In the search for the perfect weeknight dinner, we often look for three things: easy, delicious, and family-approved. It can feel like a challenge to find a recipe that ticks all those boxes without requiring hours of active time in the kitchen. What if you could come home to a complete, comforting meal that practically cooked itself? This Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe is the answer. It’s a true one-pot wonder, combining tender chicken, hearty brown rice, and vegetables in a rich, cheesy sauce. This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that promises a cozy, satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

Contents

Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Rice
Step 3: Rest Chicken and Add Veggies
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Melt the Cheese

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1. Can I cook this recipe on the LOW setting?
Q2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Q3. Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Q4. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice (Creamy & Cheesy!)

Description
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

Ingredients

This recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients to create a wonderfully flavorful and complete meal.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
Uncooked Long-Grain Brown Rice	1 ½ cups
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth	3 cups
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup	1 (10.5 ounce) can
Minced Garlic	1 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon
Freshly Ground Black Pepper	½ teaspoon
Onion	½, chopped
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts	2 (about 1 lb)
Frozen Mixed Vegetables	2 cups (carrots, peas, corn)
Finely Shredded Cheddar Cheese	2 cups

Timing

The beauty of a slow cooker is that it does all the work for you. With just a few minutes of prep, you can let this casserole simmer to perfection.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 – 4 hours (on High)
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 10 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a flawless, all-in-one chicken and rice dinner.

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In the basin of your Crockpot or slow cooker, add the uncooked brown rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped onion. Stir everything together until the soup is well incorporated and the mixture is combined. This will create the creamy sauce that the rice and chicken will cook in.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Rice

Nestle the chicken breasts into the rice mixture, pushing them down slightly so they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Secure the lid on the Crockpot and cook on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the rice will absorb the flavorful broth and the chicken will become perfectly tender.

Tip: Avoid the temptation to lift the lid while it’s cooking! This releases heat and steam, which can significantly slow down the cooking process.

Step 3: Rest Chicken and Add Veggies

About 30 minutes before the total cooking time is complete, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts and place them on a plate. Cover them with foil to rest. Pour the frozen mixed vegetables into the Crockpot and stir them gently into the rice. Replace the lid and continue cooking for the final 30 minutes.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Melt the Cheese

Once the cooking time is up, stir 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the rice and vegetable mixture until it’s completely melted and creamy. While the cheese is melting, use two forks to shred the rested chicken. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top. Put the lid back on for a few more minutes to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, delicious topping. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

This is a hearty, all-in-one meal perfect for a family dinner. The following information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Protein: An excellent source of lean protein from the chicken.
Whole Grains: The long-grain brown rice provides sustained energy and dietary fiber.
Balanced Meal: This dish combines protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables for a complete meal in one bowl.

Healthier Alternatives

This comfort-food classic is easy to adapt for a lighter meal that’s still packed with flavor.

Lighter Cream Sauce: Use a low-fat or “healthy request” version of cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheddar cheese to lower the overall fat content.
Boost the Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to the mix. A cup of chopped broccoli florets or sliced mushrooms would be a great addition—just stir them in with the other frozen vegetables.
Homemade Soup: To control the sodium, you can replace the canned soup with your own homemade cream sauce using a simple roux (butter and flour) and milk or broth.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice is a complete meal by itself, but it also pairs nicely with simple sides.

Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy casserole.
Warm Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra cheesy sauce.
Simple Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley can add a pop of color and a touch of freshness right before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow cooking is simple, but following these tips will guarantee perfect results.

Using the Wrong Kind of Rice: This recipe is specifically designed for long-grain rice, which holds its shape during the long cooking time. Using instant or quick-cook rice will result in a mushy texture. Solution: Stick to long-grain brown or white rice for the best results.
Adding Vegetables Too Early: If you add the frozen vegetables at the very beginning, they will become overcooked and mushy by the end. Solution: Follow the recipe and stir in the frozen vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Forgetting to Rest the Chicken: Shredding the chicken immediately after removing it from the pot can result in drier meat. Solution: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes, as directed, allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring it stays moist and tender.

Storing Tips

This casserole makes for fantastic leftovers and is a great option for meal prepping.

To Store: Allow the chicken and rice to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency. You can also reheat a larger portion in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe is the definition of comfort food made easy. It’s a reliable, flavorful, and incredibly simple meal that takes the stress out of weeknight dinners. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, melding the ingredients into a creamy, cheesy casserole that is sure to become a family favorite. It’s the perfect dish to come home to on a busy day.

We hope this becomes a staple in your recipe collection. Try it out and let us know what you think in the comments below! We always love to hear your feedback. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more easy and delicious meal ideas.

FAQs

Q1. Can I cook this recipe on the LOW setting?

Yes. If you have more time, you can cook this dish on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. The steps remain the same. This is a great option if you want to start it in the morning before leaving for the day.

Q2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work beautifully in this recipe and will result in even juicier meat. The cooking time remains the same.

Q3. Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, long-grain white rice can be used. Since it cooks faster than brown rice, you may need to reduce the cooking time on HIGH to 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Q4. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

You can. If using fresh, hearty vegetables like carrots, you can add them at the beginning. For softer vegetables like fresh peas or broccoli, add them during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.