There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor. Slow cooker chicken and rice is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or a cozy family dinner. With tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a creamy, savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best slow cooker chicken and rice recipe, offer expert tips, and answer frequently asked questions to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless preparation: Just dump the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work.
One-pot meal: No extra dishes—everything cooks together in one pot.
Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Great for meal prep: Makes delicious leftovers that reheat well.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
For the Rice & Sauce:
1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati work best)
3 cups chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
1 cup milk
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
2 tablespoons butter
For Garnish:
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Extra shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme.
Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the Rice and Liquid
Pour the uncooked rice evenly over the chicken.
Add the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, diced onions, minced garlic, and butter.
Stir gently to distribute the ingredients, but do not fully mix—keeping the chicken at the bottom helps it cook evenly.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Dish
Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Check the chicken’s internal temperature—it should be 165°F (75°C) before proceeding to the next step.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken & Add Vegetables
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and frozen peas and carrots. Stir again and cook for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the chicken and rice mixture onto plates or bowls.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
Use long-grain white rice – It holds up best and doesn’t turn mushy like short-grain or instant rice.
For a healthier option, swap the white rice for brown rice, but adjust the cooking time (brown rice takes longer).
Prevent mushy rice by adding a little less liquid if you prefer firmer rice.
For extra flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in butter before adding them to the slow cooker.
Use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat—they stay tender and flavorful even after long cooking times.
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook—around 6-7 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. You may need to add an extra ½ cup of broth to accommodate the longer cooking time.
2. Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw the chicken first for even cooking. Using frozen chicken may require additional cooking time and could lead to excess liquid in the slow cooker.
3. How Do I Prevent the Rice from Getting Mushy?
Use long-grain white rice, as it holds up better.
Avoid stirring too often during cooking.
Reduce liquid slightly if you prefer a firmer texture.
If you want perfectly cooked rice, add it halfway through the cooking time instead of at the beginning.
4. Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative or a mix of coconut milk and cornstarch. Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free version.
5. Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Great additions include mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini. Just be mindful that some veggies cook faster than others.
6. How Can I Add More Flavor?
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more richness.
Add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of cayenne for a flavor boost.
Mix in a little Parmesan cheese for a deeper, umami taste.
7. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of broth to prevent dryness.
8. Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes! Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
9. What Should I Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice?
This dish is already a complete meal, but it pairs well with:
Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables
A side salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread or cornbread
10. Can I Make This in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the “Pressure Cook” function on high for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release the rest. Stir in the vegetables and cheese, then let sit for a few minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
Slow cooker chicken and rice is a simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. Follow our tips and FAQs to customize it to your taste, and enjoy a fuss-free, delicious homemade meal!
So, fire up your slow cooker and let the magic happen—delicious, tender chicken and creamy, flavorful rice await!
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