Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe: Comfort Food Made Easy with Cheesy Goodness

There’s nothing quite like coming home to the rich aroma of a warm, hearty meal after a long day. This Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe brings together tender chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheddar cheese for a deliciously comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It all comes together effortlessly in your crockpot, making it the perfect go-to for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something cozy.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I first stumbled upon this recipe here, and after trying it, I knew I had to share this gem. With minimal prep time and the ease of slow cooking, it’s a meal you can set and forget until dinner time!

This dish also has roots in Southern comfort cooking, where rice and chicken are staple ingredients. Slow cooking in a crockpot gives the rice time to soak up all the delicious flavors of the broth and cream of chicken soup, creating a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. The addition of cheddar cheese towards the end gives this dish its irresistible cheesy goodness that kids and adults alike can’t resist.

Recipe for Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 1⁄2 cups long-grain brown rice, uncooked
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄2 onion, chopped
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: Start by placing the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped onion into your crockpot. Stir everything until well combined. Then, nestle the chicken breasts on top, making sure they’re slightly submerged in the mixture.
2. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The rice will absorb most of the liquid, and the chicken will be perfectly cooked through.
3. Prepare the Veggies: In the last 30 minutes, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Cover it with foil to keep it warm and let it rest. Add your mixed vegetables to the crockpot and stir them gently into the rice.
4. Cheesy Finish: Once the cooking time is up, stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined with the rice. Shred or chop the chicken and mix it back into the crockpot. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and put the lid back on to allow it to melt.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, cheesy crockpot chicken and rice!

Tips for Success:

• Use Brown Rice: Brown rice holds up much better during the long cooking time in the crockpot compared to white rice, which can get mushy.
• Adjust the Texture: If the dish seems too thick at the end of cooking, stir in some extra chicken broth (about 1/4 cup at a time) until you get the perfect creamy consistency.
• Flavor Boosters: For extra flavor, try seasoning the dish with dried herbs like thyme or parsley. You can also add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten up the flavors.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making this an excellent option for meal prepping. Simply reheat in the microwave for a quick, delicious lunch or dinner.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A side of garlic bread would also be a delicious addition for soaking up all the creamy goodness. For a fun twist, you could even sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top before serving for added texture and flavor.

This crockpot chicken and rice is the ultimate comfort food, and I promise it’s one recipe you’ll come back to again and again. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect solution to busy weeknight dinners.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to follow me for more easy and delicious crockpot meals. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing how yours turned out, and feel free to share this recipe with friends and family!