This cheesy crockpot chicken and rice is everything a busy weeknight needs—warm, comforting, and practically effortless. With melty cheddar, tender shredded chicken, and creamy rice, it hits that perfect kid-approved note without skimping on flavor.
Why We Love This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe
This one-pot wonder is a regular on our dinner rotation. Here’s why it keeps making a comeback:
- Creamy and Comforting: The combination of gooey cheese and creamy rice makes it feel like a big cozy hug in a bowl.
- Crockpot Magic: Toss it all in the slow cooker and forget about it—dinner practically makes itself.
- Crowd-Friendly: It’s mild and familiar, so even picky eaters clean their plates (and ask for more).
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep everything in the morning, then come home to a hot meal that smells amazing.
Key Ingredients
You only need a handful of pantry and fridge staples to pull off this creamy crockpot chicken dinner:
- Shredded Chicken – Use rotisserie chicken or slow cook and shred your own.
- Uncooked White Rice – Long-grain works best here for a tender, fluffy texture.
- Chicken Broth – Adds savory depth and keeps everything moist.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – Classic creamy base that ties it all together.
- Cheddar Cheese – Sharp or mild, pick your favorite and stir in plenty.
- Garlic & Onion Powder – Simple seasoning that delivers cozy, familiar flavor.
- Salt & Pepper – Adjust to taste once it’s done.
How to Make Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Here’s how to get a warm and creamy dinner on the table with minimal hands-on time:
- Combine the Ingredients: In your crockpot, stir together uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add Chicken: Nestle in your shredded chicken (or add whole chicken breasts to shred later).
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or until the rice is tender.
- Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. If you used whole chicken breasts, shred them now and stir back in.
- Serve: Dish it up hot, optionally with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra cheese.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
- Check the Rice Early: All slow cookers run a little differently. Start checking around the 4-hour mark.
- Use Brown Rice: Just note it may need more liquid and a longer cook time.
- Add Veggies: Stir in peas, diced carrots, or broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes.
- Bacon Bonus: Crumble in some cooked bacon for smoky flavor.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños gives it a little kick.
What to Serve with Cheesy Chicken and Rice
Fresh Veggies
Think steamed broccoli, green beans, or a side salad for balance.
Bread on the Side
Dinner rolls, garlic toast, or biscuits go great with the creamy texture.
Toppings Station
Let everyone top their bowl with hot sauce, chopped herbs, or extra cheese.
Leftover Magic
Use leftovers as filling for wraps or stuff into bell peppers and bake.
Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Rice
This Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and cooked low and slow in one pot! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is loaded with tender shredded chicken, savory spices, and melty cheddar cheese. It’s easy, hearty, and loved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (or 2–3 raw chicken breasts)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a crockpot, stir together the rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add shredded chicken (or place raw chicken breasts in to shred later).
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- If using whole chicken breasts, remove them, shred with forks, and return to the crockpot.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with parsley or extra cheese.
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
4–5 hours (on LOW)
Total Time:
4 hours 10 minutes
Serving Size:
6 servings
Yield:
One full crockpot meal (serves 6)
Cuisine:
American
Course:
Main Course
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 410 per serving
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Featured Image:
A creamy bowl of cheesy chicken and rice with melted cheddar on top, garnished with parsley and served in a white crock-style bowl.
Additional Notes:
- For extra veggies, stir in peas or steamed broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Brown rice can be used but will require additional broth and a longer cook time.
- Leftovers work great as a filling for wraps or stuffed peppers.
