Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is the kind of meal that makes busy nights feel easier and more comforting. The slow cooker turns simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy dish that everyone will love. As it cooks, the smell fills the kitchen and builds anticipation for a family-favorite dinner.

This creamy chicken and rice recipe is hearty, comforting, and effortless. The chicken becomes tender, the rice soaks in all the flavor, and the melted cheese brings it all together. Whether you’re coming home after a long day or just craving something cozy, this crock pot chicken and rice delivers the perfect balance of flavor and simplicity.

It’s quick to prepare, affordable to make, and always satisfying. Once you try it, it’s likely to become one of your most reliable go-to dinners. If you love easy comfort meals like this, you might also enjoy Easy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Bake, another family-approved dish that makes weeknights stress-free.

Table of Contents

Why This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe Works

• Set it and forget it: Add everything to the slow cooker and let it handle the hard work.
• Family-approved: Creamy, cheesy rice that even picky eaters enjoy.
• Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients that stretch into a filling, satisfying meal.
• Flexible: You can adjust seasoning or add vegetables without affecting the cooking time.

This dish is comfort food at its best, warm, creamy, and made for sharing around the table.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Making this Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe doesn’t take much. Everything comes together with basic, budget-friendly ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic for flavor depth
• 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper to season
• ½ chopped onion for mild sweetness
• 3 cups chicken broth (use low sodium if preferred)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup for a creamy base
• 1½ cups uncooked brown rice that holds texture during long cooking
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese to finish with rich flavor

If you enjoy creamy pasta-style dinners, try my Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It’s another easy slow cooker dish packed with cheesy goodness.

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

This recipe couldn’t be simpler. Just combine, cook, stir, and serve.

1. Combine ingredients
Add chicken, garlic, salt, pepper, onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and brown rice to your crock pot. Stir everything well so the flavors blend evenly.

2. Cook
Cover and cook on high for 3½ to 4 hours, or until the rice has absorbed the broth and turned tender. Check once during cooking to make sure the rice isn’t sticking to the sides.

3. Add cheese
When cooking is complete, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover again and let the residual heat melt the cheese for about 5 to 7 minutes.

4. Serve
Spoon the creamy chicken and rice into bowls, top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’d like, and serve warm.

Pro Tip: Brown rice works best for this recipe because it holds its texture. White rice tends to cook too fast and become soft.

Recipe Variations for Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

The beauty of this Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is how easy it is to adjust to fit your family’s taste or what’s in your pantry. Below are a few tested variations that always turn out delicious.

Easy Recipe Twists

• Creamy Mushroom Version: Replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a rich, earthy flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or chopped carrots for extra color and nutrition.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add a deeper flavor and stay juicy even after hours of slow cooking.
• Extra Cheese Finish: Stir in an additional ¼ cup of cheddar cheese before serving for extra creaminess.

Healthy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

If you prefer a lighter meal, skip the canned soup and use 1 cup of Greek yogurt mixed with ½ cup of chicken broth for creaminess. Add a pinch of garlic powder and thyme to boost flavor naturally.

For a lean, fresh twist, you can also try my Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken. It’s a bright, healthy dish that pairs perfectly with simple side rice or vegetables.

3-Ingredient Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

When you’re in a rush or want something minimal, this 3-ingredient version does the trick:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1½ cups uncooked brown rice

Combine everything with 3 cups of broth, cook on high for 4 hours, and serve. It’s that simple, yet full of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t use white or instant rice, as it cooks too quickly and becomes mushy.
• Avoid lifting the lid often, which releases heat and extends cooking time.
• Make sure your chicken is thawed, since frozen chicken can cook unevenly in a crock pot.

This part of the recipe makes sure your meal turns out just right every time.

Expert Tips for Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Getting perfect results from your Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is all about small details. These tips help you avoid common slow cooker mistakes and make sure your dinner turns out creamy and flavorful every time.

• Use brown rice only. It holds up better during long cooking and won’t get soggy.
• Check liquid levels. If your rice looks dry, stir in a little extra broth near the end.
• Melt cheese at the end. Stir it in right before serving so it stays smooth, not greasy.
• Let it rest. After cooking, leave the lid on for five minutes to let everything settle before serving.

If you enjoy easy slow cooker meals, you’ll love my Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken. It has the same cozy, family-style flavor with a fun twist.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Let the chicken and rice cool, then freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water to bring back the creamy texture.

FAQs About Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Can I cook raw chicken and rice together?
Yes, you can safely cook both together as long as the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Why did my rice turn mushy?
White rice or instant rice cooks too quickly. Use long-grain brown rice to prevent this.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs add more flavor and stay juicy during long cooking.

Do I need to stir during cooking?
Not usually. Keep the lid closed so the crock pot maintains even heat.

Can I make this without canned soup?
Yes. Replace it with 1 cup of Greek yogurt and ½ cup chicken broth for a lighter option.