This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is the very definition of comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor in every bite. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while the rice soaks up all the delicious broth and seasoning. Finished with melted cheddar cheese and your favorite garnish, this one-pot wonder makes dinner feel like a cozy, home-cooked hug.
Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, this dump-and-go recipe simplifies your evening routine without sacrificing taste. With minimal prep and a short ingredient list, it’s ideal for families, beginners, or anyone who loves delicious food with little effort. It’s also customizable—swap in brown rice or add veggies for an even heartier meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers satisfying results every single time.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
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2 ½ cups chicken broth
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 can cream of chicken soup
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Directions:
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Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
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Pour in the uncooked rice and then the chicken broth.
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Add in all seasonings and the cream of chicken soup. Stir gently to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
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Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
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Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and everything is creamy and well-mixed.
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Serve hot, garnished with parsley or green onions if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
When it comes to heartwarming, hassle-free meals that fill your home with comforting aromas and satisfy even the pickiest eaters, Crock Pot Chicken and Rice stands in a class of its own. This humble dish, rooted in the tradition of slow-cooked family dinners, has earned its place as a staple in countless kitchens for good reason—it’s simple to prepare, endlessly versatile, and delivers nourishing, soul-soothing flavor with every bite.
A Bit of Background
Crock Pot Chicken and Rice traces its popularity to mid-20th-century American households, during the rise of the slow cooker (or Crock-Pot), which was initially designed to make mealtime easier for busy families. As dual-income households became more common, time-saving appliances took center stage—and so did recipes like this one, which allowed home cooks to “set it and forget it” while still putting a hot, homemade meal on the table.
Chicken and rice, both pantry staples around the world, combine perfectly in this dish to create something creamy, hearty, and deeply satisfying. By cooking them together slowly, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, while the rice soaks up every bit of broth and seasoning.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
1. Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor
With only about 10 minutes of active prep time, this Crock Pot Chicken and Rice recipe makes life easier without compromising taste. You simply add all the ingredients into the slow cooker, let the appliance do its magic, and return hours later to a hot, ready-to-serve meal.
2. Ultra Creamy & Cheesy
The combination of cream of chicken soup and melted cheddar cheese turns this into the kind of dish that feels like a warm blanket on a cold day. It’s rich, smooth, and indulgent—perfect for when you’re craving comfort food.
3. Customizable for Every Palate
One of the most attractive features of this recipe is its adaptability. Want to sneak in more vegetables? Toss in some peas, carrots, or broccoli. Need to make it dairy-free or gluten-free? Swap in appropriate alternatives. Prefer a little heat? A sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce adds a kick. This recipe can evolve with your tastes, dietary needs, or whatever you’ve got in your fridge.
4. Budget-Friendly and Family-Approved
Chicken and rice are two of the most affordable protein and grain sources, making this an ideal option for meal prepping or feeding a family on a budget. And because it has that classic, kid-friendly flavor, you won’t be battling picky eaters at dinner time.
5. One Pot = Less Cleanup
Since everything is cooked in the Crock Pot, cleanup is minimal. No separate pans, no complicated steps—just one dish that handles it all.
Health Benefits
Despite its rich flavor, this dish offers some notable health benefits. Chicken is a lean protein, supporting muscle repair and growth while keeping you full and energized. Rice, especially if you opt for a whole grain version, provides essential carbohydrates and fiber. The slow cooking method also helps retain nutrients that might otherwise be lost in high-heat cooking.
Plus, when you add veggies like carrots, spinach, or bell peppers, you can increase the fiber, vitamin, and antioxidant content, boosting both the health factor and visual appeal of the meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Another reason to love this recipe? It reheats beautifully. Make a big batch and enjoy it for days—just store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and reheat as needed. Some even say it tastes better the next day, once the flavors have had even more time to meld.
You can also portion it out for grab-and-go lunches or freeze individual servings for future use. That means fewer impulse takeouts and more intentional, nutritious meals throughout your week.
Who Will Love This Dish?
- Busy parents who need quick wins at dinner time
- College students who want real food without standing over a stove
- Meal preppers looking for freezer-friendly comfort food
- Anyone with dietary limitations—this recipe is easy to adapt for gluten-free, dairy-free, low-sodium, or high-protein diets
- Crock Pot beginners who want something foolproof and satisfying
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is hearty enough to stand alone, it also pairs well with simple sides like:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls for a complete comfort meal
- Pickled vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness
You can also top it with fresh herbs (like parsley, chives, or dill), a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of hot sauce to give it a fresh twist.
What Makes This the Best Chicken and Rice Recipe?
Out of the countless chicken and rice combinations out there, this version checks all the boxes:
- No-fuss preparation
- Balanced flavor profile
- Rich, cheesy texture
- Perfectly tender chicken
- Cooked-from-scratch feel with canned soup convenience
It’s a reminder that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques to make something truly satisfying. Whether it’s your first time using a slow cooker or your hundredth, this recipe proves that less really can be more.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is a timeless recipe that never goes out of style. It embodies everything we crave in a comforting home-cooked meal: warmth, richness, and simplicity. It’s the kind of dish that welcomes you home at the end of a long day, fills your kitchen with cozy aromas, and keeps your family gathered around the table a little longer.
Whether you’re cooking for your loved ones or just looking to treat yourself to something hearty and wholesome, this recipe delivers every single time. And once you try it, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation.
Let your Crock Pot do the heavy lifting this is comfort food at its easiest, and its finest.