Looking for a hearty, family-friendly meal that practically cooks itself? This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is your new go-to. It’s cozy, creamy, cheesy, and unbelievably easy. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to keep dinner stress-free, this slow cooker chicken and rice dish has your back.

One of the best things about this recipe is how hands-off it is. Toss everything into your crock pot, walk away, and come back to a warm, comforting meal that tastes like you spent hours on it.

And if you’re trying to serve something healthy on the side, try this easy microwave broccoli side dish that takes only minutes to make. You can also meal prep more efficiently with this simple meal prep onions guide to save even more time in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pot comfort food at its best
Minimal prep time
Great for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays
Kid-approved flavor with creamy texture
Budget-friendly and easy to scale for large families

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this dish so crave-worthy:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 ½ cups brown rice (uncooked)
3 cups chicken broth (or use this chicken broth substitute if needed)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 tsp minced garlic
½ chopped onion
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

💡 Brown rice works best here because it holds up better during the longer cook time in a slow cooker, preventing the dreaded mushy texture you often get with white rice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Add the following into your crock pot:
- Chicken
- Rice
- Garlic
- Salt & pepper
- Onion
- Chicken broth
- Cream of chicken soup
Stir everything together until well combined.
Cover and cook on high for 3.5 to 4 hours.
Once the broth is absorbed and the rice is tender, stir in the shredded cheese.
Cover again for 5–7 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Use brown rice only. White rice tends to turn mushy in the slow cooker over time.
Don’t cook on low. This is one of those rare crock pot recipes that doesn’t do well at lower heat for longer durations.
Pre-chop and freeze onions to save time, or use frozen pre-diced onion for even quicker prep.
Stir cheese in at the end, not earlier, to keep it gooey and melty—not stringy.

Variations to Try

This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to switch things up:

Swap in chicken thighs for extra juiciness
Use cream of mushroom instead of cream of chicken
Add frozen mixed vegetables in the last hour of cooking
Spice it up with jalapeños, paprika, or hot sauce
Try other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~424 kcal
Protein: 23g
Carbs: 42g
Fat: 18g
Sodium: 1455mg
Fiber: 2g

❗ This recipe yields about 6 servings. Stretch it further with added veggies or serve with a side dish.

Storing and Reheating

Store: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Use the microwave or reheat slowly on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
Freeze: Not recommended if using rice—it may alter the texture once thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you put raw chicken and rice in a crock pot together?
Yes! That’s the beauty of this dump-and-go meal. The chicken cooks thoroughly in the same time it takes to cook the rice.

Can I use white rice instead of brown?
You can, but it’s not ideal. White rice tends to break down too much in a slow cooker. If you must use it, reduce the cooking time significantly and monitor it closely.

What happens if I double the ingredients?
You don’t need to double the time. Just add about 30–45 extra minutes and make sure the rice is fully cooked and broth absorbed.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Add frozen peas, carrots, or mixed veggies in the last hour to prevent overcooking.

How do I avoid mushy rice?
Use brown rice only. Do not stir it mid-cook and don’t overcook it. High heat for 3.5–4 hours is ideal.

Can I cook this on low instead of high?
Not recommended. Cooking this on low for longer will almost certainly result in mushy rice.

What if the final dish is too thick?
Add a splash of chicken broth—¼ cup at a time—until it reaches your desired consistency.

Recommended Equipment

Digital programmable crock pot: Automatically switches to warm after cook time ends
Casserole-style slow cooker: Ideal if you prefer flatter layers
Mini food chopper: Speeds up prep work for onions and garlic

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is a true kitchen hero. It’s warm, flavorful, and ridiculously easy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just planning ahead for busy weekdays, this dish will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Want even more slow cooker ideas like this? Stick with simple recipes that are high in flavor and low in effort—comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.