5 Ingredient Crockpot Cheesy Chicken & Rice 🏻
5 Ingredient Crockpot Cheesy Chicken & Rice 👏🏻 is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Girl Gone Grilling on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 4 hrs 15 min | Total: 4 hrs 40 min
Cost: $45.89 total, $11.47 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 packages Nor Cheddar Broccoli Rice Side (8‑oz (225 g) each, frozen or refrigerated)
- 1 can Crea Chicken Soup with Herbs (≈10.5 oz (300 g) can, any herb‑flavored chicken soup works)
- 2 cups Chicken Broth (Low‑sodium preferred; used to fill the soup can twice)
- 16 oz Frozen Broccoli Florets (Bag of frozen broccoli (about 1 lb))
- 1 lb Chicken Breast (Skinless, boneless; cubed into 1‑inch pieces)
- 1 tsp Morton Season All (All‑purpose seasoning blend)
- 1 tsp Kinder's Buttery Steakhouse Blend (Savory butter‑based seasoning)
- 2 cups Craft Signature Mexican Blend Cheese (Shredded; any Mexican blend or cheddar works)
Instructions
Add Rice Side and Soup Base
Place the two packages of Nor Cheddar Broccoli Rice side into the slow cooker. Open the can of Crea chicken soup and pour it over the rice. Fill the empty soup can twice with chicken broth (about 2 cups) and add the broth to the pot. Stir briefly to combine.
Time: PT5M
Add Vegetables, Chicken, and Seasonings
Add the 16 oz bag of frozen broccoli florets and the cubed chicken breast to the slow cooker. Sprinkle in 1 tsp Morton Season All and 1 tsp Kinder's Buttery Steakhouse Blend. Stir everything together until the chicken pieces are coated with the seasonings.
Time: PT5M
Slow‑Cook Until Chicken Shreds
Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW. Cook for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender enough to shred with a fork.
Time: PT4H
Add Cheese and Finish
After 4 hours, give the mixture a quick stir. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top, replace the lid, and continue cooking on LOW for another 15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.
Time: PT15M
Serve
Turn off the slow cooker, let the dish sit for 2‑3 minutes, then scoop servings onto plates. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy comfort meal!
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Nor Cheddar Broccoli Rice Side: any frozen cheddar broccoli rice side, homemade broccoli cheddar rice
- Instead of Crea Chicken Soup with Herbs: Campbell's Chicken & Rice Soup, store‑brand chicken vegetable soup
- Instead of Chicken Broth: vegetable broth, water with a pinch of salt
- Instead of Frozen Broccoli Florets: fresh broccoli cut into florets, frozen mixed vegetables
- Instead of Chicken Breast: boneless, skinless turkey breast, pre‑cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- Instead of Morton Season All: homemade blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
- Instead of Kinder's Buttery Steakhouse Blend: steak seasoning, herb butter
- Instead of Craft Signature Mexican Blend Cheese: shredded cheddar cheese, Mexican blend cheese
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker (Crock‑Pot)
- Measuring Cups
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Can Opener
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Stirring the rice side and soup base together before adding other ingredients ensures even flavor distribution.
- Cooking the chicken low and slow until it shreds prevents dryness.
- Adding the cheese at the end and allowing it to melt prevents over‑cooking and a rubbery texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use low‑sodium chicken broth to control the overall salt level.
- If you prefer a fresher texture, add a handful of fresh broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Shred the chicken with two forks after the 4‑hour cook; this makes mixing easier and distributes flavor.
Troubleshooting
The stew is too watery after cooking.
Stir in 1‑2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with cold water and cook on HIGH for 5‑10 minutes until thickened.
Chicken is not shredding easily.
Increase cooking time by 30‑45 minutes on LOW, or switch to HIGH for the last 30 minutes.
Cheese becomes rubbery instead of melty.
Add the cheese during the last 10‑15 minutes on LOW; avoid cooking on HIGH for too long.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; reheat in microwave or on low in the slow cooker with a splash of broth.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cube the chicken and measure out all ingredients the night before; store them in the refrigerator and add to the slow cooker in the morning.
- The fully cooked dish freezes well; portion into freezer bags for quick weeknight meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of a one‑pot crock‑pot chicken, broccoli & rice dinner in American cuisine?
One‑pot meals like this reflect the American tradition of convenience cooking that grew with the popularity of electric slow cookers in the 1970s. They embody busy‑family lifestyles, offering comfort, nutrition, and minimal cleanup, which has made them a staple in modern American home cooking.
What regional variations exist for chicken, broccoli, and rice dishes within United States comfort food cuisine?
Across the U.S., similar chicken‑and‑rice dishes appear with regional twists: Southern versions may add sausage and Cajun spices, while Southwest styles incorporate corn, black beans, and chipotle. This recipe’s Mexican‑blend cheese adds a mild Southwest flavor to an otherwise classic comfort base.
How is a traditional American crock‑pot dinner typically served in family gatherings?
Traditional American crock‑pot dinners are often served family‑style directly from the slow cooker, accompanied by simple sides like crusty bread, a green salad, or steamed vegetables. The set‑and‑forget nature lets hosts focus on socializing rather than kitchen chores.
What occasions or celebrations is a cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole commonly associated with in American culture?
This type of cheesy, comforting casserole is popular for weeknight family meals, potlucks, and casual gatherings such as game nights or backyard barbecues. Its ease of preparation makes it a go‑to dish for busy holidays like Thanksgiving leftovers or Christmas Eve.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in this recipe versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic ingredients include a cheddar‑broccoli rice side, herb‑flavored chicken soup, frozen broccoli, and a Mexican‑style cheese blend. Acceptable substitutes are any similar cheddar broccoli rice side, other herb chicken soups, fresh broccoli, and shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
What other American comfort dishes pair well with this crock‑pot chicken, broccoli & rice dinner?
Pairs nicely with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette, garlic‑buttered dinner rolls, or a side of roasted sweet potatoes. For a heartier spread, serve with baked beans or a corn casserole.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this crock‑pot chicken, broccoli & rice dinner?
Common mistakes include opening the lid too often, which extends cooking time, and adding the cheese too early, which can cause it to become rubbery. Also, be sure not to over‑season; the soup and seasoning blends already contain salt.
Why does this recipe use a low setting for the majority of the cooking time instead of high?
Cooking on LOW allows the chicken to become tender and shred easily without drying out, and it gives the rice side time to absorb flavors evenly. High heat can cause the rice to become mushy and the chicken to toughen.
Can I make this crock‑pot chicken, broccoli & rice dinner ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare all ingredients, assemble in the slow cooker, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, start the cooker on LOW for the full 4‑hour cook. Leftovers store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
What does the YouTube channel Girl Gone Grilling specialize in?
The YouTube channel Girl Gone Grilling focuses on approachable outdoor and indoor grilling techniques, quick weeknight meals, and creative one‑pot recipes that emphasize flavor with minimal equipment and time.
How does the YouTube channel Girl Gone Grilling's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Girl Gone Grilling emphasizes simplicity and the use of everyday pantry staples, often featuring five‑ingredient or less meals that can be cooked on a grill, stovetop, or slow cooker. This contrasts with many channels that rely on elaborate ingredient lists or specialized equipment.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
