Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the convenience and comfort of a delicious Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice meal. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked rice into one savory, hearty meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for when you want to let your slow cooker do all the work. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is a family favorite that’s as easy as it is delicious!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

1. Dice the Onion and Mince the Garlic: Start by preparing your vegetables. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. You can also thaw the frozen mixed vegetables at this point.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

1. Add the Chicken Breasts: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Top with Vegetables and Seasoning: Sprinkle the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika over the chicken.
3. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and the can of cream of chicken soup, stirring slightly to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Cook on Low: Set your slow cooker to low and cook the chicken mixture for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

1. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce.

Step 5: Add the Rice and Cream Cheese

1. Stir in the Rice: Add the uncooked long grain rice to the slow cooker, stirring it into the mixture.
2. Add the Cream Cheese: Place the cubed cream cheese on top of the rice and let it melt into the mixture. Cover and cook on low for an additional 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.

Step 6: Stir in the Cheddar Cheese

1. Add the Cheddar Cheese: Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and everything is well combined.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish and Serve: Scoop the cheesy chicken and rice into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your dinner:

With a Side Salad:

• Pair this cheesy dish with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add a refreshing element to your meal.

With Garlic Bread:

• Serve with a side of garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.

With Roasted Vegetables:

• A side of roasted broccoli or asparagus complements the richness of this meal.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Chicken and Rice

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Add it in step 4 when you would shred the chicken.
• Swap the Rice: You can use brown rice or wild rice instead of long grain rice, but keep in mind that cooking times will vary.
• Add Some Heat: If you like your food with a kick, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, stir in additional cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal Prep Time: This recipe requires very little prep, making it perfect for busy days.
• Family-Friendly: The cheesy, creamy flavor is a hit with both kids and adults.
• One-Pot Meal: This dish covers everything you need in a single pot, saving time and cleanup.
• Customizable: You can easily customize the vegetables or cheese to suit your family’s tastes.
• Leftovers Taste Amazing: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftovers.

Storing and Reheating

Storing:

• In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high.
• Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Freezing:

• Freezing: Allow the cheesy chicken and rice to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and a must-have in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal, something to feed a crowd, or a make-ahead option for busy days, this dish delivers. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese combine with perfectly cooked rice for a comforting, flavorful meal that everyone will love. Plus, the slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare with minimal effort required. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become your new go-to comfort food!

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the cooking time.
2. Can I make this recipe in advance?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just turn on the slow cooker and let it cook while you go about your day.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
   Definitely! You can add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the mix for extra flavor and nutrients.
4. Can I make this dish without cream cheese?
   Yes, if you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the cream cheese, though it adds a delicious creaminess to the dish.
5. How can I make the dish spicier?
   To add some heat, you can mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce.

Yield: 6

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe

Print

There’s nothing quite like the convenience and comfort of a delicious Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice meal. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked rice into one savory, hearty meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights or for when you want to let your slow cooker do all the work. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is a family favorite that's as easy as it is delicious!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
   Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray or oil.
2. Layer the Chicken:
   Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. Add Rice and Vegetables:
   Stir the uncooked rice and optional vegetables (peas and carrots) into the mixture. Pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure the rice is submerged in the liquid.
5. Cook:
   Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked, the rice is tender, and the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Shred the Chicken:
   Once done, remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
7. Add the Cheese:
   Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix everything together until the cheese is melted and the casserole is creamy.
8. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. This dish pairs well with a side salad or some steamed vegetables.

Notes

Rice: Long grain white rice works best in this recipe, but avoid using instant or quick-cook rice, as it may turn mushy.

Vegetables: Adding peas, carrots, or even broccoli gives extra texture and nutrients. You can add them in during the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, like mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend, for a different flavor profile.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra broth or water to keep the dish creamy.