Indulge in a hands-off, comforting meal perfect for any busy weeknight. This delicious chicken and rice crockpot recipe is your answer to stress-free cooking. It comes together with minimal effort, offering incredible cheesy goodness that your whole family will adore. Plus, it is a budget-friendly option that brings big flavor to your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Crockpot Recipe
This recipe is a true lifesaver for busy home cooks, making weeknights much simpler.
- Effortless One-Pot Meal: Just combine ingredients and let your crockpot do the work.
- Rich, Creamy, and Satisfying: Enjoy a cheesy flavor that everyone craves.
- Tender, Juicy Chicken: The slow cooking process ensures perfectly moist chicken every time.
- Minimal Cleanup Required: A single pot means less time scrubbing dishes.
- Customizable to Family Preferences: Easily adapt ingredients to suit various tastes.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Simple staples create a hearty meal without breaking the bank.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create one of the best chicken and rice crockpot recipes:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can)
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice, uncooked
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Notes & Substitutions
You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even richer flavor, though breasts cook perfectly. Brown rice is crucial for this dish; it holds up well to slow cooking and prevents mushiness. Avoid using white or jasmine rice, which can become overly soft. For the cream of chicken soup, you can substitute a homemade version or cream of mushroom soup if you prefer. Feel free to use other shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend. If you want to add frozen vegetables, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Equipment
You only need a few basic tools to prepare this fantastic meal.
- A 6-quart or larger crockpot is essential for this recipe.
- You will also need a cutting board for prepping ingredients.
- A sharp knife will help you easily cut the chicken and onion.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
Instructions
Creating this flavorful chicken and rice crockpot recipe is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a delicious, hearty meal.
- Place the cut chicken, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and chopped onion into your crockpot.
- Add the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and uncooked brown rice to the pot.
- Stir all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. This ensures even cooking and seasoning throughout.
- Cover your crockpot with its lid. Cook the mixture on high for 3.5-4 hours. The cooking time is complete when the brown rice has fully absorbed all the chicken broth, becoming tender.
- Once the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, remove the lid. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is evenly distributed.
- Place the lid back on the crockpot for another 5-7 minutes. This short period allows the residual heat from the meal to perfectly melt the cheese, creating a gooey, irresistible texture.
- Serve your warm and cheesy chicken and rice immediately. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying dinner!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
For the best slow cooker chicken and rice success, always use brown rice. Do NOT substitute white or jasmine rice, as they will turn mushy. Avoid stirring the rice during cooking; this helps it cook evenly and prevents it from becoming gummy. If your consistency is too thick, stir in a splash more chicken broth until desired. Check doneness early if your crockpot runs hot to prevent overcooking. Use a food chopper for quick onion prep, saving you time. For added vegetables, stir in frozen peas or corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy chicken and rice as a complete meal. Pair it with steamed green beans or crisp broccoli for a balanced plate. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also complements its richness beautifully.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-5 days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, possibly adding a tablespoon of chicken broth to maintain its creamy texture.
Recipe Variations
- Soup Swap: Try cream of mushroom soup for a different earthy flavor profile.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in diced bell peppers or frozen peas during the last hour of cooking.
- Protein Alternative: Substitute ground turkey or pork for the chicken if desired.
- Cheese Exploration: Experiment with other shredded cheese blends like Colby Jack or mozzarella.
Nutrition
This comforting chicken and rice crockpot recipe provides a satisfying and balanced meal. Each serving offers a good source of protein and carbohydrates, keeping you full and energized.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbs | 38g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe.
FAQ
Q: Can I use white rice in this recipe?
A: We strongly recommend using brown rice. White rice tends to become mushy and overcooked in the slow cooker due to its shorter cooking time.
Q: Can I cook this on low for 8 hours?
A: Yes, you can cook this chicken and rice crockpot recipe on low for 7-8 hours. For critical food safety, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends ensuring all poultry reaches a safe minimum internal temperature for poultry. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the rice is tender.
Q: What if the rice is still hard after cooking?
A: If the rice is still hard, add another 1/2 cup of chicken broth, stir gently, and cook for an additional 30-60 minutes on high. This extra liquid and time should help it tenderize.
Q: How to prevent mushy rice in crockpot chicken and rice?
A: The best way is to use brown rice and avoid opening the lid or stirring frequently during cooking. Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes, extending the cooking time and potentially overcooking the rice.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: According to USDA food safety guidelines, it is not recommended to cook frozen poultry in a slow cooker because it may spend too long in the ‘danger zone’ where harmful bacteria can multiply. For food safety and best texture, it’s always recommended to use thawed chicken in crockpot recipes. Frozen chicken can take longer to reach a safe temperature, potentially leaving other ingredients overcooked.
Conclusion
This easy and cheesy chicken and rice crockpot recipe truly delivers on flavor and simplicity. It is the ultimate hands-off solution for a comforting, cheesy, and family-approved meal on even your busiest days. Give this delicious slow-cooker dish a try; it is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home. We love hearing from you, so please share your comments and ratings below once you’ve made it!