Easy crockpot recipes chicken and rice are exactly what busy families need on hectic nights warm, comforting, and incredibly simple to make. This cheesy, slow-cooked favorite brings together tender chicken, hearty brown rice, and rich, melty cheddar in one cozy dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. With just a few minutes of prep and a handful of budget-friendly ingredients, you can enjoy a no-fuss dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving comfort food, this recipe hits the spot and it might just become a weekly go-to.
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Why This Easy Crockpot Recipes Chicken and Rice Hits Home
Nostalgic Comfort of One-Pot Dinners
Growing up in a kitchen filled with delicious aromas and love, I learned early on that the best meals are often the simplest. This easy crockpot recipes chicken and rice reminds me of those days watching my mum layer ingredients into a big pot, letting time and heat turn them into something magical. The crock pot does the same here, transforming humble pantry staples into creamy, cheesy perfection.
Everything about this dish feels like home. You get tender chicken, fluffy rice, and savory broth all in one spoonful plus that irresistible cheddar stirred in just before serving. It’s one of those dinners you’ll find yourself craving often. At my house in Toronto, even our cat Crumpet comes running when the slow cooker lid lifts.
Set-It-and-Forget Magic for Busy Lives
Let’s face it easy crockpot recipes chicken and rice are lifesavers when your day is packed. No stirring, no watching, just add everything to the slow cooker and walk away. After a few hours, dinner is ready and waiting, with chicken that falls apart and rice that’s absorbed all that savory flavor.
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Easy Crockpot Recipes Chicken and Rice – Cheesy One-Pot Dinner Delight
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6
Description
An easy crockpot chicken and rice recipe made with brown rice, cheddar cheese, and creamy soup. A comforting, one-pot family dinner with minimal prep.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
½ onion, chopped
3 cups chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
1½ cups brown rice (uncooked)
2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
1. Place the chicken, garlic, salt, pepper, onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup and brown rice in the crock pot. Stir to thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
2. Cover and cook on high for 3.5–4 hours or on low for 7–8 hours until the rice has absorbed all the chicken broth.
3. Stir in the shredded cheese. Cover and allow the heat from the meal to melt the cheese (5–7 minutes).
4. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Brown rice is best for this recipe, as it holds up during slow cooking. Avoid white rice as it tends to get mushy.
Add frozen vegetables during the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
Gradually stir in more broth at the end if the mixture is too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 424
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1455mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 68mg
Core Ingredients & Flavor Foundations in Easy Crockpot Recipes Chicken and Rice
Key Components in This Easy Crockpot Recipes Chicken and Rice
You don’t need much to make easy crockpot recipes chicken and rice shine. All you need are boneless chicken breasts, hearty brown rice, savory chicken broth, creamy soup, minced garlic, chopped onion, a bit of salt and pepper, and plenty of shredded cheddar to bring it all together. Brown rice is essential it stays firm and soaks up flavor without going mushy.
Cream of chicken soup adds a creamy base, and if you’re aiming for a cleaner version, you can always make your own. It all comes together into a rich, hearty base the whole family will love.
Flavor Boosters to Elevate the Dish
Want more flavor? Add a pinch of thyme, a dash of garlic powder, or a spoonful of Dijon mustard. Frozen veggies like peas or carrots also blend in well toward the end of cooking. Once the cheese melts in, you’ve got a dish that feels indulgent without the extra work.
Step-by-Step Prep & Cooking Method for Easy Crockpot Recipes Chicken and Rice
Layering Ingredients for the Best Results
Making easy crockpot recipes chicken and rice truly couldn’t be simpler. Start by placing the chicken pieces at the bottom of your slow cooker. Then add garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the uncooked brown rice evenly over the top, followed by the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure the flavors are well combined and the rice is covered with liquid.
Cooking Time and Finishing Touches
Cook covered on high for 3½ to 4 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed. At this point, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt for five minutes with the lid back on. The result is a creamy, cheesy mix that holds together beautifully.
If you prefer a looser consistency, stir in a bit more warm broth just a quarter cup at a time until it’s how you like it. Leftovers store well too, which makes this dish perfect for weekly meal prep or quick next-day lunches.
This easy crockpot recipes chicken and rice method is all about low-effort, high-reward cooking.
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions for Easy Crockpot Recipes Chicken and Rice
Simple Swaps and Add-Ins
One of the best things about easy crockpot recipes chicken and rice is how flexible it is. Don’t have chicken breasts? Swap in boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Want to mix up the soup base? Try using cream of mushroom or even homemade cream of chicken soup for a fresher option.
You can easily boost nutrition by stirring in frozen veggies peas, corn, or carrots work well. Add them in during the last hour of cooking so they stay vibrant and don’t overcook. If your family loves extra cheese (mine sure does), sprinkle an additional ¼ cup of shredded cheddar over the top just before serving for that golden, gooey finish.
What to Serve with Chicken and Rice
Though this dish is hearty enough on its own, a simple side can elevate it. We often pair it with our Roasted Green Beans they add a crisp, garlicky contrast. Steamed broccoli is another go-to, and if you’re short on time, learn how to steam broccoli in the microwave for a side that’s ready in minutes.
For something fresh, serve with a light salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Or keep it cozy with a warm biscuit or roll to soak up the cheesy sauce. However you plate it, this easy crockpot recipes chicken and rice delivers full satisfaction with minimal prep.
Conclusion
Easy crockpot recipes chicken and rice make dinner simple, cozy, and full of flavor. With minimal prep and budget-friendly ingredients, it’s no wonder this dish is a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic version or toss in a few twists, it’s always a hit and always easy.
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FAQs
Can you put rice in a slow cooker with chicken?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, cooking rice right alongside chicken in a slow cooker is one of the easiest ways to create a one-pot meal. For best results, use brown rice it holds its texture and absorbs the broth beautifully during the long cook.
Can you cook raw chicken and rice at the same time?
Definitely. Just layer the raw chicken beneath the rice and other ingredients. As long as you’re cooking on high for at least 3½ hours (or low for about 7), everything will be perfectly cooked by the end.
Can I put raw rice in a slow cooker?
Yes, raw rice is ideal for slow cooker recipes like this. Add enough liquid like chicken broth to let the rice cook fully and soak in all that flavor without getting soggy.
What to add to chicken and rice for flavor?
Additions like chopped onion, garlic, thyme, or a dash of Dijon mustard can bring depth. Mix in frozen vegetables or an extra handful of cheese to boost texture and add a pop of color. This dish is easily customized to match your taste preferences.
