Some nights, you just need dinner to cook itself—and that’s exactly why this Crockpot Chicken and Rice is a lifesaver. Juicy, shredded chicken, perfectly tender rice, and a creamy, velvety sauce all come together in the slow cooker with almost no effort.
It’s comfort food at its finest, made with simple pantry ingredients—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or just when you need something warm and cozy.
🍗 What You’ll Need
👉 For the Crockpot Chicken and Rice:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
👉 For the Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas or broccoli (added at the end)
👉 For Garnishing:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra shredded cheese
- A squeeze of fresh lemon (for brightness!)
🍲 How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Rice
1️⃣ Layer the ingredients – Add chicken, rice, broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, seasonings, onions, garlic, and carrots into the slow cooker. Stir gently, making sure the rice is fully submerged.
2️⃣ Slow cook to perfection – Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
3️⃣ Shred the chicken – Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and stir them back into the rice.
4️⃣ Add the veggies – Stir in the peas or broccoli, then cover for another 5-10 minutes until they soften.
5️⃣ Make it creamy! – Stir in the cheddar cheese (if using) until it melts into the dish, making everything extra rich and delicious.
6️⃣ Serve & garnish – Spoon into bowls and top with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
✨ Easy Variations & Tips
🌿 Want a Lighter Version? Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of cheddar for creaminess.
🔥 Spicy Kick? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
🍄 Love Extra Flavor? Toss in mushrooms or diced bell peppers for more depth.
🍚 Rice Choice Matters! Stick to long-grain white rice—brown rice takes longer and needs extra liquid.
💡 What to Serve with It?
- Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
- A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread (because creamy rice + bread = perfection)
This Crockpot Chicken and Rice is creamy, cozy, and ridiculously easy—the kind of set-it-and-forget-it meal that makes dinner stress-free. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something comforting, this dish never disappoints.
