Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Comfort arrives quickly with this hearty crock pot chicken and rice dish that promises warmth in every delightful bite.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a magical meal bursting with flavor.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among fluffy rice grains, creating a symphony of textures.

Minimal prep work means maximum relaxation while your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas.

Weeknight dinners become effortless with this foolproof recipe that practically cooks itself.

Adventurous home cooks can customize the seasonings to match their taste preferences.

Grab a spoon and savor each comforting spoonful of this satisfying one-pot wonder.

Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe That’s Comfort in a Bowl

• Create a complete meal with minimal effort by simply layering ingredients and letting the slow cooker do the work.
• Prep time is under 10 minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy families who want a delicious, home-cooked dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adding different vegetables, switching cheese types, or using alternative protein options to suit your family's taste preferences.
• Minimize cleanup with this single-pot meal that combines protein, grains, and optional vegetables into a satisfying, nutritious dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients List for Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main body of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creamy texture and extra chicken flavor, great for moisture.

• Uncooked Rice: Absorbs flavors and creates hearty base, long-grain white rice works best.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances overall chicken flavor, low-sodium preferred.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and aromatic background flavor, dried versions recommended.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning to balance and highlight other ingredients.
• Paprika: Provides subtle warmth and mild color to the dish.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds richness and creamy texture, sharp varieties offer more flavor.
• Sour Cream: Contributes tangy creaminess, optional but recommended.
• Frozen Peas or Mixed Vegetables: Adds nutrition and color, easily incorporated at end of cooking.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh garnish and light herbal note.

How to Make the Best Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crock Pot

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any stubborn sticking.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

• Uncooked white rice
• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Stir everything together until well mixed, creating a delicious foundation for your meal.

Step 3: Position the Protein

Gently place chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, letting them nestle into the creamy base.

Step 4: Slow and Steady Cooking

• Low setting: Cook for 5-6 hours
• High setting: Cook for 3-4 hours

Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken and use two forks to pull it apart into tender, juicy shreds. Return the shredded chicken to the rice mixture and stir thoroughly.

Step 6: Final Flavor Boost

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

Optional: Toss in frozen peas or mixed vegetables for extra nutrition. Let everything mingle for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips to Keep Chicken Tender and Rice Fluffy

• Prevent Rice Sticking: Thoroughly coat the crock pot with nonstick spray and stir ingredients well to create a smooth base that prevents rice from clumping or burning.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken breasts with boneless thighs for richer flavor or use turkey breast for a leaner alternative that maintains the dish's comforting texture.
• Boost Vegetable Nutrition: Incorporate frozen mixed vegetables or peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking to add color, nutrients, and extra depth to the one-pot meal.
• Control Consistency Carefully: Check rice moisture periodically and add extra broth if needed to avoid dryness, ensuring perfectly tender rice and juicy chicken throughout cooking.
• Elevate Flavor Complexity: Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary, or sprinkle smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to create a more sophisticated taste profile without extra effort.

Storing and Reheating Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

• Transfer leftover chicken and rice to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Seal cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to maintain best quality and taste.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
• Pour chicken and rice into skillet, add small amount of broth or water. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly and reaches 165°F internal temperature.

What Complements Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe Best

• Toss a light, tangy mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy chicken and rice dish. The fresh greens will cut through the heaviness and add a bright, refreshing contrast.
• Prepare honey-glazed roasted carrots or garlic-herb roasted Brussels sprouts. These caramelized vegetables will complement the savory chicken and add a delightful textural crunch to the meal.
• Pour a chilled Chardonnay or crisp Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the creamy flavors. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling apple cider or a zesty unsweetened iced tea that will cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve warm, crusty French bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. These will add an extra layer of comfort and help mop up every last bit of the flavorful chicken and rice mixture.

Fresh Variations of Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace cream of chicken soup with gluten-free cream soup or homemade white sauce to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining creamy texture and flavor profile.

Dairy-Free Wellness: Substitute cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, and use coconut cream instead of sour cream for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Protein Power Boost: Replace chicken breasts with lean turkey breast or plant-based chicken alternatives for varied protein sources and dietary preferences.

Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe FAQs for Prep

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, so increase the chicken broth by 1/2 cup and extend the cooking time by about 1 hour.

• Is it okay to use frozen chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Just ensure they are fully thawed before adding to the slow cooker. Frozen chicken may increase cooking time and should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

• What if I don't have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce using flour, butter, and chicken broth. This will help maintain the creamy texture of the dish.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, replace the cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese. Use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup or make your own substitute to keep the recipe creamy.

Crock Pot Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Crock Pot Chicken and Rice brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Tender chicken and fluffy rice meld together in a creamy, one-pot wonder you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)

Grains and Liquid Base:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2.5 cups (600 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of chicken soup

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by thoroughly coating the interior with a light nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Create a flavorful base by combining uncooked rice, savory chicken broth, creamy condensed soup, and a harmonious blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika, mixing the ingredients until well incorporated.
3. Gently nestle whole chicken breasts atop the rice mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed for consistent cooking.
4. Secure the lid and allow the slow cooker to work its magic, transforming the ingredients on low heat for 5-6 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F.
5. Carefully extract the cooked chicken and use two forks to delicately shred the meat into tender, bite-sized pieces, then reintegrate it into the rice mixture.
6. Elevate the dish’s richness by folding in sharp cheddar cheese and creamy sour cream, creating a luxurious texture. Optional: introduce frozen peas or mixed vegetables for added nutrition and color, letting them warm through for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to brighten the presentation and serve the comforting meal piping hot, ready to delight eager diners.

Notes

• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and create a healthier version of this comforting dish.
• Brown rice offers more nutritional value and fiber compared to white rice, making the meal more wholesome.
• Customize the protein by substituting chicken with turkey or plant-based alternatives for dietary restrictions.
• Ensure even cooking by cutting chicken breasts into similar sizes before placing them in the slow cooker.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg