Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Meal

There is something uniquely comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and rice. It’s the meal many of us grew up with, a simple yet profound hug in a bowl. This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe elevates that classic comfort into an incredibly easy, set-it-and-forget-it weeknight dinner. We’ve developed a foolproof method that solves the most common issue with crockpot rice dishes: mushiness. Prepare for tender, shredded chicken and perfectly fluffy rice, all slow-cooked to perfection in a savory, creamy sauce.

This is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy days when you crave a wholesome, home-cooked meal without the fuss. Just a few minutes of prep in the morning, and you’ll come home to a house filled with the irresistible aroma of dinner waiting for you.

Why This Will Be Your Go-To Weeknight Dinner

Forget complicated recipes with a long list of ingredients. This dish is designed for real life, where time is precious and flavor is non-negotiable.

• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: With just 10 minutes of hands-on time, you can have this meal simmering away. The slow cooker does all the work, tenderizing the chicken and infusing every grain of rice with flavor.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in the crockpot, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze. It’s one of the best healthy slow cooker dinners you can make with minimal mess.
• Budget-Friendly: Using simple, affordable ingredients like chicken breast, rice, and broth, this recipe is as kind to your wallet as it is to your taste buds.
• Family-Approved Comfort: This creamy, savory dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making it a reliable addition to your meal rotation.

The Key Ingredients for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We use pantry staples to create a rich, satisfying flavor that tastes like it took hours of effort.

For the Chicken and Base

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. They cook beautifully in the slow cooker, becoming tender and easy to shred.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This is our shortcut to a rich, velvety sauce. It provides a savory base and ensures a creamy consistency without any extra steps.
• Chicken Broth: Use a good quality low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness and provide the necessary liquid for cooking the rice.
• Onion & Garlic: Finely chopped yellow onion and minced garlic create the foundational aromatic flavor. Onion powder and garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
• Seasoning: A simple blend of dried thyme, salt, and black pepper is all you need to perfectly complement the other flavors.

For the Rice

• Long-Grain White Rice: This is crucial for getting the right texture. Do not use instant, Minute, or brown rice, as their cooking times and liquid requirements are vastly different and can result in a gummy texture.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to see how easy this is? Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this incredible one-pot meal.

1. Combine the Base: In the basin of your slow cooker, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the sauce mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged.
3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.
4. Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Shred them using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
5. Cook the Rice: Stir the uncooked long-grain white rice into the slow cooker. Ensure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid. Place the lid back on and cook on HIGH for another 30-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

The Secret to Perfectly Fluffy Rice (Every Time!)

The number one complaint about slow cooker rice is its tendency to become mushy. We’ve tested this recipe extensively to avoid that pitfall. The secret is adding the rice at the end of the cooking process. Cooking it on HIGH for a short period allows it to absorb the flavorful liquid and cook to a perfect al dente texture without breaking down and turning to goo. It’s a simple trick that makes all the difference.

Tasty Variations and Add-Ins

While this recipe is delicious as is, it’s also a fantastic canvas for customization. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Cheesy Chicken and Rice: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a gooey, cheesy finish.
• Add Vegetables: For a more complete meal, add 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots along with the rice. They will cook perfectly in the final 30 minutes.
• Mushroom Delight: If you love earthy flavors, add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms along with the chicken at the beginning. If you enjoy a creamy soup, you’ll love our slow cooker creamy chicken and rice soup too.
• Herby Freshness: Stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley or chives just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness.

What to Serve with Your Chicken and Rice

This dish is a fantastic one-pot meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a fresh contrast. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are also excellent choices to round out the meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This recipe is just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

• Storage: Allow the chicken and rice to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: The rice will absorb more liquid as it sits. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of chicken broth or water (about 1 tablespoon per cup). Cover and microwave for 90-120 seconds, or until heated through. You can also reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this simple and satisfying meal, you’ll love our other easy dinner recipes. For another fantastic crockpot meal, try our Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes. It’s another set-it-and-forget-it favorite!

Your New Favorite Comfort Food Awaits

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and flavor. It’s a dish that will bring your family to the table and leave everyone feeling satisfied. Give it a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe

FL Recipes

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Meal

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal. Tender shredded chicken and fluffy rice in a rich, creamy sauce, all made with minimal effort in your crockpot. A perfect set-it-and-forget-it dinner!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 385

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 3 medium breasts
• 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 ounces
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice uncooked, do not use instant
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• 1 Slow Cooker (6-quart)
• 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons

Method

 

1. In a 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts into the mixture and ensure they are fully submerged.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir.
5. Stir the uncooked long-grain white rice into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 30-45 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalProtein: 35gFat: 8gFiber: 2g

Notes

Do Not Use Instant Rice: For best results, use long-grain white rice. Instant or quick-cook rice will become mushy.
Check for Doneness: Rice is done when it's tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. If it's still crunchy, add another splash of broth and cook for 10-15 more minutes.

Keyword crockpot chicken and rice,easy chicken recipe,slow cooker chicken and rice

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