Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

If there’s one meal that never fails to bring comfort, it’s a big, cheesy, cozy bowl of Crock Pot Chicken and Rice. Just imagine tender chunks of chicken, hearty brown rice, gooey melted cheddar, and the savory creaminess of chicken soup—all slow-cooked together until the flavors become one big hug in a bowl. This is the definition of simple, feel-good food that practically cooks itself.
It’s the kind of recipe that works for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or even those days when you just need something satisfying with minimal effort. You throw everything in the crock pot, let it do the magic, and before you know it—you’re diving into a warm, cheesy, hearty dish that feels like home.

Recipe Origin

Chicken and rice is one of those classic combinations that’s been comforting families for generations. This crock pot version is inspired by Southern-style chicken and rice casseroles but made even easier with slow cooking. It has all the same creamy, cheesy goodness but skips the hassle of babysitting the stove or oven.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Crock Pot/Slow Cooker: The star of the show—set it and forget it.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping your chicken and onion.
Mixing Spoon: To stir everything together before cooking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To make sure everything is perfectly balanced.

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Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

This recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a lifesaver. Here’s why you’ll want to keep it on repeat:
Versatile: Perfect for dinner with the family, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s hearty enough for a main dish but flexible enough to pair with sides.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and stretches to feed the whole family.
Quick Prep: Toss everything in the crock pot and walk away—it’s truly a dump-and-go dinner.
Customizable: Add veggies, switch up the cheese, or use a different rice. It’s easy to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, cheesy, and comforting—everyone from kids to adults will love it.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Rinse your rice before adding it to prevent excess starch and clumping.
Cut the chicken into even pieces so it cooks uniformly.
Add the cheese at the end to keep it gooey instead of clumpy.
Don’t lift the lid too often while cooking—steam is your friend here.
If you like extra creaminess, stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese at the end.

Ingredients in Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Here’s the beauty of this dish—it’s made with simple ingredients, but together they create something magical. (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces, tender and juicy after slow cooking.
Garlic: Brings a savory depth that infuses throughout the dish.
Black Pepper and Salt: The essentials for balanced seasoning.
Onion: Adds sweetness and flavor as it cooks down.
Chicken Broth: The liquid base that cooks the rice and adds richness.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy, velvety texture that ties everything together.
Brown Rice: Nutty, hearty, and perfect for slow cooking—it soaks up all the flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty goodness that crowns the dish with irresistible comfort.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Load the Crock Pot: Add chicken, garlic, onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and brown rice into the crock pot. Stir to combine everything evenly.
Step 3: Set It and Forget It: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 4: Add the Cheese: About 10 minutes before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy: Spoon into bowls, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs (like parsley) if you’d like, and dig in.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~400
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time: About 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad balances the richness perfectly.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for scooping up the cheesy, creamy goodness.
Roasted Veggies: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans are great pairings.
As a Standalone: Honestly, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make it ahead by prepping the chicken and chopping onions the night before.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat gently.

Variations to Try

Add frozen peas or carrots for extra veggies.
Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
Use wild rice or white rice instead of brown (adjust cook time).
Add a sprinkle of cayenne or paprika for a little kick.

Additional Tips

If the mixture gets too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth before serving.
Shred the chicken instead of dicing for a creamier, casserole-like texture.
Double the recipe for big families—it reheats beautifully.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
A1: Yes, but white rice cooks faster, so check around the 2–3 hour mark on high.
Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A2: Absolutely! Thighs add extra flavor and tenderness.
Q3: How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
A3: Use brown rice and avoid stirring too much during cooking.
Q4: Can I add vegetables?
A4: Yes—peas, carrots, broccoli, or mushrooms work well. Add them in the last hour of cooking.
Q5: Can I make it creamier?
A5: Stir in sour cream, cream cheese, or extra soup at the end.
Q6: Can I cook it on the stovetop instead?
A6: Yes, simmer covered on low until the rice is tender, about 40–50 minutes.
Q7: Can I use instant rice?
A7: I don’t recommend it—the texture won’t hold up in a crock pot.
Q8: Can I prep this in the morning before work?
A8: Yes, set it on low and come home to dinner ready to go.
Q9: Can I make this gluten-free?
A9: Yes, just use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
Q10: Can I double the cheese?
A10: Of course—you can never have too much cheesy goodness!

Conclusion

There you have it—your new weeknight hero: Crock Pot Chicken and Rice. It’s creamy, cheesy, comforting, and ridiculously easy. Just a handful of ingredients, one slow cooker, and a few hours later, you’ve got a dish that warms the soul and fills the belly. Whether you’re feeding the family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver. Trust me, this one’s going to be a regular in your dinner rotation.

Watch how to make this creamy and comforting dish step-by-step: