Crock Pot Chicken and Rice: 7 Irresistible Cozy Tips

If you’ve been searching for a Crock Pot Chicken and Rice recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day, you’ve just found it. This dish is the meal equivalent of slipping into your comfiest sweatpants—easy, cozy, and exactly what your weeknight needs. And as someone who lives on slow cooker magic (hi, it’s Mounia!), I promise this is one of those recipes that makes you wonder why you ever stressed about dinner in the first place.

Whether you’re juggling back-to-back work meetings, chauffeuring kids to activities, or simply trying to keep your sanity intact, having Crock Pot Chicken and Rice quietly doing its thing on the counter is a little victory. Set it, forget it, and let dinner cook itself into creamy, cheesy perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Let me count the ways—because honestly, this recipe has been a lifesaver more times than I can say:

  • It’s incredibly easy. Toss everything into your slow cooker, close the lid, and let it work its magic.
  • It’s budget-friendly. Simple, wholesome ingredients that stretch beautifully.
  • It feeds picky eaters. Even my toughest critics have polished off a bowl of this without a single eye roll.
  • It tastes like comfort wrapped in comfort. Creamy, cheesy, hearty… it’s everything cozy food should be.

And speaking from experience—this recipe once saved me during a week when life felt like one giant to-do list. I came home to that rich aroma filling the house, and let me tell you, it smelled like relief.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to bring this delicious Crock Pot Chicken and Rice to life:

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 ½ cups brown rice (uncooked)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Simple ingredients, big comfort. That’s how we roll around here.

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

This dish comes together with such little effort, you might feel like you’re forgetting something (you’re not!).

Step 1: Load the Crock Pot

Add your chicken pieces, garlic, salt, pepper, chopped onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and brown rice straight into the crock pot. Give everything a good stir so all the flavors mingle.

Step 2: Let the Magic Happen

Cover and cook on high for 3.5–4 hours. The rice will slowly absorb all that flavorful broth, turning creamy and soft.

Step 3: Add the Cheesy Goodness

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover again and let the residual heat melt the cheese for about 5–7 minutes.

Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Scoop into bowls, take a deep inhale, and enjoy that irresistible cheesy aroma.

Tips for Making the Best Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

  • Don’t lift the lid too often. Every peek releases heat and can slow the cooking. I know it smells amazing, but stay strong!
  • If the rice seems too thick—totally normal. Add a splash of broth and stir. It’s just extra comfort trying to happen.
  • Want veggies? Toss in peas, carrots, or spinach during the last 30 minutes. Easy nutrition boost without complaints from picky eaters.
  • Swap the cheese. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar blend all melt beautifully.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice was one of those “I desperately need dinner to cook itself” creations. I’d been running around all day, and honestly, even chopping an onion felt ambitious. But I tossed everything into the slow cooker anyway and hoped for the best.
Hours later, my house smelled like a warm, cozy hug. And when I scooped that first spoonful? Pure comfort. Recipes like this remind me why I love slow cooking—minimal work, maximum flavor, and a moment of calm at the end of a hectic day.

Creamy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice being stirred with a wooden spoon in a slow cooker
Crock Pot Chicken and Rice mixed to creamy, cheesy perfection with tender chicken and fluffy rice.

FAQs About Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Technically yes, but white rice cooks much faster, so it can turn mushy. Brown rice holds up better in this recipe.

Can I replace the chicken breasts with thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for Crock Pot Chicken and Rice.

Can I make this recipe ahead?

Yes! This meal stores beautifully. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Add a splash of broth or water and warm it in the microwave or stovetop. The rice will perk right back up.

Can I lighten this recipe?

Use reduced-fat cheese or replace the cream of chicken soup with a lighter version. Still delicious!

Bring It All Together

There’s a reason this Crock Pot Chicken and Rice keeps showing up in my weekly rotation—it’s simple, comforting, and makes the whole house smell like you’ve been cooking all day (even though you barely lifted a finger). Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something creamy and cozy, this dish has your back.

Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting tonight—your future self will thank you.

Crave-Worthy Recipes You’ll Want to Make Next

If this cozy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice made your night a little brighter (and your kitchen smell amazing!), here are a few more comforting dishes you’ll want to try next. They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for those busy days when you just need dinner to take care of itself:

  • For another creamy, comforting bowl of goodness, check out Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice — it’s like this recipe’s cheesy best friend.
  • When you’re craving pure homestyle comfort, Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie brings all the cozy vibes with hardly any effort.
  • If a warm bowl of soup sounds perfect, Creamy Vegetable Soup is rich, soothing, and perfect for snuggle-up evenings.
  • And for a simple, flavorful side that pairs beautifully with almost any meal, try Crock Pot Green Beans — a classic made even easier.

Looking for more easy comfort meals? Feel free to explore the recipes above—your next cozy favorite might be just one click away.

Print
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Creamy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice being stirred with a wooden spoon in a slow cooker

Crock Pot Chicken and Rice


  • Author: Mounia
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This creamy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is an easy, comforting slow cooker dinner made with tender chicken, fluffy brown rice, melted cheddar cheese, and rich savory flavor. Perfect for busy nights when you want a homemade meal without the work.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ onion, chopped

  • 3 cups chicken broth

  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)

  • 1 ½ cups brown rice (uncooked)

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese


Instructions

  1. Add the chicken, garlic, salt, pepper, onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and uncooked brown rice to the crock pot. Stir to combine.

  2. Cover and cook on high for 3.5–4 hours, or until the rice absorbs the broth and becomes tender.

  3. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover for 5–7 minutes to let the cheese melt.

  4. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

If the mixture seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth before serving.

Brown rice works best—white rice becomes mushy in slow cookers.

Add peas, carrots, or spinach in the last 30 minutes for extra color and nutrition.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 890 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg