Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that you can just toss into your slow cooker and forget about? Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect one-pot meal that requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor! Tender chicken, creamy rice, and flavorful seasonings all come together for a delicious and hearty dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Rice

1. Layer the Ingredients: Lightly grease the inside of your Crock Pot with cooking spray. Add the uncooked rice at the bottom of the pot.
2. Place the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts on top of the rice in a single layer.
3. Mix the Soup and Broth: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth until well combined.

Step 2: Season and Cook

1. Add Seasonings: Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and rice. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the top.
2. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model.

Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches

1. Stir in Cheese: When the chicken is done cooking, remove the lid and stir in shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess, if desired. Let it melt for a few minutes.
2. Add Vegetables (Optional): If you want to incorporate vegetables, you can stir in frozen peas and let them cook in the residual heat for another 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

1. Shred or Serve the Chicken Whole: You can either serve the chicken breasts whole or shred them with two forks for a more mixed texture.
2. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the chicken and rice casserole hot. Add extra cheese on top for a cheesy finish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Prep: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep work, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comfort Food: Creamy, savory, and delicious—this dish has all the elements of classic comfort food.
• One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks together in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash!
• Customizable: You can easily add vegetables, change up the seasonings, or top with different cheeses to suit your taste.

Tips and Variations

1. Use Brown Rice:

• If you prefer brown rice, increase the cooking time and liquid by adding an extra ½ cup of chicken broth.

2. Add Vegetables:

• Stir in other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or mushrooms in the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition.

3. Make it Spicy:

• Add a bit of kick by mixing in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper with the seasonings.

4. Use Different Soup:

• Swap the cream of mushroom or chicken soup with cream of celery or cream of cheddar for a different flavor.

5. Try Chicken Thighs:

• You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture and deeper flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked rice for this recipe?

• Yes, but reduce the amount of liquid by about ½ cup and add the rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid mushy rice.

2. Can I freeze this dish?

• Absolutely! Store the cooked casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

• Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe and add extra flavor. They may require slightly less cooking time.

4. Can I add more cheese?

• Of course! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra shredded cheese on top before serving or mix it into the rice for a cheesier casserole.

5. What other vegetables can I add?

• Besides peas, you can add vegetables like spinach, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition. Just add them in the last hour of cooking so they don’t get too soft.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. With tender chicken, creamy rice, and a burst of flavor from the seasonings, it’s a meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings to make it your own!

Yield: 6

Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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Looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that you can just toss into your slow cooker and forget about? Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect one-pot meal that requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor! Tender chicken, creamy rice, and flavorful seasonings all come together for a delicious and hearty dish.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Rice:
   In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and cream of mushroom soup. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
2. Assemble in the Crock Pot:
   Spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the crock pot. Pour the rice and soup mixture over the chicken, spreading it evenly.
3. Cook:
   Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. If you’re adding frozen peas and carrots, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Add Cheese (Optional):
   In the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole and allow it to melt.
5. Shred the Chicken:
   Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crock pot, or leave the chicken whole if you prefer. Stir everything to combine well.
6. Serve:
   Serve the chicken and rice casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a bit of color and flavor.

Notes

Vegetables: You can add other veggies like broccoli or green beans for extra nutrition.

Rice Substitutes: Brown rice or wild rice can be used, but adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly as they may take longer to cook.

Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream soup option or substitute with a homemade roux using non-dairy milk.