Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Our Crockpot Chicken and Rice is the perfect comfort meal, combining tender chicken with fluffy rice and a creamy sauce. This dish is simple to prepare and full of flavor, making it a great choice for a family dinner or meal prep.
The combination of basmati rice, chicken broth, peas and carrots, and cream of chicken soup creates a flavorful and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
This Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe is a standout choice for its simplicity and comforting flavors. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe Highlights
- Easy one-pot meal
- Minimal prep time
- Kid-friendly and nutritious
- Perfect for leftovers
- Perfect for leftovers
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
RICE – Basmati rice adds a fragrant aroma and light, fluffy texture to the dish. You can use any long-grain rice, instant rice, wild rice, or even brown rice for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
PEAS AND CARROTS: These add color, flavor, and nutritional value to the dish without the hassle of actually chopping fresh vegetables. Feel free to substitute them with your favorite mixed frozen vegetables or use fresh vegetables instead of frozen. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
ONION and GARLIC – Finely diced onion adds depth of flavor and sweetness to this crock pot chicken dish. You can use yellow or brown onion, shallots or leeks for a milder flavor, or onion powder. Minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish. Substitute it with garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available.
ITALIAN SEASONING – A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary adds a savory herb flavor to the dish. You can make your own Italian seasoning blend or substitute it with the dried herbs of your choice.
CHICKEN BREASTS – Chicken breasts absorb the flavors of the dish while cooking. For a juicier texture, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
CHEDDAR CHEESE – Cheddar cheese adds richness and creaminess to the dish. For a different flavor profile, you can substitute it with mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP – Cream of chicken soup serves as a flavorful base for the dish, providing creaminess and depth of flavor. I find that it tends to be salty so there’s no need to add salt to this recipe. You can omit the cream of chicken soup, but the dish may not be as creamy.
How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker, placing chicken on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred or dice the chicken and stir it back into the slow cooker.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with Cheddar cheese.
Planning and Leftovers
STORE – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FREEZE – This cheesy rice dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
REHEAT – Reheat individual servings in the microwave until it’s heated through, or place the entire dish in a covered baking dish and reheat in the oven at 350° Fahrenheit until it’s warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
FRESH SALAD – A crisp green salad pairs perfectly with this creamy dish. Try our Creamy Cucumber Salad, which adds a refreshing, cool crunch. Alternatively, a German Tomato Salad brings a vibrant and tangy flavor that complements the richness of the chicken and rice.
BREAD – Serve with some delicious bread to soak up the sauce. Try homemade 3-Ingredient Bread for an easy and satisfying option. If you have an air fryer, whip up some Air Fryer Garlic Bread for a quick and flavorful side. Homemade Biscuits made in the air fryer are another excellent choice, adding a fluffy and buttery touch to your meal.
VEGETABLES – Add extra veggies on the side for a complete meal. Roasted Broccoli offers a slightly crispy texture and a hint of sweetness. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes bring a burst of juicy flavor that pairs well with the creamy rice. You can also mix things up with Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower, which adds a delightful mix of flavors and textures to your plate.
More and Easy Crockpot Chicken
Recipe Success Tips
RINSE RICE – Rinse the basmati rice under cold water before adding it to the slow cooker to remove excess starch and prevent clumping. I typically rinse my white rice 3-4 times.
CHECK FOR DONENESS – Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
ADJUST SEASONINGS – Taste the chicken before serving. At this point, you can adjust the seasonings as needed by adding salt and black pepper to suit your taste.
DOUBLE THE RECIPE – This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd or to have leftovers for meal prep.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I Use Leftover Chicken In My Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken is a great way to add flavor and save time. Just shred the chicken and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Why Is My Rice Mushy?
Too much liquid can cause mushy rice. Measure your rice carefully and follow the recipe’s liquid recommendation.
More Easy and Delicious Recipes
Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 1½ cups basmati rice rinsed and drained
- 3 cups chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 12-ounce bag peas and carrots frozen
- ¼ cup onion finely diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts skinless, boneless
- ⅓ cup Cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
Instructions
- Add the rinsed rice, frozen peas and carrots, diced onion, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Remove the chicken, dice or shred it, and return it to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded Cheddar cheese.
Equipment
Notes
Slow Cooker Times
I recommend cooking the chicken on the low heat setting in your slow cooker. Cooking them low and slow makes the dish more flavorful and tender. On High: 3 to 4 hoursOn Low: 6 to 8 hours
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.
Can the peas and carrots be replaced with mushrooms?
I didn’t test it that way but I think it would work out quite well. And if you like mushrooms you could also swap the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup. If you try it, I’d love to know how it works out.