ULTIMATE CREAMY CHICKEN AND RICE

I have such a vivid memory of my grandma making a version of chicken and rice on Sunday afternoons. The whole house would smell incredible, a warm, comforting aroma that wrapped you up like a hug. It was always such a simple meal, but somehow, it felt incredibly special, a true labor of love. My grandma always said the secret was letting the flavors meld together slowly, all day long. And now, I’m going to show you how to create that same magic at home. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe you’ll ever make!

Why This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe Will Become Your New Go-To

Okay, friends, let’s talk about why you absolutely NEED this recipe in your life. We all have those days where cooking feels like a Herculean task, right? When the thought of spending hours in the kitchen is just… ugh. That’s where the crockpot comes to the rescue! This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want a hearty, delicious meal without a ton of effort.

But it’s not just about convenience. This recipe is also about flavor. We’re talking creamy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Even the pickiest eaters in my family devour this dish. And the best part? It’s so versatile! You can easily customize it to your liking with different vegetables, spices, or even a little bit of cheese. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation.

What Makes This Recipe So Special?

• Hands-Off Cooking: Seriously, dump everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing!
• Incredible Flavor: The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Versatility: Easily customizable to suit your taste.
• Budget-Friendly: Chicken and rice are economical ingredients, making this a great option for feeding a family on a budget.
• Comfort Food Classic: There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of creamy chicken and rice.

The Secret to Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Rice: Ingredients and Prep

Alright, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to make this magical dish. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward list, and you probably already have most of these items in your pantry.

The Ingredient Lineup:

• Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they’re easy to work with and cook evenly. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, which will add a bit more richness. About 2 pounds is perfect.
• Rice: Ah, the star of the show! I highly recommend using long-grain rice for this recipe. It holds its shape well and doesn’t get mushy in the crockpot. Avoid using instant rice, as it will become overly soft.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This is what gives the dish its creamy, comforting texture. You can also use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and enhances the chicken flavor. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer.
• Onion and Garlic: These are essential for adding depth of flavor to the dish. I like to use yellow onion and minced garlic.
• Butter: A little bit of butter adds richness and helps to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are my go-to seasonings for this recipe. Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices to your liking.
• Optional Add-Ins: This is where you can get creative! Some of my favorite add-ins include frozen peas, carrots, celery, mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Prepping Your Ingredients:

1. Chop the Onion: Dice the onion into small pieces. Nobody wants big chunks of onion in their creamy chicken and rice!
2. Mince the Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely. You can also use pre-minced garlic from a jar if you’re short on time.
3. Prepare the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, you can cut them into smaller pieces for faster cooking.
4. Gather Your Spices: Measure out your salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crockpot Chicken and Rice Perfection

Okay, let’s get cooking! This is the fun part. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal in no time.

1. Grease the Crockpot: Lightly grease the bottom of your crockpot with cooking spray or a little bit of butter. This will help to prevent the rice from sticking.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the crockpot. Then, add the chicken pieces, followed by the rice.
3. Add the Soup and Broth: Pour the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over the rice and chicken.
4. Season Generously: Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika over the top of the mixture.
5. Add the Butter: Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
6. Stir it All Together: Gently stir all the ingredients together until everything is well combined.
7. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Cooking times may vary depending on your crockpot, so be sure to check the chicken for doneness using a meat thermometer. It should register 165°F (74°C).
8. Stir and Serve: Once the chicken and rice are cooked, give it a good stir. If you’re adding any optional ingredients like peas, carrots, or cheese, stir them in now. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt (if using). Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Chicken and Rice Ever

Alright, my friends, let’s talk about some insider tips and tricks to take your Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe to the next level. These little tweaks can make a big difference in the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

• Don’t Overcook the Rice: This is the most common mistake people make when cooking rice in the crockpot. Overcooked rice will become mushy and unappetizing. Be sure to check the rice for doneness after 4 hours of cooking, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Use the Right Type of Rice: As I mentioned earlier, long-grain rice is the best choice for this recipe. Avoid using instant rice, as it will become overly soft. You can also use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and amount of liquid accordingly.
• Add Some Veggies: Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value of this dish and add some extra flavor and texture. Frozen peas, carrots, celery, and mushrooms are all great options. You can also add fresh vegetables, but you’ll need to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
• Get Creative with Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of this dish. Some of my favorite additions include dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, and bay leaf. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.
• Add a Touch of Creaminess: For an extra creamy dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving. This will add a rich, tangy flavor that complements the chicken and rice perfectly.
• Brown the Chicken First (Optional): While not necessary, browning the chicken before adding it to the crockpot can add a deeper, more complex flavor to the dish. Simply sear the chicken in a hot pan with a little bit of oil until it’s lightly browned on all sides. Then, transfer it to the crockpot and continue with the recipe.
• Don’t Open the Lid Too Often: Every time you open the lid of the crockpot, you release heat and moisture, which can affect the cooking time and texture of the dish. Try to avoid opening the lid unless absolutely necessary.
• Let it Rest: Once the chicken and rice are cooked, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more and prevent the dish from being too watery.

Variations to Make It Your Own

The beauty of this Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe is that it’s incredibly adaptable. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can start experimenting with different variations to create your own signature dish. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Chicken and Rice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot for a spicy kick. You can also use a spicy cream of chicken soup or add some chopped jalapenos.
• Cheesy Chicken and Rice: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese just before serving for a cheesy, comforting twist.
• Mexican Chicken and Rice: Add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, a packet of taco seasoning, and a cup of corn to the crockpot for a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish.
• Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: Add the zest and juice of one lemon, along with a tablespoon of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano, to the crockpot for a bright, flavorful dish. It reminds me a lot of the SLOW COOKER LEMON CHICKEN recipe!
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice: Add a few cloves of minced garlic and a handful of grated Parmesan cheese to the crockpot for a savory, Italian-inspired dish.
• Chicken and Broccoli Rice: Add a bag of frozen broccoli florets to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
• Chicken and Wild Rice: Substitute wild rice for the long-grain rice in the recipe. You’ll need to adjust the amount of liquid and cooking time accordingly.

If you’re looking for another chicken and rice dish, try this Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole. It’s very similar to this recipe, but with a different texture.

What to Serve With Your Crockpot Chicken and Rice

This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe is a complete meal in itself, but it’s also delicious served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken and rice.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are all great options for adding some extra nutrients to the meal.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce from the chicken and rice.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw is a cool and refreshing side dish that complements the warm, comforting flavors of the chicken and rice.

For another great side dish option, you could try this HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN PASTA dish!

More Delicious Chicken Crockpot Recipes

If you’re a fan of this recipe, you might also like:

• BUTTER CHICKEN – A creamy, flavorful Indian dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl – This recipe is a flavor explosion, offering a delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and creamy.
• Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole – A perfect family casserole for a flavorful meal!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave the chicken and rice until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my friends! My Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe is a simple, delicious, and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a hearty, satisfying dish without a lot of effort. I encourage you to give it a try and let me know what you think. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to create your own signature version. Happy cooking!

ULTIMATE CREAMY CHICKEN AND RICE

This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting and convenient meal perfect for busy weeknights. Simple ingredients and hands-off cooking make it a family favorite, delivering creamy, flavorful results every time.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup frozen peas optional
• 1 cup frozen carrots optional

Equipment

• Crockpot
• cutting board
• knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Meat Thermometer

Method

 

1. Lightly grease the bottom of your crockpot with cooking spray or a little bit of butter.
2. Place the diced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Add the chicken pieces, followed by the rice.
4. Pour the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over the rice and chicken.
5. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika over the top of the mixture.
6. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
7. Gently stir all the ingredients together until everything is well combined.
8. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
9. Check the chicken for doneness using a meat thermometer. It should register 165°F (74°C).
10. Once the chicken and rice are cooked, give it a good stir. If you’re adding any optional ingredients like peas, carrots, or cheese, stir them in now.
11. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt (if using).
12. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

To prevent the rice from becoming mushy, avoid overcooking. Check for doneness after 4 hours. Long-grain rice is recommended. For an extra creamy dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or saucepan, adding a splash of broth if needed. You can also brown the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot for a richer flavor.