If you’ve been hunting for a hearty, fuss-free dinner that feels like a warm hug, let me introduce you to my Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish brings together tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and wholesome brown rice all cooked to perfection right in one pot. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find it’s the kind of meal that fills the whole house with cozy vibes and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience: You literally throw everything into the slow cooker, set it and forget it — making dinner effortless.
- Healthy and Balanced: Brown rice, lean chicken, and broccoli make it easy to get your protein, fiber, and veggies all in one meal.
- Rich Flavor with Minimal Fuss: Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and thyme pack a flavorful punch without complicated steps.
- Family Approved: My kids (and frankly, all my friends) go crazy for this creamy, cheesy casserole every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe plays an important role — from the nutty texture of the brown rice to the sharp tang of Dijon mustard. I recommend using fresh broccoli and rinsing your rice well to get the best results.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth; I always use a small yellow onion for this.
- Long grain brown rice: Rinsed and drained — it holds up beautifully in the slow cooker without getting mushy.
- Dijon mustard: Brings just the right hint of tang to brighten the dish.
- Garlic powder: A kitchen staple, gives gentle warmth without overpowering.
- Dried thyme: Adds savory herbaceous notes that tie the flavors together.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and flavorful without too much salt.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to slice after cooking and stays tender when slow-cooked.
- Broccoli: Cut into small, bite-size florets for even cooking and that fresh pop of green.
- Plain Greek yogurt (optional): For extra creaminess and a little tang; I love this addition especially for a richer texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and depth; freshly grated is best.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, making the casserole irresistible.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe to suit what I have on hand or different tastes in the family — and you should definitely make it your own!
- Swap the cheese: I once swapped cheddar for gouda and it added a delicious smoky note—try your favorite melting cheese.
- Make it dairy-free: Just skip the Greek yogurt and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative for cheesiness.
- Add some heat: If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or mix in some diced jalapeños before cooking.
- Use different veggies: Carrots or mushrooms are great additions if you want to bulk it up more — just chop them small for even cooking.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Flavor Base
Start by placing the chopped onion, rinsed brown rice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper right into the bottom of your slow cooker. Give it a quick stir so the spices and mustard start mingling, which is a little trick I discovered makes a huge flavor difference.
Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and stir again to combine everything. Then, lay the chicken breasts on top in a single layer, seasoning them with a bit of extra black pepper. The liquid and rice create a perfect cooking medium that keeps the chicken juicy as it transforms in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and set your slow cooker to high for about 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. I usually aim for around 3 hours. You want the chicken completely cooked through and the rice tender but not mushy — it should have soaked up almost all of the broth. Different slow cookers vary, so it helps to check at the 2 1/2-hour mark and adjust.
Step 4: Prepare the Broccoli
While the chicken and rice work their magic, steam your broccoli on the stove or in the microwave until tender-crisp. I’ve tried letting the broccoli cook in the slow cooker during the last hour, but it turns a dull green — steaming keeps it vibrant and fresh, which I prefer both taste- and presentation-wise.
Step 5: Combine and Add Cheesy Goodness
When the slow cooking is done, carefully remove the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Then add the Greek yogurt (if you’re using it!), Parmesan, and shredded cheddar to the rice mixture in the slow cooker — stir them well so everything melts together into creamy, cheesy deliciousness.
Step 6: Add Chicken and Broccoli Back In
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and fold it into the cheesy rice mix along with your steamed broccoli. Give the whole casserole one last gentle stir, then it’s ready to serve. This step is key to keep the broccoli’s texture lively and the chicken tender in every bite.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Rinse Your Rice Thoroughly: This helps prevent the casserole from turning mushy and improves texture significantly.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Steaming fresh broccoli separately preserves its vibrant color and crunch better than slow cooking.
- Cut Chicken Uniformly: This ensures even cooking and makes for perfectly tender bites every time.
- Don’t Skip the Dijon: It might seem subtle, but Dijon mustard adds brightness that stops the dish from tasting flat.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan and a few chopped fresh parsley leaves on top before serving—it adds that pop of color and subtle herb freshness that lifts the whole dish. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens things up really nicely, too.
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple green side salad or some roasted cherry tomatoes to add a burst of juiciness and contrast. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also great if you want something more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve spooned this casserole into hollowed-out mini bell peppers or individual ramekins, then broiled the tops until golden and bubbly. It’s a hit with guests and makes the meal feel extra festive without extra work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually keeps well for up to 4 days. When I reheat, I add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up, because rice tends to soak up moisture.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and label them. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the chicken tender and the broccoli from getting too soft.
Reheating
To reheat, I usually microwave individual servings, covered loosely with a damp paper towel, for a couple of minutes until hot. Alternatively, warming gently on the stove with a splash of broth works beautifully to revive the creaminess and flavor.
FAQs
-
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice in this casserole?
It’s best to stick with long grain brown rice as called for in this recipe. Brown rice holds up better during slow cooking and adds a lovely nutty flavor and chewy texture. White rice tends to become mushy and overcook in the slow cooker’s long cooking time.
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great substitution if you want juicier, more flavorful meat. Just be mindful to check that they reach a safe internal temperature, and expect a slightly different texture and taste.
-
Should I cook the broccoli inside the slow cooker or separately?
For best color and texture, I recommend steaming the broccoli separately and adding it to the casserole at the end. Cooking broccoli in the slow cooker can make it lose its bright green color and get a bit mushy.
-
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
You can, but timing will be very different. The Instant Pot cooks much faster, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and likely sauté some ingredients first. For first timers, trying the slow cooker method is simpler and just as delicious.
-
Is the Greek yogurt necessary in the recipe?
Not at all—Greek yogurt is optional and adds extra creaminess and a bit of tang. If you don’t have it or want to keep the casserole dairy-free, simply leave it out and the dish will still turn out great.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe has been one of my go-to comfort meals, especially on busy weekdays or chill weekends when I want something effortlessly satisfying. It’s warm, cheesy, and full of wholesome goodness, making it perfect to feed the family or meal prep for the week. I’m so confident you’ll love how easy it is to make and how satisfying it tastes—give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your rotation too!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole is a comforting and healthy one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts, brown rice, and vibrant broccoli cooked to perfection with savory herbs and cheeses. It’s an easy-to-make recipe ideal for busy weeknights, delivering rich flavors and creamy texture using wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup long grain brown rice, rinsed and drained (do NOT substitute white rice or any other type of rice)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, optional, for extra creaminess
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker Base: Place the chopped onion, brown rice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates the flavorful rice bed for the dish.
- Add Broth and Stir: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth over the rice and seasonings, then stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Chicken: Lay the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle additional black pepper over the chicken for extra seasoning.
- Slow Cook the Mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked through and the rice will have absorbed almost all the broth. Cooking time may vary; in this recipe it took about 3 hours.
- Prepare Broccoli: When the slow cooking is almost complete, cook the broccoli separately by steaming it on the stove, microwaving, or roasting in the oven. Steaming on the stove provides the best texture and color. Alternatively, add broccoli to the slow cooker during the last hour for a softer texture and less vibrant color.
- Remove and Cut Chicken: Once cooking is finished, carefully remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board and cut into bite-size pieces.
- Add Creamy Ingredients to Rice: Stir the plain Greek yogurt (if using), grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese into the rice mixture in the slow cooker until combined.
- Combine All Components: Return the cut chicken pieces and cooked broccoli to the slow cooker, stir everything together thoroughly, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use long grain brown rice as specified; do not substitute with white rice or other rice types for proper texture and cooking time.
- Steaming broccoli separately preserves its bright green color and texture better than cooking it in the slow cooker.
- Adding Greek yogurt is optional but adds extra creaminess without overpowering the dish.
- Cooking times may vary based on slow cooker model; check chicken for doneness before serving.
- This recipe can be doubled if using a larger slow cooker, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
