Get ready for a truly delicious and comforting meal that practically makes itself! This incredible chicken and rice crockpot recipe simplifies dinner preparation, bringing hearty flavors to your table with minimal fuss. You’ll love how little effort goes into creating this satisfying dish, yielding maximum flavor every single time. It’s the perfect solution for busy schedules.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Crockpot Recipe
You’ll quickly discover why this is one of the best crockpot chicken and rice recipes for any home cook.
- Ultimate Convenience: This recipe demands minimal hands-on time, letting your slow cooker do all the work.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup incredibly simple.
- Hearty & Satisfying: It’s a complete meal that will keep your family feeling full and happy.
- Busy Weeknight Friendly: Prepare it in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner.
The Easiest Chicken and Rice Crockpot Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the cut chicken pieces into your crockpot. Add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Stir in the chopped onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and uncooked brown rice. Make sure the rice is submerged in the liquid. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Cover the crockpot and cook on the HIGH setting for 3.5–4 hours, or on LOW for 7–8 hours, until the rice is tender. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Once the chicken and rice are cooked through, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Re-cover and let the residual heat melt the cheese, about 5–7 minutes. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Stir again to combine the melted cheese, then serve warm. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Notes
Ingredients
Making this straightforward chicken and rice crockpot recipe requires simple, readily available ingredients. You likely have most of these in your pantry already!
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), condensed
1 1/2 cups brown rice (uncooked)
2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily customize this dish to fit your preferences. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative to breasts for even richer flavor. If using white rice instead of brown, reduce the cook time to approximately 2-3 hours on high, as white rice cooks faster. Feel free to swap cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for the cream of chicken. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend work wonderfully in place of cheddar. For added nutrients, toss in some frozen peas or corn during the last hour of cooking.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools to make this delightful meal.
6-quart or larger crockpot (slow cooker)
Basic measuring cups and spoons
A sturdy stirring spoon
Instructions
Creating this comforting chicken and rice crockpot recipe is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these easy steps and let your slow cooker work its magic!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and becomes tender throughout the dish.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot
Place the cut chicken pieces into your 6-quart or larger crockpot. Add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Next, stir in the chopped onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and uncooked brown rice. Use your stirring spoon to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Make sure the rice is submerged in the liquid for proper cooking.
Step 3: Cook on High or Low Setting
Cover your crockpot with its lid. Cook the mixture on the high setting for 3.5-4 hours. Alternatively, if you prefer to cook it low and slow, set your crockpot to low for 7-8 hours. The goal is for the rice to become tender and absorb all the chicken broth, resulting in a creamy, flavorful base.
Step 4: Stir in Shredded Cheese
Once the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Re-cover the crockpot and allow the residual heat from the meal to melt the cheese for about 5-7 minutes. The cheese will melt into a gooey, delicious layer, binding the dish together.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Give it one final stir to distribute the melted cheese. Serve this hearty chicken and rice crockpot recipe warm and savor every bite! It’s truly a complete meal in one pot.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect results every time with these helpful hints for your crockpot chicken and rice.
- Preventing Mushy Rice: The biggest secret is not to overcook! Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, the dish is ready. Check it periodically towards the end of the cooking time.
- Ensuring Tender Chicken: Cut your chicken into uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate. This prevents some pieces from drying out while others finish cooking.
According to the USDA, chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C).
- Adjusting Seasoning: Always taste the mixture before serving. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of your favorite dried herbs if needed.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls for the best outcome.
- Using instant rice: Instant or quick-cooking rice varieties are not recommended for this recipe as they will turn mushy due to the long cooking time. Stick to regular brown or white rice.
- Not stirring ingredients initially: A good initial stir ensures the rice is evenly distributed and submerged, preventing it from sticking or cooking unevenly.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile chicken and rice crockpot recipe is easy to customize and perfect for meal prepping.
Serving Suggestions
For a fresh touch, garnish your finished dish with some freshly chopped parsley or chives before serving. Pair this hearty meal with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors. Steamed green beans or broccoli also make excellent accompaniments.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This dish also freezes beautifully! Transfer cooled leftovers to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm portions in the microwave until hot. If you prefer the stovetop, place the mixture in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture, and stir until heated through.
Variations
Get creative with your slow cooker chicken and rice!
- Vegetable Boost: Add a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce can introduce a delightful kick.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. It can vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods. This chicken and rice crockpot recipe offers a good source of protein and provides sustained energy, making it a wholesome meal choice for the entire family.
| Amount Per Serving | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 4g |
(Estimates based on 6 servings)
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Have some questions about making this delightful chicken and rice crockpot recipe? We’ve got answers!
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. However, they will add at least an hour to the cooking time, especially on the low setting.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can make a homemade substitute using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. Alternatively, use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a similar creamy texture.
How do I avoid mushy rice?
Ensure you use regular brown or white rice, not instant. Also, avoid overcooking; check for tenderness towards the end of the specified cooking time.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, omit the shredded cheddar cheese. You can also use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup substitute or make your own dairy-free cream sauce.
Is white rice an option? How to adjust?
Absolutely! White rice is a great option. Reduce the cooking time to 2.5-3.5 hours on high, or 5-6 hours on low, as white rice cooks faster than brown rice.
Conclusion
This incredibly easy chicken and rice crockpot recipe proves that delicious, homemade meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s the perfect solution for those busy days when you crave a comforting, hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the simplicity of one-pot cooking and the joy of a flavorful meal that your entire family will adore. Give this recipe a try tonight, and feel free to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below!
