Crock Pot Chicken and Rice – Slow Cooker Comfort Food

Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is your new slow-cooked dinner bestie—because sometimes, you just need dinner to make itself. This cozy dish packs juicy chicken, creamy rice, and a whole lotta cheesy goodness into one crockpot. If you’re juggling work, laundry, kids, or honestly just trying to survive the weekday madness, this recipe’s here to rescue you from the 5 p.m. dinner panic.

The magic happens while you go about your day—just toss it in, forget about it, and get greeted by the smell of dinner actually being done. Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is the kind of hearty, fuss-free meal that satisfies even picky eaters. Plus, with minimal chopping and no need to babysit the stove, it’s a serious win for busy weeknights.

Table of Contents

What is Crock Pot Chicken and Rice?

Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is like a hug in dinner form—comforting, warm, and easy to love. At its core, it’s a slow-cooked dish where chunks of chicken get cozy with brown rice, onion, broth, and cream of chicken soup. And just when things can’t get any better, we stir in a pile of melty cheddar cheese to bring it all together. The crock pot takes care of all the simmering and melding of flavors, so you can get on with life while it works its magic.

Think of it as the chicken casserole’s chill cousin—no baking pans, no pre-cooking rice, just set-it-and-forget-it deliciousness. Whether you’re a seasoned crock pot lover or trying it for the first time, this recipe is a no-fuss entry into slow-cooked meals.

Reasons to Try Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Let’s be honest—weeknights don’t exactly come with extra hours or energy. That’s where Crock Pot Chicken and Rice steps in. First off, it’s incredibly easy: one pot, minimal prep, and dinner basically cooks itself while you’re at work, running errands, or (wishful thinking) relaxing. Second, it’s family-friendly—kids love it, grown-ups go for seconds, and even picky eaters clean their plates.

The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, so no last-minute grocery runs. And can we talk about the leftovers? This reheats like a dream, making lunch the next day something to look forward to. Bonus: it’s naturally gluten-free. Whether you’re craving something comforting or just need a reliable dinner plan, this recipe is a keeper.

Ingredients Needed to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ onion, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
• 1½ cups uncooked brown rice
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Ready to make a hearty, hands-off dinner the whole family will actually look forward to? This step-by-step Crock Pot Chicken and Rice guide will walk you through every part of the process, from tossing in the ingredients to serving that cheesy, savory goodness. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or just need a foolproof meal idea, this guide’s got you covered.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients (5–10 minutes)

Before your crock pot does the heavy lifting, you’ll want to get your ingredients chopped and measured. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized 1-inch chunks—this helps them cook evenly and soak up flavor. Dice your onion (a half onion is plenty), and measure out your uncooked brown rice—that’s important because white or instant rice won’t hold up during slow cooking. If you’re curious about rice swaps, check out our easy chicken and rice soup recipe for more ideas on using different types of grains.

Want to get dinner going even faster next time? Consider pre-chopping ingredients on the weekend. We talk all about it in our meal prep tips section.

Step 2: Load Everything into the Crock Pot

Now it’s time to build the base of your Crock Pot Chicken and Rice. In your slow cooker, add:

• Diced chicken
• Minced garlic
• Chopped onion
• Salt and pepper
• Chicken broth (3 cups)
• One can of cream of chicken soup
• Brown rice (uncooked)

Give everything a good stir to mix it all up. Don’t worry if the mixture looks thin or soupy—this is exactly how it should look at the start. The rice will soak up all that flavorful broth as it slowly cooks.

Step-by-step tip: Stir thoroughly before turning on the crock pot so the rice doesn’t clump at the bottom. Clumped rice equals uneven cooking and nobody wants that.

Step 3: Set It and Forget It—Let It Cook (3.5–4 hours)

Cover your crock pot with the lid and set it to high heat. Let everything cook undisturbed for 3.5 to 4 hours. No peeking! Every time you lift the lid, you release precious heat and slow things down. During this time, the rice will soften, the chicken will get tender, and the creamy soup will blend with the broth to create a thick, cozy sauce.

If you’ve ever tried our creamy coconut milk chicken, you’ll know that slow cooking builds bold flavor over time—and this dish is no exception.

Step-by-step tip: If the rice isn’t quite tender at 3.5 hours, give it another 15–30 minutes. Some slow cookers run hotter than others.

Step 4: Add the Cheddar Cheese (Final 5–7 minutes)

Once your rice has soaked up the broth and everything is cooked through, it’s time for the best part: the cheese. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and stir to combine. Pop the lid back on and let the heat melt the cheese for about 5 to 7 minutes.

This final step turns your Crock Pot Chicken and Rice into something extra special—creamy, gooey, and ridiculously satisfying. The cheddar thickens the mixture and ties everything together.

Want even more cheesy comfort? Try our Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake for your next dinner idea.

Step-by-step tip: You can also use a Mexican blend, mozzarella, or pepper jack if you’re in the mood to mix things up. We break down cheese substitutes and pairings in this flavor swap guide.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Now it’s time to dish it up! Serve warm straight from the slow cooker. For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle on chopped parsley or green onions. Pair it with a crisp side salad, roasted veggies, or even garlic toast if you’re feeling indulgent.

This dish makes a fantastic next-day lunch too. For best results, check out our Storage and Reheating Tips section to keep that cheesy texture just right.

By following this detailed step-by-step Crock Pot Chicken and Rice guide, you’re setting yourself up for a no-fuss dinner that tastes like you worked way harder than you did. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for when life is anything but.

Need more warm and cozy crockpot ideas? You’ll love our Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Soup—another comfort classic with minimal effort.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

This dish plays well with just about anything. Keep it easy with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette, or go full comfort mode with roasted veggies or some warm garlic bread on the side. Steamed broccoli or green beans bring some freshness to the table without a lot of fuss. If you’re feeding a crowd or big appetites, pair it with a light soup like this Cozy Chicken Rice Soup to stretch things out. Honestly, this chicken and rice is a meal on its own, but the right sides can take it from “easy dinner” to “actual meal plan win.”

Key Tips for Making Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Use uncooked brown rice, not white or instant—it holds up better in the slow cooker and gives you that slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken. Don’t lift the lid while it cooks unless you absolutely have to—every time you peek, it loses heat and slows things down. If your rice is still a bit firm at the 3.5-hour mark, give it another 15–30 minutes and check again. Want to add a veggie twist? Frozen peas or spinach stirred in at the end are a great idea. And yes, cheese is optional… but highly encouraged.

Storage and Reheating Tips Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

This recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream. Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out. It reheats well on the stove too—low heat, stirring often. Freezing? Go for it. Just know that rice texture can change a bit after freezing, so thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. Either way, your future self will thank you.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Not recommended—white rice tends to get mushy in the slow cooker. Stick with brown for best results.

What if I only have frozen chicken?
Thaw it first! Using frozen chicken in a slow cooker isn’t food-safe.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Sure—skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheddar alternative.

Can I add vegetables?
Totally. Stir in peas, spinach, or even steamed broccoli at the end for extra color and nutrients.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure your cream of chicken soup is labeled gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Chicken and Rice isn’t just easy—it’s dependable, comforting, and guaranteed to bring your people to the table. Whether you’re a busy mom juggling after-school chaos, a professional with zero time to cook, or someone who just really loves cheese (no judgment), this meal delivers every time. It’s the kind of recipe you come back to again and again—no frills, just seriously good food. So go ahead, let the crock pot do the work tonight.

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