Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken And Rice Recipe You’ll Adore

Weeknight dinners become magical with this crockpot cheesy chicken and rice that promises comfort in every delightful bite.

Creamy textures and rich flavors blend seamlessly for an effortless meal.

Busy families adore simple solutions that taste incredible without complicated preparation.

Slow cooking ensures tender chicken and perfectly soft rice infused with melted cheese.

Each spoonful delivers warm, satisfying goodness that makes everyone smile.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can relax while dinner practically makes itself.

Grab your crockpot and let’s create something deliciously memorable that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that forms the main component of this comforting dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich, savory liquid base and enhances overall flavor.

• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup, Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Create a smooth, velvety texture and add depth to the recipe.
• Milk: Helps to create a creamy consistency and softens the rice.

• Uncooked Rice: Absorbs flavors and creates a hearty base for the dish.
• Frozen Peas, Frozen Carrots: Add color, nutrition, and a slight sweetness to the meal.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, tangy flavor and melts beautifully throughout the dish.
• Onion, Garlic: Offer aromatic and savory undertones to enhance the overall taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Thyme, Parsley: Blend of spices that add complexity and warmth to the chicken and rice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Layer Chicken In Slow Cooker

Place raw chicken breasts evenly across the bottom of your crockpot, ensuring they create a solid base for the upcoming layers of deliciousness.

Step 2: Pour Liquid And Dry Ingredients

• Uncooked rice
• Condensed cream of chicken soup
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Chicken broth
• Milk

Step 3: Sprinkle Seasoning And Cheese

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Thyme
• Chopped parsley

Step 4: Include Vegetable Medley

Scatter frozen peas and carrots across the top of the mixture for added nutrition and color.

Step 5: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours.

Ensure chicken is fully cooked and rice reaches tender consistency.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Gently stir the entire dish before plating.

Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and enhanced flavor profile.

Pro Tips for Creamy and Flavorful Crockpot Chicken and Rice

• Lightly spray crockpot with cooking spray before adding ingredients to avoid rice clumping and sticking to bottom.
• Toast rice in butter or olive oil before adding to crockpot to enhance nutty, rich undertones of the dish.
• Replace chicken breasts with boneless thighs for more tender meat or use turkey for a leaner alternative.
• Adjust chicken broth quantity based on desired rice texture – less liquid for firmer rice, more for softer, creamier results.
• Use low-sodium broths and soups to manage salt content without compromising overall flavor profile.

Flavorful Variations to Try with Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace condensed soups with homemade gluten-free cream sauce using cornstarch, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Use gluten-free rice and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Substitute regular chicken broth with low-sodium alternatives. Reduce salt and use sodium-free herbs like oregano and basil. Choose reduced-sodium cream soups to control salt intake.
• Vegetarian Makeover: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitutes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like zucchini and spinach for protein and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice

• Family Comfort Plating: Serve in deep bowls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top, creating a warm and inviting presentation that highlights the creamy texture.
• Protein Power-Up: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness and add extra nutritional value to the meal.
• Leftovers Transformation: Shred remaining chicken and mix with rice for a delicious lunch wrap or stuff into tortillas for a quick next-day meal that feels completely different.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Top with additional shredded cheddar or a sprinkle of green onions just before serving to enhance the cheesy goodness and add a fresh crunch.

How to Store Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
• Pour leftovers into skillet. Add small amount of chicken broth or water. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Stir gently to maintain rice and chicken texture.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure they’re fully cooked and reach safe internal temperature.

• Do I need to pre-cook the rice?

No, the uncooked rice will absorb the liquid and cook perfectly inside the crockpot during the slow cooking process.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by including diced ham, cooked bacon bits, or shredded rotisserie chicken alongside the chicken breasts.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice for Comfort Food Lovers

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, creating a hands-off cooking experience that saves precious kitchen time and energy.
• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers a hearty, creamy one-pot meal packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melted cheese that satisfies everyone at the dinner table.
• Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Easily customizable with optional vegetables, adaptable cooking times, and crowd-pleasing flavors that work for busy families or casual gatherings.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Requires just one cooking vessel, reducing dishes and making post-meal cleanup a breeze for home cooks seeking convenience.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and rice simmers deliciously in this classic crockpot recipe from Southern kitchens. Creamy cheese and tender chicken create a comforting meal that will satisfy hungry diners at your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk

Soups and Broth:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Arrange raw chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
2. Pour uncooked rice over the chicken, creating a uniform layer.
3. Gently combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and milk in the slow cooker, ensuring thorough mixing.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the surface, followed by diced onion and minced garlic.
5. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and parsley, distributing the spices uniformly.
6. If desired, scatter frozen peas and carrots across the top of the ingredients.
7. Secure the lid and cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is fully cooked and rice reaches tender consistency.
8. Once cooking is complete, gently stir the contents to blend flavors and ensure even distribution of cheese and seasonings.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for added visual appeal and herbal freshness.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easier shredding.
• Replace chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains creamy texture.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broths and soups to control salt content.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting black pepper and adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg