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Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 56 reviews

This Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts, nutty brown rice, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, it combines wholesome ingredients and simple seasoning to deliver a flavorful, hearty casserole with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Prepare the base: 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 forms the flavorful foundation of your casserole.
  2. Add broth: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth over the dry ingredients and stir well to combine everything evenly. This ensures the rice cooks properly and absorbs the flavors.
  3. Place the chicken: Nestle the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture and sprinkle with a little extra black pepper to enhance seasoning.
  4. Cook in slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, averaging about 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice absorbs most of the broth.
  5. Cook the broccoli: While the slow cooker is finishing, steam the broccoli on the stovetop (or microwave or roast as alternatives) to retain its vibrant color and texture.
  6. Slice the chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts, transfer to a cutting board, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Add creaminess and cheese: To the rice and broth mixture in the slow cooker, add the optional Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to create a creamy, cheesy base.
  8. Combine all ingredients: Return the chopped chicken and cooked broccoli to the slow cooker and gently stir to combine evenly. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

  • Do not substitute brown rice with white or any other type, as it affects cook time and texture.
  • Steaming broccoli separately prevents it from becoming mushy and preserves color and nutrients.
  • The plain Greek yogurt is optional but adds extra creaminess and a slight tang.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
  • Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt content for a healthier dish.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken casserole, chicken broccoli rice, cheesy chicken casserole, easy slow cooker recipe, healthy casserole

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/slow-cooker-chicken-broccoli-rice-casserole-recipe/