Effortless Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe for Cozy Nights

My grandmother’s cherished slow cooker chicken and rice recipe has been a comforting staple during chilly weekends.

Weekend gatherings always buzz with excitement when this fragrant dish arrives at the table.

Tender chicken pieces meld beautifully with fluffy rice, creating a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Busy cooks appreciate how minimal effort produces such incredible flavor combinations.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a delicious dinner without complicated preparation techniques.

Spices dance through each bite, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that sparks conversation and smiles.

Prepare to savor every delectable spoonful of this unforgettable comfort classic.

Chicken And Rice Slow Cooker Reasons to Love

• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Set it and forget it with this effortless slow cooker meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor without constant monitoring.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Meal: Packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables, this one-pot wonder satisfies picky eaters and hungry adults alike with its hearty, wholesome ingredients.
• Time-Saving Weeknight Solution: Prepare ingredients quickly in the morning, let the slow cooker work its magic during the day, and return home to a delicious, fully-cooked dinner that requires zero last-minute effort.
• Nutritious and Budget-Friendly Option: Combines affordable proteins like chicken and simple pantry staples into a balanced meal that provides essential nutrients without breaking the bank or complicated cooking techniques.

Chicken And Rice Slow Cooker Mix

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and juicy when slow-cooked, perfect for a hearty meal. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for best results.

• Long-Grain White Rice, Chicken Broth: Rice provides a fluffy base for the dish, while chicken broth adds rich flavor and moisture. Select a low-sodium broth for better control of salt content.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a creamy, smooth sauce that helps bind ingredients and adds depth to the dish. Opt for a reduced-sodium version if watching salt intake.

• Carrots, Frozen Peas, Onion: Colorful vegetables that add nutrition, texture, and sweetness. Frozen peas keep their bright color and shape during slow cooking.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Dried Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend that enhances overall flavor profile. Freshly ground black pepper offers the most robust taste. Adjust seasonings to personal preference.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Instructions

Step 1: Prep The Protein

Place chicken breasts inside your slow cooker.

Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper evenly across the chicken to create a delicious flavor base.

Step 2: Build The Base

• Long grain white rice
• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup
• Diced carrots
• Chopped onions

Gently stir everything together to ensure all ingredients are well combined and distributed.

Step 3: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours.

Cook until the chicken is completely done and the rice reaches a tender consistency.

Step 4: Add Green Goodness

Around 30 minutes before serving, toss in frozen peas.

Cover the slow cooker and continue cooking until the peas are thoroughly heated.

Step 5: Finish And Serve

If you prefer, use two forks to shred the chicken.

Mix everything together well and serve the dish warm, creating a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any day of the week.

Chicken and Rice Slow Cooker Success Starts With These Tricks

• Replace chicken breasts with thighs or turkey for different flavor profiles and texture variations.
• Adjust chicken broth quantity based on rice type to prevent dry or overly soggy results, ensuring perfect moisture balance.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives during the last 30 minutes for vibrant, fresh taste and extra nutrition.
• Experiment with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to create unique, personalized versions of the dish.
• Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and low-sodium broth for celiac or low-salt diet requirements without compromising taste.

Store Chicken And Rice From Slow Cooker Safely

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
• Warm gently in microwave, stirring occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Microwave or warm in skillet with extra liquid, stirring frequently to maintain moisture.

Serve This with Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy, savory chicken and rice dish with their light, refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness.
• Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: A zesty mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a bright, crunchy contrast to the hearty slow cooker meal.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Warm, rustic sourdough or French bread helps soak up the delicious sauce and adds a delightful textural element to the comfort food classic.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetable Side: Honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic-infused roasted asparagus bring additional depth and nutritional balance to the chicken and rice dinner.

Chicken and Rice (Slow Cooker) in Cozy Weeknight Forms

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce using cornstarch, milk, and chicken broth. Use gluten-free rice and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute cream of vegetable soup for protein-rich plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli. Reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking vegetables and maintain desired texture.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut milk or almond milk-based cream soup. Select dairy-free broth and ensure all ingredients align with dairy-free dietary restrictions.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this slow cooker recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and stay juicier during long cooking times.

• Is it okay to use brown rice for this recipe?

Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time, so you’ll need to adjust the liquid ratio and increase cooking time by about 30-45 minutes to ensure proper tenderness.

• Can I make this recipe without cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce using milk, flour, and butter as an alternative to keep the creamy texture.

• What if I don't have all the listed seasonings?

Basic seasoning like salt, pepper, and garlic powder will still provide good flavor. If possible, use dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this slow cooker chicken and rice masterpiece, blending tender chicken with perfectly seasoned rice. Home cooks can easily create a hearty meal that delivers warmth and satisfaction in one delicious pot.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains:

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Arrange chicken breasts inside the slow cooker, generously coating with garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the seasoned chicken, then sprinkle in uncooked rice, ensuring even distribution of diced carrots and onions throughout the mixture.
3. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the ingredients to meld together, cooking on low temperature for 6–7 hours or on high temperature for 3–4 hours until chicken reaches complete doneness and rice achieves a perfectly tender consistency.
4. Approximately 30 minutes prior to serving, gently fold frozen peas into the simmering dish, returning the lid to allow the vegetables to warm through and integrate with the other ingredients.
5. Use two forks to delicately shred the chicken, thoroughly mixing all components to create a harmonious and comforting one-pot meal ready to be served piping hot.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easier shredding.
• Add extra herbs like rosemary or parsley for a more complex flavor profile.
• For a healthier version, swap cream of chicken soup with low-sodium chicken broth and Greek yogurt.
• Experiment with brown rice for added nutrition and a slightly nutty taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg