If you are like me, there are days when my Crockpot is my best friend. With busy work and school schedules and sports seasons in full swing, making a family dinner seems virtually impossible. This dairy free version of a classic comfort dish, slow cooker chicken broccoli and rice, is ready to take on your busy family schedule!
Enjoy this slow cooker chicken broccoli and rice casserole recipe on your dairy free diet. It takes just minutes to prep in your crock pot so it’s easy to add to your weekly crockpot chicken meal plan for easy weeknight meals.
I’m sure you know the benefits of cooking with a slow cooker. I love my crockpots. They keep me from spending hours in the kitchen cooking when I can be out enjoying my kids! This recipe is great for dairy free diets as well.
It’s quick and easy thanks the help of the slow cooker so I can be multitasking without even thinking of it! You can also use the slow cooker function on a pressure cooker or Instant Pot in case you don’t want to get out the crockpot!
The flavors come together perfectly in this dairy free chicken casserole recipe to give you the creamy, rich texture of classic version but with some tasty changes. With a few simple, fresh ingredients and about ten minutes of prep work, a healthy and satisfying dinner is on your table in no time.
Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Recipe (Serves 4-6)
Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Ingredients
To make this chicken broccoli and rice casserole, no ordinary rice will do, Jasmine rice works best. Not only does the rice add a bit more flavor, but it also puts out a better smell.
To make this dish even more healthy, use unsweetened coconut milk and an all-natural chicken broth or stock. If you can make your own stock before, even better. You will need to chop the broccoli into smaller pieces and slice some onions but all the work you put into the prep will make itself known in the final dish.
Prepping the Ingredients for Dairy Free Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli and Rice
In a strainer, rinse Jasmine rice several times and let drain while preparing the other ingredients.
Juice and zest 1 lime.
Chop 2 cups of broccoli and slice green onions.
Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Then salt and pepper to taste.
How to Make Dairy Free Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Spray the inside (bottom and sides) of the Crockpot to prevent sticking.
Place the rinsed rice into your Crockpot and cover with the unsweetened coconut milk and chicken stock.
Add half of the lime juice, the garlic powder and half of the chopped green onion.
Layer the broccoli on top of the rice and liquid.
Layer the chicken slices on top of the broccoli.
Add the remainder of the lime juice, zest and green onion.
Cover and cook on high for 2 – 2 ½ hours or until the rice is tender.
One word of advice when making slow cooker rice! There is a fine line in the crockpot between firm rice and rice mush! Depending upon your preferences it’s best to keep an eye on the rice for the last 30 minutes or so.
A little extra liquid at the end of the cooking time is better than running out and leaving you with rice that is too firm.
Dairy Free Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli and Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Jasmine rice
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 lime for juice and zest
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups broccoli chopped, bite size
- 2-3 green onions sliced
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
- salt and pepper to taste
- Olive or Coconut oil spray
Instructions
Recipe Prep Instructions
- In a strainer, rinse Jasmine rice several times and let drain while preparing the other ingredients.
- Juice and zest 1 lime.
- Chop 2 cups of broccoli and slice green onions.
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Then salt and pepper to taste.
- Spray the inside (bottom and sides) of the Crockpot to prevent sticking.
Crockpot Cooking Instructions
- Place the rinsed rice into your Crockpot and cover with the coconut milk and chicken stock.
- Add half of the lime juice, the garlic powder and half of the chopped green onion.
- Layer the broccoli on top of the rice and liquid.
- Layer the chicken slices on top of the broccoli.
- Add the remainder of the lime juice, zest and green onion.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 - 2 ½ hours or until the rice is tender.
Other Slow Cooker Recipes to Enjoy
Crockpot Chicken Chili with Roasted Peppers
Shredded Chicken Tacos Crockpot Recipe (Dairy Free & Ketogenic)
Crockpot Beef Sandwiches | Shredded Beef Recipe
Crockpot Cheesy Hashbrowns | Cheesy Potatoes Side Dish
North says
In the ingredient list there is no garlic powder but in the written instructions it calls for garlic powder but does not indicate how much. Do add or omit garlic powder?
North says
Ahhh the printed instructions omit the garlic powder! Found the amount at the top of your blog post
Amy Barseghian says
Thanks for the catch! I edited the recipe card. Enjoy!
Lololo says
Silly question an I cooking the rice first
Amy Barseghian says
The directions state to rinse and place in the slow cooker. Hope that helps!
MrsHinton says
How important is the layering? I’m thinking about making some to put in the freezer and omitting the rice until it’s time to cook. Obviously the ingredients would be mixed together in this case…
Amy Barseghian says
That seems like it should work fine! Let us know your results!
Elizabeth says
Does the chicken need to be cooked first?
Amy Barseghian says
No it does not.
Savannah says
Can I use regular milk?
Amy Barseghian says
You can, but it would make the recipe non dairy free. If you are okay with dairy, it will taste great!
Alee says
Can I use almond milk?
Amy Barseghian says
Sure!
Krista says
Do you have calorie/nutrition numbers for this recipe? I didn’t see any, but could have missed. Thanks!
Amy Barseghian says
I don’t have that as of now. Thanks for asking!
Brimarie says
Can I use frozen broccoli..?
Amy Barseghian says
Yes just know that it will add a bit more liquid to the base.
Laura says
Is that regular or unsweetened coconut milk?
Amy Barseghian says
Unsweetened! We clarified that in the post too.
Rose Miller says
I’ve never used jasmine rice before and didn’t know what it would be like. I made this today and really don’t care for it. At the 2 hour mark it was very liquidy, but at 2 1/2 hours it was getting very dry. I didn’t feel like the chicken was quite done even though I cut it in small 1 inch pieces and the rice is like applesauce. I won’t be making this again. Not a fan. Sorry!!
Amy Barseghian says
Sorry it didn’t work for you. I have not had an issue with the rice like this but will update if we find a trick.
Bonnie Riggs says
Will it work if I use brown rice or do I need to adjust the liquid or time?
Amy Barseghian says
I am sure it will! You will just need to adjust the time a bit depending on the rice you use.
Kathryn says
I loved this recipe! I actually used a lemon instead of a lime because that’s all my local store had, and it was great. It gave it the same flavor as lemon broccoli pasta. I also added some nutritional yeast to give it a cheesy taste.
Will definitely be making this again!
Amy Barseghian says
Yay! So happy you loved it!