Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe for Busy Families

Comfort food takes center stage with this hearty crock pot chicken and rice recipe that promises pure satisfaction.

Slow-cooked to perfection, the tender chicken melts in your mouth with every delightful bite.

The rice absorbs rich, savory flavors, creating a creamy and delectable one-pot meal.

Busy home cooks adore this simple yet incredibly delicious dinner solution that requires minimal prep time.

Minimal ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering maximum flavor and nutrition in a single dish.

Warm, filling, and utterly irresistible, this recipe transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable moments.

Prepare to savor every spoonful of this soul-warming culinary delight.

Why Crock Pot Chicken & Rice Is a Favorite

• Minimal prep work means you can toss ingredients into the crock pot and walk away, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated techniques.
• Creamy, cheesy chicken and rice creates a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming weeknight dinners into cozy family moments.
• The crock pot does all the hard work, allowing you to multitask or relax while a hearty meal slowly develops rich, satisfying flavors with zero constant monitoring.
• Using affordable ingredients like chicken, rice, and pantry staples ensures you can feed a hungry family without breaking the bank, making this recipe a smart economic choice.

What You’ll Need for Crock Pot Chicken & Rice

• Chicken: The main protein source that provides hearty flavor and substance to the dish.

• Brown Rice: A nutritious whole grain that absorbs the rich flavors and creates a satisfying base for the recipe.

• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and savory notes to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and infuse the dish with rich chicken flavor.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: A creamy component that adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp cheese that provides a delicious finish and extra creaminess to the dish.

Cooking Chicken & Rice in the Crock Pot

Step 1: Combine Chicken and Rice Mixture

Grab your trusty crock pot and toss in chicken pieces, minced garlic, diced onions, salt, pepper, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and brown rice.

Stir everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well-mixed and evenly distributed.

This step prevents rice from clumping and creates a delicious, uniform base for your meal.

• Chicken pieces
• Minced garlic
• Diced onions
• Salt
• Pepper
• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup
• Brown rice

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crock pot and set it to high heat.

Let the mixture cook for 3.5 to 4 hours without frequently lifting the lid.

Keeping the lid closed maintains consistent temperature and helps the ingredients meld together beautifully.

The chicken will become tender while the rice absorbs all the flavorful liquid.

Step 3: Add Cheesy Goodness

Once the rice has soaked up the broth and the chicken is fully cooked, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Gently stir to incorporate the cheese, then cover and let it sit for 5-7 minutes.

This allows the cheese to melt completely and create a creamy, luxurious texture.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Give the dish a final stir to ensure everything is well combined.

Scoop the chicken and rice into bowls while it’s hot and steaming.

Enjoy the comforting blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melted cheese – a true home-cooked delight that will warm your heart and satisfy your hunger.

Smart Tips for Creamy, Cooked-Through Rice

• Stir ingredients thoroughly before cooking to ensure even distribution and avoid uncooked rice patches.
• Minimize lid opening during cooking to maintain consistent heat and prevent moisture loss, which keeps chicken tender and rice perfectly cooked.
• Allow shredded cheese to sit covered for 5-7 minutes after adding, creating a creamy, melted texture without overcooking.
• Replace chicken with turkey or tofu for different dietary preferences while maintaining the recipe's core flavor profile.
• Refrigerate extra portions in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, reheating with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.

How to Store and Reheat Crock Pot Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. Will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Pour chicken and rice into skillet. Add splash of broth or water. Cover and warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

What Goes Well with Chicken & Rice

• Pair Zesty Citrus Salad: Bright lemon and orange segments cut through the rich, creamy chicken and rice, adding refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the recipe's creaminess and enhance its subtle garlic notes.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Serve alongside herb-roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus to introduce a vibrant, nutritious side that adds color and texture.
• Enhance with Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top to introduce a light, fresh element that lifts the entire dish's flavor profile.

Tasty Chicken & Rice Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce using gluten-free flour or cornstarch, and use gluten-free chicken broth for sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap brown rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew or almond-based cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, paprika, and cumin to create a zesty southwestern flavor, then top with fresh cilantro and jalapeños for extra heat and complexity.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• What type of rice works best?

Long-grain brown rice is recommended, but white rice can also work. Just adjust liquid quantities slightly to prevent burning.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, and choose a lighter cheese option like part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat cheddar.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and verify all ingredient labels to make it completely gluten-free.

Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy crock pot chicken and rice brings comforting southern hospitality to your dinner table. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a soul-warming meal that welcomes family around the table with simple, delicious charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 onion (chopped)

Liquid and Grains:

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 1/2 cups brown rice (uncooked)

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Instructions

1. Combine all core ingredients in the crock pot, ensuring chicken, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and brown rice are thoroughly mixed to prevent uneven rice distribution.
2. Secure the lid and set the crock pot to high temperature, cooking for 3.5-4 hours without frequent lid lifting to maintain consistent heat and cooking efficiency.
3. Verify chicken is fully cooked and rice has completely absorbed the liquid, then generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface.
4. Allow cheese to melt for 5-7 minutes with the lid closed, creating a creamy, uniform texture throughout the dish.
5. Gently stir the melted cheese into the rice and chicken mixture, ensuring even coating and maximum flavor integration.
6. Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich, comforting blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and melted cheese.

Notes

• Swap out brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to create a lower-carb, gluten-free alternative that still delivers amazing flavor and texture.
• Enhance protein content by adding diced ham, cooked bacon bits, or plant-based protein like crumbled tofu for vegetarian options.
• Prevent chicken from drying out by using bone-in chicken thighs or mixing chicken breasts and thighs, which helps maintain moisture and richness throughout the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg