The Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delightful slow cooker chicken and rice dish can turn an ordinary weeknight into a flavor-packed adventure.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among fluffy grains, creating a comforting meal that practically cooks itself.

Busy home cooks adore this hands-off approach to preparing a satisfying dinner.

Mediterranean and Asian spices can dance through this one-pot wonder, adding depth and excitement to simple ingredients.

Minimal effort delivers maximum taste with this foolproof recipe that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Smooth, creamy textures blend seamlessly, promising a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredibly easy and delicious creation.

Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice Highlights

• Savor Quick Family Comfort: This Tuscan chicken pasta bake delivers hearty, delicious meals perfect for busy households.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, the recipe guarantees satisfied taste buds for everyone at the table.
• Master Stress-Free Cooking: Simple preparation steps and minimal ingredients make this dish approachable for cooks of all skill levels, turning dinner into a delightful experience.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Flexible recipe allows easy swaps like different proteins or adding extra vegetables, making it adaptable to personal preferences and pantry contents.

Ingredients Needed For Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that forms the main protein base of this comforting slow cooker meal.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide a depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Frozen Peas, Carrots: Colorful and nutritious vegetables that add texture and additional nutrients to the recipe.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and rich chicken flavor to the entire dish.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creamy texture and helps to keep the chicken and rice moist during slow cooking.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and other ingredients.
• Thyme, Paprika: Herbs and spices that add warmth and complexity to the overall taste profile.

• Rice: Absorbs the liquid and flavors, creating a hearty and satisfying base for the chicken.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, melty finish that adds extra flavor and creaminess to the dish.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Stepwise Guide To Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any stubborn sticking.

Step 2: Layer Chicken And Seasonings

• Salt
• Pepper
• Thyme
• Paprika

Step 3: Add Vegetable Layer

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Frozen peas
• Frozen carrots

Step 4: Create Creamy Liquid Base

• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup

Step 5: Incorporate Rice

Rinse the rice thoroughly and spread it evenly in the slow cooker, making sure it’s completely submerged in the liquid.

Step 6: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice reaches a tender consistency.

Step 7: Finish And Enhance

Shred the chicken using two forks and stir all ingredients together. For extra richness, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and let it melt beautifully.

Step 8: Serve And Savor

Dish out this comforting meal while it’s warm and enjoy every delicious bite!

Expert Suggestions For Chicken And Rice

• Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent clumping, ensuring a fluffy texture in the final dish.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easier shredding and a leaner protein option.
• Adjust liquid ratio if using brown rice, as it requires more moisture and longer cooking time compared to white rice.
• Enhance flavor by adding dried herbs like rosemary or oregano for extra depth and aroma.
• Substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a healthier, low-sodium alternative that reduces processed ingredients.

Alternative Takes On Chicken And Rice

• Spicy Southwestern Sensation: Replace thyme and paprika with chili powder, cumin, and diced green chilies for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, add oregano, rosemary, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-style meal.
• Creamy Mushroom Masterpiece: Include sliced mushrooms, replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom, and sprinkle parmesan cheese for an earthy flavor profile.
• Asian-Inspired Chicken Bowl: Use soy sauce instead of chicken broth, add ginger, sesame oil, and garnish with green onions for an international touch.

Complementary Foods For Chicken And Rice

• Family Comfort Dinner Night
• Serve this hearty meal in deep ceramic bowls for a cozy family gathering. Pair with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the chicken and rice.
• Meal Prep Champion
• Portion leftovers into meal prep containers for quick lunches during the work week. The dish reheats beautifully and stays moist when stored properly in the refrigerator.
• Rustic Farmhouse Presentation
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve alongside warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
• Potluck Party Favorite
• Transfer the entire dish to a large serving platter with a decorative edge. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top and let guests serve themselves, making it perfect for casual gatherings and community events.

Proper Storage For 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 completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm in the microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if the dish seems dry. Alternatively, reheat in a covered skillet on low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and tend to be more flavorful and juicy. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might cook faster than breasts.

• Is it okay to use brown rice for this recipe?

Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. If using brown rice, increase liquid by 1/2 cup and extend cooking time to 6-7 hours on low setting to ensure rice becomes tender.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative like cream of mushroom or use homemade dairy-free cream sauce. Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or skip cheese altogether.

Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker chicken and rice delivers comfort on chilly nights with minimal kitchen effort. Tender chicken and fluffy rice combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup rice (long-grain white)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup vegetables (frozen peas and carrots mix)
• 1 onion (small, diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp thyme (dried)
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup cheese (shredded cheddar, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by lightly coating the interior with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange seasoned chicken breasts as the base layer, generously coating with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika for robust flavor.
3. Distribute diced onion, minced garlic, and frozen vegetable medley of peas and carrots evenly over the chicken.
4. Gently blend chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, creating a smooth liquid mixture to enhance moisture and taste.
5. Carefully rinse rice to remove excess starch, then spread it across the slow cooker, ensuring complete submersion in the liquid base.
6. Secure the lid and set slow cooker to low temperature, allowing contents to simmer and meld for 4-6 hours until chicken reaches safe internal temperature and rice becomes perfectly tender.
7. Carefully shred chicken using two forks, thoroughly incorporating all ingredients for consistent texture and flavor distribution.
8. Optional: Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the dish, allowing residual heat to create a smooth, melted topping.
9. Serve immediately while warm, presenting a comforting and nutritious one-pot meal.

Notes

• Generously spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent ingredients from adhering to the sides.
• Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping and creates a fluffy, perfectly cooked texture.
• Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful alternative that remains equally delicious.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of cream of chicken soup and choosing a gluten-free chicken broth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (or 6 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg