Crockpot Chicken and Rice is a cozy one-pot meal with tender chicken, brown rice, cheddar cheese, and creamy chicken soup. Perfect for busy nights!

Can we agree that life gets a little wild sometimes? For me, it was one of those “everything’s happening all at once” days. You know, where you’re trying to answer emails, the dog is barking at who-knows-what, and dinner? Yeah, it’s not even on the radar yet. That’s when my crockpot came to the rescue with Crockpot Chicken and Rice.

It wasn’t planned—I just grabbed what I had: chicken, rice, a can of soup, and some cheese. I threw it all into the crockpot with a silent prayer and went about the chaos. By dinnertime, my kitchen smelled incredible, like I’d spent hours cooking (spoiler: I hadn’t). My family devoured it, and I had one of those mom wins that I’ll be riding on for weeks.

Now, this dish is my go-to when I need something simple but comforting. It’s like a hug in a bowl, and the best part? The crockpot does all the work while I pretend to be an adult.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe?

Here’s why Crockpot Chicken and Rice needs a spot on your weekly menu:

Low-Effort, High-Reward: Toss everything in, let it cook, and voilà—dinner’s ready.
Cheesy and Creamy Comfort: It’s the culinary equivalent of a cozy blanket.
Picky Eater Approved: Even my cheese-hating kid gave this a thumbs up (miracles happen).
Flexible Ingredients: Customize it with whatever you’ve got in the fridge.
Minimal Cleanup: One crockpot. That’s it. You’re welcome.

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s break down the magic of these ingredients:

Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender, they cook beautifully in the crockpot. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Brown Rice: Hearty and slightly nutty, it holds up well without getting mushy.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and keeps everything moist and flavorful.
Cream of Chicken Soup: The unsung hero of creamy casseroles. You can use homemade if you’re feeling fancy.
Cheddar Cheese: Because everything tastes better with cheese. Fight me on this.
Garlic and Onion: The dynamic duo that adds a little zing to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Sometimes, simplicity is all you need to tie a dish together.

How To Make Crockpot Chicken and Rice?

This recipe isn’t just easy—it’s foolproof. Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1: Load Up Your Crockpot

Start by tossing the chicken, garlic, onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and brown rice into the crockpot. Give it a good stir to make sure the rice is fully coated in that creamy goodness.

Step 2: Let the Crockpot Do Its Thing

Cover the crockpot and set it to high. Now, step away. Seriously. Go binge-watch your favorite show or fold some laundry (or not). After about 3.5–4 hours, the rice will have soaked up all the liquid, and the chicken will be fork-tender.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

When everything’s cooked to perfection, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Pop the lid back on and let the heat melt the cheese into the dish. This takes about 5–7 minutes, but trust me, the cheesy payoff is worth it.

Step 4: Serve It Up

Scoop that creamy, cheesy deliciousness into bowls and serve warm. Bonus points if you sprinkle on a little extra cheese or parsley for a pop of color.

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Storage Options:

Leftovers? Lucky you. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
In the Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pro tip: Make extra and freeze individual portions for quick lunches. You’ll thank yourself later.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to mix things up? Here are some ideas:

Protein Swap: Chicken thighs or shredded rotisserie chicken work just as well.
Rice Alternatives: Try white rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa.
Veggie Boost: Add peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrients.
Cheese Variety: Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack can shake things up.
Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne or a dash of smoked paprika adds a fun twist.

What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken and Rice?

While Crockpot Chicken and Rice is a meal in itself, a few simple sides can make it shine:

Crisp Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus pair beautifully.
Buttery Rolls: Perfect for scooping up every last cheesy bite.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the savory flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Totally! Just reduce the cooking time slightly—white rice cooks faster.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yep! Swap the cream of chicken soup for a dairy-free version and use a plant-based cheese alternative.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything in the crockpot liner, refrigerate overnight, and start cooking the next day.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts comforting and convenient, this Crockpot Chicken and Rice is it. It’s creamy, cheesy, and the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

So, what’s your go-to crockpot recipe? I’d love to hear about it—or better yet, let me know how you liked this one. Did you stick to the recipe or add your own twist? Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!