The Best Crockpot Cheesy Chicken And Rice Recipe Ever Made

Creamy comfort waits in this crockpot cheesy chicken and rice dish that promises pure kitchen magic.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal anyone can master.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become exciting with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Tender chicken mingles seamlessly with melted cheese and fluffy rice, creating a one-pot wonder.

Families will crave each spoonful of this hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.

Busy cooks appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together with just a few basic pantry staples.

Let’s make dinner deliciously easy and irresistibly cheesy.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Conquer Meal Prep Challenges: This turkey chili recipe transforms complex cooking into a simple, stress-free experience that even novice cooks can master with confidence.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Packed with lean protein from ground turkey, fiber-rich beans, and vibrant vegetables, this chili delivers a balanced, wholesome meal that nourishes your body.
• Create Family Comfort: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, this hearty chili provides warmth, satisfaction, and delicious flavors that everyone will enjoy together.
• Customize with Ease: Top with favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro to personalize each bowl and make the meal uniquely yours.

Ingredients For Crockpot Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The main protein that provides a hearty and tender base for the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the chicken and rice.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds richness and helps create a creamy texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and melty cheese flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and tanginess to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances the richness and smooth texture.
• Sour Cream: Contributes a subtle tangy note and additional creaminess.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor foundation.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the recipe.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
• Paprika: Offers a subtle smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
• Thyme or Parsley: Provides a fresh herbal note to the dish.

• Long-Grain White Rice: Serves as the primary starch and absorbs the flavorful liquid.
• Butter: Used for sautéing aromatics and adding richness.

• Frozen Peas: Adds a pop of color and light vegetable element to the dish.

How To Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Finely chop onions and crush garlic cloves. Thoroughly rinse long-grain white rice under cold water until water becomes crystal clear.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat butter in a skillet over medium temperature. Gently cook onions until they turn soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its wonderful aroma.

Step 3: Layer Crockpot Magic

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Thyme or parsley

Place chicken at the bottom of slow cooker.

Sprinkle seasonings generously. Top with sauteed onions and garlic.

Pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Mix everything thoroughly.

Step 4: Cook Low And Slow

Fold rinsed rice into liquid, ensuring even distribution. Cover and cook on low setting for 4-6 hours or high setting for 2-3 hours until chicken becomes tender and rice reaches perfect consistency.

Step 5: Create Creamy Goodness

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Sour cream

Mix until cheese melts and sauce becomes luxuriously smooth.

Step 6: Add Veggie Boost

Toss in frozen peas or preferred vegetables during final 20-30 minutes of cooking.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasonings.

Plate immediately, optionally garnishing with extra cheese or fresh herbs. Savor every delicious bite of this comforting meal.

Tips For Creamy Crockpot Chicken And Rice

• Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separate grains in the final dish.
• Sauté onions and garlic beforehand to develop deeper, richer flavors that infuse throughout the chicken and rice.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for easier shredding and more tender meat texture.
• Add frozen vegetables like peas or carrots during the last 30 minutes to maintain their color and prevent overcooking.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-sodium chicken broth for a healthier version without compromising taste.

Flavor Variations For Cheesy Crockpot Chicken

• Spicy Southwestern Chicken Rice: Replace thyme with chili powder, cumin, and add diced green chilies for a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Rice: Incorporate oregano, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap cheddar for feta cheese to create a Mediterranean-style dish.
• Mushroom Swiss Chicken Rice: Add sautéed mushrooms, replace cheddar with Swiss cheese, and include a splash of white wine for an earthy, elegant version.
• Cajun Chicken Rice Casserole: Mix in Cajun seasoning, andouille sausage chunks, and use pepper jack cheese for a spicy New Orleans-inspired variation.

Serving Suggestions For Crockpot Chicken And Rice

• Serve this hearty dish in large ceramic bowls with warm crusty bread on the side.
• Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar cheese and chopped green onions on top for added flavor and color.
• Transfer the cheesy chicken and rice to a decorative serving platter for sharing.
• Pair with a crisp green salad and tangy coleslaw to balance the richness of the main dish.
• Reheat portions in individual microwave-safe containers for quick workday meals.
• Pack with a small container of extra cheese or fresh herbs to refresh the flavors.
• Portion into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

How To Store Crockpot Chicken And Rice

• Transfer leftover chicken and rice to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Ensure the container is sealed completely to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm the stored chicken and rice in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed. Alternatively, reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice or jasmine rice. Just adjust cooking time as brown rice typically requires longer cooking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the cream of chicken soup usually contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cream soup or make a homemade cream sauce.

• Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?

Yes, but add an extra 1-2 hours to cooking time to ensure chicken is fully cooked and reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F. Thawed chicken is recommended for more even cooking.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cheese, replace cream of chicken soup with homemade sauce, add more vegetables like broccoli or spinach, and use skinless chicken breasts for lean protein.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty crockpot cheesy chicken and rice brings comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Southern-style flavors meld together, creating a creamy one-pot meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1.5 cups (180 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (185 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) cream of chicken soup
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) dried thyme or parsley
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas or mixed vegetables
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatics by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Thoroughly rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the liquid runs clear.
2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium temperature. Sauté the onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Position chicken pieces at the bottom of the crockpot. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and selected herbs. Layer the sautéed onions and garlic over the chicken.
4. Pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup into the crockpot. Gently mix the ingredients to ensure even distribution.
5. Incorporate the rinsed rice, spreading it evenly across the liquid. Cover and slow cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken is fully cooked and rice reaches tender consistency.
6. Thirty minutes before serving, shred the chicken using two forks and reincorporate into the mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted.
7. For enhanced creaminess, blend in cream cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, rich texture.
8. If desired, add frozen vegetables during the final 20-30 minutes of cooking.
9. Perform a final taste test, adjusting seasonings as needed. Serve piping hot, optionally garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs.

Notes

• Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains during cooking.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for even cooking and easier shredding.
• Customize the dish by adding different vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor variety.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce or gluten-free alternative, and use cornstarch to thicken if needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg