Make crockpot chicken and rice with simple ingredients for an easy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & hands-off – the slow cooker does all the work
- Family-friendly – mild, creamy flavors everyone loves
- Budget-friendly – simple, affordable ingredients
- Customizable – add veggies, spices, or cheese to make it your own
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup frozen peas or carrots
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bottom.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic over the chicken.
- In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth and cream of chicken soup.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Add uncooked rice and gently stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Shred or cube the chicken, stir everything together, and add optional cheese or vegetables if using.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to thicken.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (4–6 quart)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
Tips & Variations
- Rice choice: Use long-grain white rice only brown rice needs extra liquid and time.
- Creamier texture: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or extra cheese at the end.
- Protein swap: Chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy.
- Avoid mushy rice: Don’t overcook; check early if your slow cooker runs hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli
- Pair with dinner rolls or crusty bread
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cracked pepper before serving
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 16g
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is a comforting, no-fuss meal that fits perfectly into busy schedules. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is a reliable go-to. Save it, print it, and make it part of your weekly rotation.
FAQ
Can I freeze slow cooker chicken and rice?
Yes, let it cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
How do I make this ahead of time?
Assemble everything except the rice, refrigerate overnight, then add the rice before cooking.
Can I use brown rice instead?
Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cook time, so adjustments are needed.
Why is my rice mushy?
Overcooking or stirring too much can cause mushy rice. Check early.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cream soup substitute and skip the cheese.