Quick & Cozy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe

Whipping up a comforting crockpot cheesy chicken and rice dish promises pure culinary magic.

Lazy weekend cooking reaches new heights with this one-pot wonder.

Melted cheese and tender chicken create an irresistible combination that speaks directly to your soul.

Minimal effort guarantees maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing meal.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients blend into something truly spectacular.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this hearty, satisfying recipe that feels like a warm hug.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or drumsticks. Just ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Is it necessary to brown the chicken before adding to the crockpot?

Browning the chicken adds extra flavor and helps seal in moisture, but it’s optional. You can skip this step if you’re short on time.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, replace the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.

• What if I don't have Jasmine rice?

You can substitute Jasmine rice with long-grain white rice or brown rice. Adjust cooking time slightly for brown rice, as it typically takes longer to cook.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken And Rice For Creamy Weeknight Ease

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Effortlessly create a hearty meal with minimal prep, perfect for busy families seeking delicious comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Slow cooker transforms basic ingredients into a creamy, cheesy one-pot wonder, allowing you to walk away while dinner cooks itself perfectly tender and flavorful.
• Nutritious Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combines protein-packed chicken, wholesome broccoli, and satisfying rice into a balanced meal that kids and adults will love, eliminating mealtime battles and ensuring everyone gets essential nutrients.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like chicken thighs, pantry staples, and basic seasonings to create a restaurant-quality dinner at a fraction of the cost, stretching your grocery budget without compromising taste.

What You Use To Cook Cheesy Chicken Rice

• Chicken Thighs: Rich, tender meat that provides the main protein base with extra flavor from skin and bones.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, tangy cheese flavor and melts beautifully into the dish.

• Onion, Broccoli Florets: Fresh vegetables that provide texture, nutrition, and depth of flavor.

• Chicken Broth, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a rich, savory liquid foundation for cooking rice and chicken.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Parsley: Classic seasoning blend that enhances overall taste profile and adds herbal notes.

• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant, soft rice that absorbs flavors and creates a comforting base for the dish. Long-grain varieties work best for even cooking.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Rice Directions

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Browning

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried parsley

Step 2: Brown Chicken to Lock in Flavor

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides, creating a delicious crust that seals in moisture.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base in Crockpot

• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup
• Garlic powder
• Diced onion

Whisk these ingredients together to create a rich, creamy base.

Step 4: Add Chicken to Slow Cooker

Gently place the browned chicken thighs into the liquid mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.

Step 5: Layer Remaining Ingredients

• Fresh broccoli florets
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Uncooked Jasmine rice

Step 6: Combine and Cook

Softly stir all ingredients to distribute evenly.

Cover and cook on low setting for 4-6 hours.

The dish is ready when chicken is tender and falling apart, rice is fluffy, and broccoli is perfectly cooked.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Once cooking is complete, let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes.

Give a gentle stir to incorporate melted cheese throughout.

Serve hot and enjoy this comforting one-pot meal.

Pro Ideas for Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice

• Ensure chicken thighs develop a golden crust by patting them dry before seasoning and using a hot pan with a touch of oil for even browning.
• Use Jasmine rice for its delicate flavor and fluffy texture, but rinse it first to remove excess starch and prevent clumping in the slow cooker.
• Add cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent separation and maintain a creamy, smooth consistency.
• Replace broccoli with cauliflower or mixed vegetables for variety, or use frozen vegetables to save prep time without compromising flavor.
• Choose low-sodium chicken broth and cream of chicken soup to control salt intake while keeping the dish deliciously satisfying.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken And Rice Storage Made Simple

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Reheat in short intervals, stirring between each, until the chicken reaches 165°F and the rice is steaming hot.

Combos That Work with Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy, cheesy chicken and rice, balancing the dish's rich flavors with its subtle buttery notes.
• Serve with Rustic Green Salad: Create a light, tangy side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy chicken.
• Match with Crusty Artisan Bread: Add a warm, crusty sourdough or French bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy dish.
• Enhance with Roasted Asparagus: Prepare simple roasted asparagus spears with olive oil and garlic to add a fresh, green vegetable element that brightens the overall meal.

Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole Styles

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce using cornstarch, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Use gluten-free rice and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken thighs with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra protein-rich vegetables like cauliflower or mushrooms.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli. Reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy, cheesy texture of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese. Replace cream of chicken soup with coconut cream and dairy-free milk for a similar creamy consistency.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty crockpot cheesy chicken and rice dish, perfect for busy weeknights. Creamy, cheesy goodness combines tender chicken and fluffy rice, offering you a satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 small chicken thighs (with skin and bones in)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon parsley

Vegetables and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1.5 cups (354 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) cream of chicken soup

Dairy and Grains:

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups (400 grams) uncooked Jasmine rice

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Instructions

1. Create a flavorful spice blend using salt, pepper, and parsley to thoroughly coat the chicken thighs.
2. Heat a skillet and carefully sear the seasoned chicken thighs until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior.
3. Transfer the skillet drippings and browned chicken into the crockpot, layering with aromatic chicken broth and creamy condensed chicken soup.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder and distribute finely chopped onions throughout the liquid base for enhanced depth of flavor.
5. Gently nestle the chicken thighs into the savory liquid mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.
6. Scatter fresh broccoli florets across the top of the chicken, creating a vibrant green layer.
7. Generously shower shredded cheddar cheese over the broccoli and chicken, allowing it to melt and create a luscious coating.
8. Distribute uncooked Jasmine rice evenly across the surface, ensuring it will absorb the flavorful cooking liquids.
9. Cover the crockpot and slow cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform into a tender, comforting one-pot meal.
10. Verify doneness by checking that chicken is completely cooked and rice has reached a soft, fluffy consistency before serving.

Notes

• Browning chicken beforehand enhances the depth of flavor and creates a beautiful golden exterior that adds complexity to the dish.
• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the recipe from becoming too salty.
• Select bone-in chicken thighs for extra moisture and richer taste, as they remain juicier during slow cooking compared to boneless cuts.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce using cornstarch and gluten-free chicken stock.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 95mg