Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Name: Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option); 1 teaspoon minced garlic; ½ small chopped onion (or onion powder); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups low‑sodium chicken broth (or alternative); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom); 1½ cups brown rice (uncooked); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or more if desired)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and totally effortless, you’re in for a treat. This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is the kind of meal that makes you feel like a dinner hero when life gets hectic. It’s a true dump and go meal—just toss everything into your slow cooker, walk away, and let the magic happen.

Whether you’re balancing work and family, running on a college-student budget, or craving a one-pot dinner that satisfies everyone, this recipe checks all the boxes. Budget‑friendly, flavorful, and perfect for leftovers—it’s exactly what busy homes need.

Introduction

Imagine coming home after a long day, and dinner is already in motion. This recipe delivers that creamy, cheesy texture everyone loves, and the best part? It’s a kid-approved slow cooker chicken dinner that doesn’t break the bank or take hours. Chicken, rice, a simple cream-of-soup base, and a few pantry staples come together beautifully in your crockpot to create a warm, nourishing meal.

If you’re looking for other easy slow cooker chicken dinners, check out this honey garlic chicken recipe—it’s just as fuss-free. Prefer stovetop? You might also dig this Chicken and rice skillet alternative—just as cozy, but made on your stovetop pan. And if you really want to step up your chicken game, make your own bone broth: here’s how to make chicken bone broth from scratch. That extra effort yields a richer base and takes the recipe to the next level.

Brown rice vs white rice in slow cooker: Brown rice is your best bet—it stays firmer and holds its shape better over several hours in the crock pot. White rice can turn mushy if overcooked.
To avoid gummy textures, you want a no-fail slow cooker meal, so always test the liquid ratio and keep the lid on tight.
Think of this as a low‑stress way to combine your protein and carb in one go. It pairs beautifully with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or even garlic bread if you’re feeling indulgent.

Ingredients

Get ready with groceries or check your pantry—here’s all you need. Adjust these as needed:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs instead of breasts—juicier and richer)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ small chopped onion (or use onion powder for shortcuts)
1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups low‑sodium chicken broth (or chicken broth alternative like veggie broth, bone broth, or low‑sodium chicken soup)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom substitute if desired)
1½ cups brown rice (uncooked)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or more if you like cheesy rice casserole vibes)

Uncooked chicken, rice, shredded cheddar, garlic, and seasoning displayed on woven placemat for slow cooker recipe

Optional ingredient swaps:

Swap in high protein dinners by using chicken thighs or even adding beans.
Use gluten‑free cream soup or skip it and stir in Greek yogurt at the end.
For a dairy‑free crowd, leave off the cheese or use dairy‑free cheddar.

Instructions: How to Make Chicken Rice Crock Pot

Alright, here’s where the magic begins. Stick with me—this is seriously simple.

Prep: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic (or toss in onion powder and garlic powder if you’re short on time).
Dump: Into the crock pot go the chicken, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, low‑sodium chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and rice. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Cook: Cover with the lid. Cook on High for about 3½–4 hours, or on Low for 6–7 hours. This flexibility makes it perfect whether you’re cooking during work or overnight.
Finish with cheese: About 5–7 minutes before serving, lift the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top. Re-cover and let it melt—no whisking or stirring needed.
Serve: Fluff gently with a fork, scoop onto plates or bowls, and top with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or scallions if you’re feeling fancy.

Pro Tips & Recipe Notes

Here’s where I share the little lessons I’ve learned along the way:

Stick with brown rice to avoid soggy or mushy texture. If you must use white rice, reduce cooking time or check the texture earlier.
Invest in a programmable slow cooker—set it on Low, leave it for the day, and come home to dinner ready.
Add extra broth toward the end if it’s too thick—just a splash of hot water or broth loosens it up and keeps it moist.
Meal prep ideas: Portion into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days—makes for amazing lunches or quick dinners.
When it comes time to reheat crockpot meals, use a splash of water or broth and warmed shells in the microwave or stovetop so it feels freshly heated again.

Here come the fun customizations—pizza topping style!

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts: For richer, juicier results. Thighs are more forgiving and won’t dry out.
Switch cream of chicken with mushroom substitute: Great if you’re out or want a deeper flavor.
Toss in frozen peas and carrots during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
Go extra cheesy with double the shredded cheddar—it turns into decadent, melty cheesy rice casserole perfection.
Try a healthy crockpot recipe twist—skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized veggies for a low‑carb option.
Even a veg table version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and swap in veggie broth plus nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions & Troubleshooting

Let’s tackle some common issues to keep your dinner on track:

Why is my rice crunchy?

Maybe not enough liquid or cooking time. Add more broth and cook longer on High.

Can I use wild rice?

Yes! But wild rice needs more liquid and about 2 hours on High. Check texture halfway.

Oven-baked version?

Preheat to 375°F, mix ingredients in a covered casserole dish, bake for about 60 mins, adding cheddar for the last 5–10 minutes.

What’s a good chicken broth alternative?

Unsalted veggie broth, homemade bone broth, or a mix of bouillon + water all work well.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger (6–8 quart) crockpot, and keep the liquid ratio the same.

Low‑sodium tips?

Use low‑sodium chicken broth and low-sodium cream soup—or do your own seasoning at the end.

For insiders: if you want to level up your homemade broth, here’s how to make chicken bone broth from scratch—rich and flavorful.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

Make this a go-to that lasts:

To store: Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in fridge up to 5 days.
To freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers or zipper bags. Good for 3 months.
To reheat: Microwave or heat on stovetop with a splash of broth or water to bring back that creamy texture.

This is seriously one of the best freezer-friendly dinners—just grab, thaw, reheat, and life’s simpler.

If this crockpot creation tickled your taste buds, you might also enjoy:

Chicken and Stuffing – traditional American comfort that warms the soul.
Ranch Pork Chops – with creamy sauce and pantry staples for an easy dinner.
Cashew Chicken – sweet, savory, and crunchy in all the right ways.

And for more meals that load up on protein without drama, check out this roundup of Healthy protein‑packed dinners that are ready in a flash.

Collage of crockpot chicken and rice in slow cooker with shredded cheese and parsley

Two-image recipe card showing finished cheesy crockpot chicken and rice and raw ingredients on mat

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a creamy, dreamy, no-fuss Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe that’s meal prep‑friendly, budget-friendly, and kid-approved. It’s a family‑friendly meal that brings comfort and joy to the table without tying you up in the kitchen.

From swaps like using chicken thighs instead of breasts, to mixing in cream of mushroom substitute, to doubling up for freezer-friendly dinners, this recipe is totally flexible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this is a high-protein dinner with smart storage tips to ease your week.

Get started tonight, and taste why this recipe is fast becoming a go-to in homes just like yours. Let me know how you customize it—Trust me, you won’t mess it up—even if this is your first time cooking with a crock pot.

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