooking, add more broth as needed during final cooking to achieve desired tenderness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 229 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 229kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 40mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 475mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 360mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 388IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 22mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 149mg | 15% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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