The Dreamiest Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe Ever

Comfort comes alive in this hearty crockpot cheesy chicken and rice dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, mouthwatering meal everyone adores.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between fluffy rice grains, creating a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor with zero stress about complicated cooking techniques.

Cheese cascades through each bite, adding rich, golden layers of deliciousness that make this recipe irresistible.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this foolproof, crowd-pleasing classic.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when easy and delectable meals are your ultimate goal.

Why Crockpot Cheesy Chicken And Rice Works

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This crockpot recipe transforms complex cooking into a hands-off meal that saves energy and reduces kitchen stress.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Packed with cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this dish appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, satisfying flavors.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Dump all ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, delivering a delicious meal with minimal chopping and preparation time.
• One-Pot Wonder: This recipe minimizes cleanup by using a single cooking vessel, making it perfect for busy households and those who dislike doing dishes.

Ingredients for Crockpot Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the base of this hearty one-pot meal.

• Rice: Fluffy grain that absorbs the creamy flavors and provides substance to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and chicken while adding depth to the recipe.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy component that adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a savory foundation to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds a delicious creamy texture and tangy taste.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety finish.
• Frozen Peas: Optional green vegetable that introduces color and a touch of sweetness.

How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Toss Everything Into Slow Cooker

Grab your crockpot and dump in chicken breasts, uncooked white rice, rich chicken broth, creamy condensed chicken soup, diced onions, minced garlic, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. These ingredients will transform into a comforting, hearty meal.

Step 2: Slow Cook The Mixture

Cover the crockpot and set it on low heat. Let the magic happen for 4-6 hours.

During this time, the chicken will become super tender, and the rice will absorb all those delicious flavors. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked and the rice reaches a perfect soft texture.

Step 3: Melt In The Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Softened butter

Stir everything until the cheese melts completely and blends smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Add Optional Green Bonus

If you want extra nutrition, toss in frozen green peas. Let them warm through for an additional 10 minutes, which will slightly cook them and integrate them into the dish.

Step 5: Serve And Savor

Scoop this warm, cheesy chicken and rice directly from the crockpot onto plates. Enjoy the comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and requires minimal effort.

Tips for Crockpot Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for extra moisture and richer flavor.
• Use brown rice for added nutrition and a heartier texture, adjusting liquid amounts accordingly.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a lighter, preservative-free version.
• Add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra vegetables and color boost.
• Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt intake and prevent dish from becoming too salty.

Variations of Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce using cornstarch, milk, and chicken broth.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Crockpot Chicken And Rice

• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this creamy chicken and rice with a crisp garden salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add freshness to your plate.
• Potluck Perfection: Transport this dish to family gatherings in a slow cooker, keeping it warm and inviting for everyone to enjoy seconds or thirds.
• Protein Power-Up: Top individual servings with crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or toasted breadcrumbs to add extra texture and a delightful crunch.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining portions into a delicious chicken rice casserole by transferring to a baking dish, sprinkling extra cheese on top, and baking until golden and bubbly.

Storage Tips for Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store chicken and rice dish in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping it sealed tightly to preserve moisture and flavor.
• Avoid leaving the meal at room temperature for extended periods to ensure food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase liquid and cooking time. Brown rice needs more moisture and takes longer to cook, so add extra chicken broth and extend cooking time by 1-2 hours.

• Is it okay to use frozen chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Just add 1-2 hours to cooking time and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Frozen chicken works perfectly in this crockpot recipe.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade sauce, use low-fat cheese, add more vegetables like carrots or spinach, and choose skinless chicken breasts for a lighter version.

Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory crockpot cheesy chicken and rice delivers comfort straight from Southern kitchens. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a rich meal that satisfies hunger and warms souls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs

Grains and Base:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 can cream of chicken soup

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Vegetable:

• 1 cup frozen peas

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Instructions

1. Layer tender chicken pieces with uncooked rice in the slow cooker, creating a foundational base for the hearty dish.
2. Pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage and moisture distribution.
3. Sprinkle minced onion and garlic throughout the mixture, adding aromatic depth and flavor complexity.
4. Season with salt and pepper, gently mixing to integrate seasoning evenly across all ingredients.
5. Cover and set crockpot to low temperature, allowing ingredients to simmer and meld together for 4-6 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked and rice reaches perfect tenderness.
6. Once cooking completes, gently fold shredded cheddar cheese and butter into the mixture, stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
7. If desired, incorporate frozen peas and let them warm through for an additional 10 minutes, adding vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
8. Carefully transfer the creamy chicken and rice to serving dishes, ensuring each portion includes a balanced mix of ingredients.
9. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the rich, cheesy flavors to shine and provide ultimate comfort.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easy shredding.
• Rinse rice before adding to prevent clumping and ensure fluffy texture.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt or homemade cream sauce for healthier option.
• For gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and verify broth ingredients.
• Swap white rice with brown rice for added nutrition, but increase cooking time by 1-2 hours.
• Add extra flavor with smoked paprika, dried thyme, or Italian seasoning blend.
• Let chicken rest for 10 minutes after cooking to maintain moisture and make shredding easier.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (or 6 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg