Looking for a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole! Packed with flavor, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s a breeze to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of tender chicken, hearty rice, and vibrant broccoli creates a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Quick prep time: With minimal prep work, you can set it and forget it in the slow cooker, making it perfect for busy days.
- Perfect for meal prep: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredient Notes:
- Small onion, chopped: Adds a savory base to the dish.
- Long grain brown rice, rinsed and drained (do NOT substitute white rice or any other type of rice): Provides a nutty flavor and hearty texture.
- Tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick to the dish.
- Teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavors.
- Teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
- Teaspoon salt: Seasoning to taste.
- Teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Provides moisture and flavor.
- Pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that cooks to perfection in the slow cooker.
- Pound broccoli, cut into small pieces: Adds color and nutrients.
- Plain Greek yogurt, optional, for extra creaminess: Adds a creamy texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds richness and gooeyness to the casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Place the chopped onion, rinsed brown rice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper into the bottom of your slow cooker. This mixture forms the flavorful foundation of the casserole.
- Pour in the low sodium chicken broth over the dry ingredients and stir well to combine everything evenly. This will help the rice cook properly and infuse the flavors.
- Nestle the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the chicken with a little extra black pepper to enhance the seasoning.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice has absorbed almost all of the broth.
- While the slow cooker is finishing, cook the broccoli separately to retain its vibrant color and texture.
- Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and return them to the slow cooker.
- Add optional plain Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese to create a creamy, cheesy base for the casserole.
- Stir in the cooked broccoli and chicken, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Helpful Tips:
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for best results.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality chicken broth for more flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions:
This casserole pairs well with a side salad, crusty bread, or a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to refresh the dish if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the casserole.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Can I use different types of cheese? Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses to customize the dish to your taste.
Conclusion:
With its delicious flavors, easy preparation, and versatility, this Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a must-try for any occasion. Give it a go and share your feedback with us – we’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a creamy and cheesy dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a comforting meal. The combination of tender chicken, broccoli, and flavorful rice cooked in a slow cooker creates a delicious one-pot meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup long grain brown rice, rinsed and drained
- 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
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Combine onion, rice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour chicken broth over the dry ingredients and place chicken breasts on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours.
- Cook Broccoli: Steam broccoli separately.
- Finish: Remove chicken, cut into pieces, add yogurt, Parmesan, cheddar cheese, broccoli to the slow cooker, and stir to combine.
Notes
- Make sure to use brown rice for best results.
- Steaming broccoli separately helps retain its texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg