This dump-and-go Crockpot chicken broccoli rice casserole is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
With tender chicken, broccoli, and rice in one pot, it is a great choice for busy weeknights or casual potlucks.
Dump-and-Go Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
4 h 15 min
|
easy
|
Mediterranean diet
Published Mar 27, 2026
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 4 h | 4 h 15 min |
Introduction
Ingredients (6 servings)
Adjust servings:
Ingredients
Get Ingredients →
Order the ingredients from your local store for pickup or delivery (US only).
You'll check out through Instacart.
When you purchase through this link, we'll receive a small fee at no extra cost to you.
How to Make Dump-and-Go Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
-
Load the slow cooker
Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker, then add chicken, soup, broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir well so the chicken pieces are coated and spread into an even layer.
-
Cook the chicken first
Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
You can cook on high for 90 to 120 minutes instead.
The chicken should be nearly cooked through before you add the rice.
Adding the rice later keeps it from turning mushy during the long slow-cooker time.
-
Stir in the rice
Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it is fully submerged in the hot liquid.
Turn the slow cooker to high if needed, then cover and cook 35 to 45 minutes.
Check once near the end, and stir gently if the rice looks dry around the edges.
The rice should be tender, and most of the liquid should be absorbed.
-
Finish with broccoli and cheese
Stir in the broccoli, milk, butter, and shredded cheddar cheese once the rice is tender.
Cover and cook 10 to 15 minutes, just until the broccoli is bright and crisp-tender.
Adding the broccoli at the end keeps its color fresh and its texture pleasant.
-
Rest and serve
Stir the casserole well, then let it rest for 5 minutes to thicken before serving.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then spoon into bowls while hot.
Substitutions
- Chicken breasts for chicken thighs
- Boneless skinless thighs stay juicier in the slow cooker and add a richer flavor. The casserole also tastes a bit more savory.
- Fresh broccoli for frozen broccoli florets
- Frozen florets are convenient and keep the same green look. Add them at the end, and cook just until heated through.
- Shredded cheddar for smoked gouda
- Smoked gouda melts smoothly and brings a deeper, woodsy flavor. It gives the casserole a fun twist without changing the creamy texture.
Tips
- Add rice only after the chicken cooks
- Rice absorbs liquid fast in a slow cooker. Adding it later keeps the grains tender, separate, and pleasantly creamy.
- Add broccoli at the very end
- Broccoli needs only a short steam at the finish. That timing keeps it green, tender, and never sulfurous.
- Keep every grain under the broth
- Any dry rice above the liquid can cook unevenly. Press the rice down after stirring for consistent texture.
- Shred your own cheese
- Bagged cheese contains anti-caking starches. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and gives a silkier sauce.
- Rest before serving
- A short rest helps the sauce settle around the rice. The casserole scoops better and tastes less soupy.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 512 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 36 | g |
| Total Fat | 14 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 60 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Why is my rice still hard?
- Slow cookers vary, and some run cooler than others. Keep cooking on high for 10 minutes, then check again. Add a splash of broth if the pot looks dry.
- Why did my rice turn mushy?
- The rice likely cooked too long or went in too early. Add it only after the chicken cooks. Stop the heat once the grains are tender.
- Can I use brown rice instead?
- Brown rice needs more liquid and a longer cooking time. Quick-cooking brown rice works best here. Standard brown rice may leave the chicken overcooked.
- Can I prep this ahead of time?
- You can cut the chicken and measure the seasonings the day before. Store them cold in separate containers. Wait to add the rice and broccoli during the proper stages.
Serving Suggestions
This cozy casserole tastes great with a simple green salad or warm garlic bread.
A spoonful of sour cream adds tang, while chopped parsley brightens the rich cheese sauce.
For extra color and bite, top each bowl with cracked pepper and a little more cheddar.
Side Pairings
These sides complement the meal beautifully.
Reviews
-
nom.blessed, Melbourne, Australia: Our family loves crockpot meals. Made this on a busy day for dinner. Was a great dish. Easier to make than alot of other chicken rice casseroles. We used fresh broccoli and just cut it up small. Worked out great!
: Glad it worked well with fresh broccoli!
Made this recipe? How did it go?
Please post your feedback and pictures here. We’d love to hear from you!
