Cozy & Warming: Hearty Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Comfort comes alive with this delightful crock pot chicken and rice that promises warmth in every single bite.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among fluffy rice grains, creating a symphony of flavors.

Slow cooking unlocks deep, rich tastes that dance across your palate with remarkable depth.

Each ingredient melds together with remarkable precision, crafting a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

The aroma will drift through your kitchen, drawing hungry souls to the table with anticipation.

Simple ingredients transform into a spectacular dinner that requires minimal effort.

This recipe delivers pure, soul-satisfying nourishment you and your loved ones will absolutely adore.

Serving Suggestions for Comforting Chicken and Rice

• Family Feast Night: Serve this creamy chicken and rice dish with a crisp green salad and warm dinner rolls for a complete meal that brings everyone together.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion leftovers into meal prep containers for easy lunch options during the week, adding extra veggies to boost nutrition and flavor.
• Topping Party: Customize individual servings with toppings like chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or a drizzle of hot sauce for personalized flair.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Pair with roasted broccoli or steamed asparagus to add a fresh, green element that balances the rich and creamy chicken and rice base.

How to Store Chicken and Rice and Keep It Creamy

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Maintains quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm in microwave with splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide meal into individual serving containers before refrigerating. Creates convenient grab-and-go lunches and prevents unnecessary reheating of entire batch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe Must-Haves

• Long Grain White Rice: Provides hearty foundation, select high-quality rice for better texture and absorption.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses rich flavor, choose low-sodium version for controlled seasoning.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein source, opt for fresh or partially thawed boneless cuts for even cooking.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds luxurious thickness, select reduced-sodium variety for healthier option.
• Sour Cream: Contributes tangy creaminess, use full-fat version for richer taste.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp flavor, select sharp variety for more intense taste.

• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle aromatic touch, ensure fresh and fragrant.
• Onion Powder: Offers gentle savory undertone, look for pure ground version.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat, freshly ground delivers superior flavor.
• Paprika: Introduces subtle warmth, choose sweet or smoked variety.

• Frozen Peas or Mixed Vegetables: Adds color and nutrition, select high-quality frozen blend.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh garnish, choose bright green leaves.

Tools to Cook Chicken and Rice the Easy Way

• Crock Pot: Large slow cooker essential for creating this one-pot meal.
• Measuring Cups: Accurately measure rice, broth, and seasonings.
• Measuring Spoons: Precisely add garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Forks: Perfect for shredding cooked chicken easily.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for stirring ingredients and mixing in cheese.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for any initial chicken preparation if needed.

Crock Pot Instructions for Creamy Chicken and Rice

• Prep the Crockpot

Grab your slow cooker and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

• Create the Base

Mix uncooked rice with broth, cream of chicken soup, and a blend of seasonings directly in the crockpot. Stir everything until well combined, creating a flavorful foundation for your meal.

• Add the Star Protein

Gently place chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, allowing them to nestle into the creamy base without stirring.

• Let the Magic Happen

Cover and let your crockpot work its wonder. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken reaches perfect tenderness and is fully cooked.

• Transform the Chicken

Pull out the chicken and shred it using two forks, then return the tender pieces back into the rice, mixing everything together.

• Elevate the Flavor

Stir in some shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Toss in frozen vegetables for extra nutrition and color if you’d like.

• Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle with fresh herbs, scoop into bowls, and savor your delicious, hassle-free meal!

Cooking Tips for Better Chicken and Rice Texture

• Smart Meal Prep: Make a double batch and freeze individual portions for quick, hassle-free meals during busy weeks. Perfect for grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
• Low-Sodium Swap: Replace regular chicken broth with low-sodium versions and reduce added salt to create a heart-friendly option for those monitoring sodium intake.
• Protein Power-Up: Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer flavor and more tender texture. Thighs stay juicier during slow cooking and add extra depth to the dish.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure rice is certified gluten-free to transform this recipe into a safe meal for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Veggie Boost: Experiment with different frozen vegetable combinations like carrots, corn, or broccoli to increase nutritional value and add colorful variety to the basic recipe.

Hearty Crock Pot Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty crock pot chicken and rice promises comfort in every spoonful. Home kitchens will love this simple, nourishing one-pot meal that brings families together with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2.5 cups (600 mL) chicken broth
• 1 (10.5 oz / 298 g) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 cup (120 mL) sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Coat slow cooker interior with nonstick spray to prevent adherence and simplify post-cooking cleanup.
2. Foundation Building: Combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, condensed soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in smooth, even mixture, ensuring thorough ingredient integration.
3. Protein Placement: Position whole chicken breasts strategically across rice foundation, distributing evenly for uniform heat penetration and consistent cooking.
4. Slow Transformation: Cover and cook on low setting for 5-6 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to reach safe 165F internal temperature.
5. Meat Refinement: Remove chicken, meticulously shred using two forks, then reincorporate into rice mixture, creating a harmonious texture and flavor profile.
6. Enrichment Phase: Fold in sharp cheddar cheese and sour cream for luxurious creaminess, optionally introducing frozen peas or mixed vegetables to enhance nutritional value and visual appeal, warming for additional 10 minutes.
7. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, serve hot, creating a comforting and inviting meal that promises satisfying culinary experience.

Notes

• Prevent Rice Sticking: Spray crockpot generously with nonstick spray and consider stirring rice mixture halfway through cooking to ensure even moisture distribution.
• Monitor Chicken Moisture: Check chicken breasts at minimum cooking time to avoid overcooking, which can result in dry, tough meat – slightly undercooked is safer than overdone.
• Customize Protein Options: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for richer flavor, or use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation, adjusting liquid quantities accordingly.
• Enhance Dietary Adaptability: Replace condensed soup with homemade cream sauce for lower sodium version, use cauliflower rice for low-carb alternative, or select gluten-free broth for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg