Introduction

Discover the ultimate easy comfort food that will quickly become a family favorite. This crockpot chicken and rice recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for any busy weeknight. Simply toss ingredients into your slow cooker for a delicious, hands-off meal that everyone will adore. Get ready for simple cooking and delightful results!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe

You’ll love this creamy, comforting slow cooker chicken and rice dish for so many reasons. It truly embodies the joy of effortless home cooking.

Minimal prep, maximum flavor. Just a few minutes of work gets you a rich, savory meal.
One-pot cleanup for busy nights. Spend less time washing dishes and more time with loved ones.
Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. Every spoonful offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes.
Budget-friendly ingredients. Create a hearty family meal using common pantry staples.
Perfect for meal planning. Easily prep ahead or enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your fantastic crockpot chicken and rice dinner. You’ll be amazed at how basic items transform into something so delicious!

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
½ onion, chopped
3 cups chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can)
1 ½ cup brown rice (uncooked)
2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

Notes & Substitutions

For even richer flavor in your slow cooker chicken and rice, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. If you’re not a fan of canned soup, you can try a homemade cream of chicken soup or opt for cream of mushroom soup. Remember, brown rice is crucial for the best texture in this dish; it holds up much better than white rice in the slow cooker. Feel free to experiment with other shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby Jack for a different twist. You can also toss in a cup of frozen mixed vegetables, like peas and carrots, during the last hour of cooking for added nutrients and color.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this straightforward chicken and rice recipe. These items make the cooking process smooth and simple.

Large slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Optional: Food chopper for onions

Instructions

Making this delicious crockpot chicken and rice is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect, hands-off meal.

Combine ingredients: Place the 1-inch pieces of chicken breast, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and chopped onion into your 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the 3 cups of chicken broth and the 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup.
Add rice and stir: Add the 1 ½ cups of uncooked brown rice to the slow cooker. Using a large spoon, stir all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined and the rice is mostly submerged in the liquid. This ensures even cooking.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the HIGH setting for 3.5 to 4 hours. The cooking is complete when the brown rice has absorbed all the chicken broth and is tender, and the chicken is cooked through.
Melt cheese: Once cooked, remove the lid. Stir in the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese directly into the hot crockpot chicken and rice. Replace the lid and let the residual heat melt the cheese for about 5-7 minutes.
Serve: Give it one final stir to distribute the melted cheese evenly. Serve your warm and cheesy slow cooker chicken and rice immediately. Enjoy this comforting, easy-to-make dish!

Pro Tips for Success

Achieve the best results with your creamy chicken and rice by following these simple pro tips.

Submerge the rice: Always ensure your brown rice is fully submerged in the liquid. This prevents crunchy, undercooked grains.
Keep the lid on: Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking. Each time you peek, heat escapes, adding about 20-30 minutes to your cooking time.
Adjust liquid: If your dish seems too thick or too thin after cooking, you can adjust the liquid slightly. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick when reheating.
Shred chicken easily: For convenience, you can shred the cooked chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these common pitfalls for the perfect crockpot chicken and rice.

Using white rice: White rice cooks much faster than brown and can turn mushy in this recipe. Stick with brown rice for the best texture.
Cooking on low too long: While slow cookers have a low setting, this particular dish works best on high. Low heat for an extended period can lead to overcooked, gummy rice.
Overfilling the slow cooker: Never fill your slow cooker more than two-thirds full. This can lead to uneven cooking and potential spills.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

Serving Suggestions

This hearty crockpot chicken and rice is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Consider serving it alongside steamed green beans or tender broccoli for a complete meal. A crisp, simple side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. Don’t forget some crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce – it’s always a hit!

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover slow cooker chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-5 days, making it excellent for meal prepping. When reheating, gently warm portions on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. If the dish seems too thick or dry after refrigeration, add a small splash of chicken broth or water to bring back its creamy consistency.

For optimal safety, the USDA recommends refrigerating cooked chicken within three to four days. Properly storing cooked chicken and rice is crucial to prevent bacterial growth.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your crockpot chicken and rice!

Soup: Swap cream of chicken for cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even a broccoli cheese soup.
Protein: Instead of chicken, try boneless pork chops or even turkey breast cut into cubes.
Vegetables: Enhance the nutrition and color by adding frozen peas, carrots, or corn during the last hour of cooking.
Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a zesty Mexican blend for varied flavors.
Spices: Boost the flavor profile with additions like smoked paprika, dried thyme, or a pinch of Italian seasoning.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious crockpot chicken and rice recipe. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Value
Calories	424 kcal
Carbohydrates	42 g
Protein	23 g
Fat	18 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Trans Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	68 mg
Sodium	1455 mg
Potassium	442 mg
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	1 g
Vitamin A	486 IU
Vitamin C	10 mg
Calcium	308 mg
Iron	2 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use white rice in this recipe?
Brown rice is highly recommended for this crockpot chicken and rice. White rice cooks much faster and can become mushy if cooked for the same duration.
Can I cook this on the LOW setting?
For optimal texture and thorough cooking of the brown rice, the HIGH heat setting is recommended. Cooking on low might not provide enough heat for the rice.
When should I add frozen vegetables?
Add any frozen vegetables, like peas or corn, during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. This prevents them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead?
Yes, absolutely! Cream of mushroom soup is a fantastic and flavorful substitute for cream of chicken in this dish.
Can I double the recipe in one 6-quart slow cooker?
It’s not recommended to double this recipe in a single 6-quart slow cooker. Overfilling can lead to uneven cooking and the rice not cooking properly; use two slow cookers for best results.

Conclusion

This easy crockpot chicken and rice recipe proves that delicious, comforting meals don’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking process, you can create a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish the whole family will love. It’s the perfect solution for busy parents and beginners looking for a simple yet flavorful weeknight dinner. Give this ultimate one-pot wonder a try and enjoy more time around the table!