Slow Cooker Chicken Rice

This slow cooker chicken and rice recipe has been my go-to comfort meal on busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken with creamy soup and melted cheddar cheese creates a dish that feels indulgent but comes together with very little effort. It’s nourishing, filling, and the kind of warm dish that brings everyone to the table happily.

I first cooked this for a family gathering when time was tight and was surprised at how well it came together. Now it is requested regularly whenever we want something comforting without fuss.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: cut into one inch pieces for even cooking and tenderness
• Yellow onion: diced to add sweetness and depth of flavor
• Garlic: chopped because it infuses the dish with savory warmth
• Kosher salt: to season evenly and highlight flavors
• Black pepper: freshly ground if possible to bring a slight kick without overpowering
• Chicken broth: adds moisture and enriches the overall taste
• Cream of chicken soup: is the base that creates that creamy texture and binds ingredients nicely
• White rice: cooked ahead to save time and absorb flavors evenly during the final cooking stage
• Cheddar cheese: shredded for a golden melted topping that makes the dish irresistible

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Slow cookers don’t brown ingredients well so start by placing the chicken, onion, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup directly into a slow cooker sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Stir everything thoroughly to combine the ingredients well ensuring an even flavor distribution.

Cook the Chicken:

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for about two and a half to three hours or on low for four and a half to five hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be fully cooked and safe to eat.

Add the Rice:

Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat setting to low. Stir in the cooked white rice carefully so it absorbs the creamy mixture without breaking apart. Cover the slow cooker again and let it cook for an additional fifteen minutes allowing the flavors to combine further.

Finish with Cheese:

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the mixture. Cover the cooker and allow the cheese to melt for about five to ten minutes. Once melted, it’s ready to serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

One family night, I accidentally grabbed cream of mushroom soup instead and while it was delicious, it reminded me how much the original flavor comforts us and brings back warm memories around the dinner table.

Storage Tips

Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the mixture as it thickens over time. This will help maintain a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cooked brown rice instead of white rice to increase fiber content. Choose a reduced sodium broth if you want to control saltiness. Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile that melts just as well.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a crisp green side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal with a fresh contrast to the creamy rice. Pickled jalapeños or a squeeze of lime brighten the flavor if you want to add a little zing.

This recipe is perfect for busy nights and can be easily customized. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy comfort any day of the week.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What cuts of chicken work best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well for even cooking and tenderness in this slow cooker dish.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires longer cooking times, so it's best to cook it separately and add it at the end to maintain texture.

→ Is it necessary to use cream of chicken soup?

The creamy soup adds richness and moisture; you can substitute with a homemade sauce or cream base if preferred.

→ How can I avoid the chicken drying out?

Cooking on low heat for a longer time helps keep the chicken juicy and tender throughout the slow cooking process.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Diced vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers can be added at the start to enhance flavor and nutrition.