This comforting Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is pure magic – tender chicken nestled in creamy, cheesy rice that practically makes itself! As a busy mom, I love recipes that let me toss everything in the slow cooker and come home to dinner ready. My kids nicknamed this “cheesy rice heaven” and beg for it weekly. The best part? It’s budget-friendly and takes just minutes to prep!

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Dump-and-go recipe – no pre-cooking needed
Rich, creamy texture from melted cheese
Super tender chicken that shreds easily
Perfect for busy weeknights
Uses just 2 chicken breasts but feeds a crowd
Kid-approved and family-friendly
Versatile – works great with different rice types
Makes amazing leftovers

If you enjoy easy slow cooker meals like this one, you’ll also love my Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy – it’s another family favorite that’s pure comfort food! The secret to getting this chicken and rice just right is using brown rice, which holds up beautifully during slow cooking without getting mushy. I’ve tested this recipe countless times, and my family agrees this version produces the most tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice every single time.

For the best results, I highly recommend using a digital crockpot or a casserole-style slow cooker. The wider surface area helps the rice cook more evenly, and being able to set the exact cooking time means you’ll never come home to overcooked chicken. Trust me, these little details make such a difference in the final dish!

Ingredients Overview

Hey baking friends! Let me walk you through everything you’ll need for this cozy crockpot dinner that’s become a family favorite in our house. Trust me, once you see how simple these ingredients are, you’ll want to make this tonight!

Chicken Breasts: Two large boneless, skinless breasts are perfect here. They become so tender and juicy after slow cooking! If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs – they’re actually even more forgiving in the crockpot.
Brown Rice: This is my secret weapon! Unlike white rice that can get mushy, brown rice holds its shape beautifully during the long cooking process. Plus, it adds such a lovely nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This creates that irresistible creamy base – think of it as the magic that ties everything together! For a lighter version, I’ve successfully used the low-sodium variety, which works just as well in our favorite casserole dishes.
Cheese: A generous cup of sharp cheddar makes everything better! It melts into the most gorgeous, gooey sauce. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations – I sometimes throw in some pepper jack for a little kick!
Onions & Seasonings: These aromatics are what build our flavor base. I use garlic powder, onion, and a pinch of thyme – simple but so effective!

Success Tips & Tricks

After making this countless times (and learning from a few mishaps!), here are my tried-and-true tips for crockpot success:

Rice Ratio is Key: Don’t be tempted to add extra liquid! The ratio in this recipe is perfect for achieving fluffy, not mushy rice. This same principle applies to my Cajun chicken pasta – getting the liquid right makes all the difference!
Layer Properly: Always place your chicken on top of the rice mixture. This helps the rice cook evenly and prevents the chicken from drying out.
Temperature Control: Stick to LOW heat for 6-7 hours. While it’s tempting to rush on HIGH, the slower cooking gives you that perfect, tender result every time.
The Cheese Timing: Add your cheese during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This prevents it from separating and keeps that gorgeous, creamy texture we’re after.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let me walk you through making this comforting crockpot chicken and rice dish! I’ve made this countless times for my family, and these steps ensure perfect results every time.

Prepare the Base:
- Spray your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray
- Layer 2 cups of brown rice across the bottom
- Place 2 chicken breasts on top of the rice
Create the Flavor Base:
- Mix 2 cans cream of chicken soup with 2½ cups chicken broth
- Stir in 1 finely diced onion (I always keep pre-chopped onions in my freezer!)
- Add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and Italian seasoning
Layer and Cook:
- Pour mixture evenly over chicken and rice
- Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours
- Rice should be tender and chicken should reach 165°F
Finish with Cheese:
- Shred chicken with two forks
- Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving

Recipe Variations and Uses

This recipe is wonderfully versatile! If you enjoy this, you might also love my Crockpot Cowboy Casserole for another hearty option.

Tasty Variations:

Veggie Boost: Add frozen peas and carrots during the last 30 minutes
Cheese Options: Try mixing Monterey Jack with cheddar, similar to my Chicken Spaghetti recipe
Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup sour cream at the end

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted green beans
Top with crispy fried onions for extra crunch
Serve alongside my Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole for big gatherings

Storage Tips:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months

FAQs & Final Thoughts

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

While brown rice is my go-to choice since it holds up better during long cooking, you can use white rice. Just reduce the cooking time by about an hour and watch the liquid levels carefully to prevent mushiness.

My rice turned out mushy – what went wrong?

This usually happens when there’s too much liquid or overcooking. Make sure to stick to the exact measurements and cooking times. Every crockpot cooks differently, so the first time you make this, check it about an hour before the recommended cooking time.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

For food safety reasons, I recommend using thawed chicken. If you love chicken dishes, you might want to try my Chicken Marsala Fettuccine next time you’re meal planning!

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

The key is not overcooking! Check your chicken’s internal temperature – once it hits 165°F, it’s done. The cream soup mixture also helps keep everything moist and creamy.

Final Thoughts

Oh my goodness, you’re going to love how this chicken and rice comes together! There’s nothing better than walking through your door after a busy day to the smell of a home-cooked meal. My family gathers around the table every time I make this, and the empty bowls tell me everything I need to know! The cheesy, creamy goodness makes this pure comfort food magic.

Remember to snap a photo of your creation – I absolutely love seeing your kitchen successes! And don’t forget to save this recipe for those busy weeknights when you need a reliable, delicious dinner that practically makes itself. Happy cooking, friends!

CROCK POT CHICKEN AND RICE RECIPE