Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice is a comforting, hands-off meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken, hearty brown rice, and melty cheddar cheese come together in a creamy sauce that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 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
- Step 1: Add the chicken pieces, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, chopped onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and uncooked brown rice to the crockpot. Stir everything together well to combine.
- Step 2: Cover and cook on high for 3.5 to 4 hours, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 3: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover again and let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Step 4: Give the dish a gentle stir, serve warm, and enjoy your creamy chicken and rice!
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness and richer flavor.
- Swap cheddar cheese for Colby Jack or a cheese blend to vary the taste.
- Add frozen peas or broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added veggies.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you want to reduce the salt content.
- Brown rice is preferred because it holds up better during slow cooking compared to white rice.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though the rice texture may soften after freezing. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work very well and stay extra tender during slow cooking, adding richer flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe reheats nicely and is great for meal prep during the week.
PrintCreamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe
This creamy crockpot chicken and rice recipe is a comforting, one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken, hearty brown rice, and sharp cheddar cheese come together in a rich blend of chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, slow-cooked to perfection for an easy, flavorful dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ onion, chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1½ cups brown rice, uncooked
Topping
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add chicken pieces, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, chopped onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and uncooked brown rice to the crockpot. Stir thoroughly to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 3.5 to 4 hours, until the brown rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese into the cooked mixture. Cover again and let the residual heat melt the cheese for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Serve: Gently stir the cheesy chicken and rice mixture, then serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Brown rice is preferred as it holds its texture better than white rice during slow cooking.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for more juiciness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese provides more flavor, but mild cheddar works well too.
- Optional additions like frozen peas or broccoli can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce salt content if desired.
Keywords: crockpot chicken rice, creamy chicken and rice, slow cooker chicken recipe, easy crockpot meals, cheesy chicken rice
