This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Dinner is a warm hug in a bowl! It features tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy goodness all cooked together for maximum flavor and minimum fuss.
I love how simple this recipe is—just toss everything in the crock pot and let it work its magic! It’s perfect when you want a cozy meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well here, but you can easily substitute with bone-in pieces for more flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey works too!
Rice: Long grain white rice is my go-to for this dish. If you want to try something different, brown rice can be used, but you’ll need more liquid and possibly longer cooking times.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess and rich flavor. If you’re avoiding canned soup, feel free to make a homemade version using cream, chicken broth, and seasonings, or use a cream of mushroom soup for a slight change.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice bite. If you’re not a fan of cheddar, mozzarella or a blend of your preferred cheese can also work well.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Rice and Chicken in the Crock Pot?
Cooking in a crock pot is all about timing and layering ingredients correctly. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with the rice and onions at the bottom. This helps the rice absorb moisture and flavors.
- Layer the chicken on top. This allows the juices from the chicken to drip down and keep the rice moist.
- Make sure you cover the pot tightly to trap steam. This is crucial for cooking both the rice and chicken evenly.
- Check towards the end of cooking time. If the rice is too watery, remove the lid for the last 15 minutes to let it cook down.
Following these steps will help you achieve that cozy, creamy texture you want from this meal!
Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley flakes (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high in the crock pot. Just a little hands-on time, and then it’s all about letting the slow cooker do the magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crock Pot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crock pot with non-stick spray. This will help prevent the food from sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Mix the Base:
In the bottom of the crock pot, combine the uncooked rice and the finely chopped onion. This mix will form the delicious base of your meal.
3. Add the Chicken:
Next, place the bite-sized chicken pieces on top of the rice and onions. Don’t worry; all those flavors will mingle together beautifully as it cooks!
4. Create the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and mixed well.
5. Pour It All In:
Now, pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the chicken and rice in the crock pot, ensuring everything is nicely covered.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot and let it cook. Choose LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through, and the rice is tender and fluffy!
7. Add Cheese:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture until it’s melted and creamy. This is where the magic happens!
8. Adjust Seasoning:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed. Perfectly seasoned food makes all the difference!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese and the chopped parsley on top for a lovely finish. It not only tastes great but looks so inviting!
10. Dig In!
Serve hot and enjoy your comforting, cheesy chicken and rice dinner. It’s a cozy meal that’s sure to warm you up and satisfy your hunger!
This dish is a simple, delicious family favorite that brings comfort and joy with every bite—all with the convenience of a crock pot! Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Dinner
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can! If you choose to use brown rice, you will need to increase the cooking time slightly and also add an extra ½ cup of chicken broth. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so check for tenderness around the 6-hour mark on low or 3 hours on high.
What Can I Substitute for the Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you’re looking for a substitute for cream of chicken soup, you can use homemade versions using cream, chicken broth, and seasonings or try cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile. You could also make a roux with butter and flour, adding milk to thicken it into a creamy sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove. You can add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces and layer them on top of the rice for optimal cooking. Adding them in the last hour of cooking can help retain their texture!
