Crock Pot Chicken And Rice Recipe

This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice recipe delivers a warm, comforting meal that combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and vibrant vegetables. Infused with garlic, onion, and thyme, every bite is a delightful mix of savory flavors crowned with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying finish.

I really enjoy making this Crock Pot Chicken and Rice recipe because it’s a simple way to get dinner ready fast and it’s packed with nutrition. I use 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts that provide plenty of protein, along with 1 cup of long grain white rice which gives a good source of carbs.

The recipe also includes 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1 can of cream of chicken soup for a rich and savory base. I add 1 diced medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to build flavor, and 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots helps add vitamins and fiber.

Then, I stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist, ½ tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper to bring all the flavors together. I like how this Slow Cooker Chicken Rice dish reminds me of best Chicken Crockpot Recipes Easy and Easy Crockpot Dinners that are fun to make and healthy too.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super simple and almost does everything on its own. I just toss in the chicken, rice, veggies, and seasonings, and before I know it, I’ve got a warm, tasty meal ready. Plus, the melted cheddar on top makes it extra cheesy and comforting.

Another reason I love it is that the flavors blend really well. The tender chicken, the creamy chicken soup, and even the little crunch from the peas and carrots all come together like they were meant to. I feel like every bite is a perfect mix of savory goodness and a home-cooked vibe.

I also appreciate how forgiving the recipe is. Even if I mess up the seasoning a little or add something extra when I feel like it, the whole dish still turns out great. It’s a reliable go-to meal on busy nights when there’s no time to fuss over complicated instructions.

Lastly, it’s a recipe that makes family dinners way easier. The crock pot does most of the work, so I end up spending less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing or hanging out with everyone. Overall, it’s a meal I know I can always count on to be both filling and fun to eat.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: High protein lean meat that makes this dish hearty and truly satisfying.
• White rice: Carb-rich grain that provides energy and a mild base soaking up all the flavors.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory depth without overpowering other ingredients.
• Cream of chicken soup: Boosts creaminess and richness but can add extra salt if not careful.
• Onion and garlic: They intensify flavor and offer subtle health perks with antioxidants.
• Peas and carrots: Fibre packed veggies that bring sweetness, color and essential vitamins.
• Cheddar cheese: Stirred in last it creates a tangy melting finish to the dish.
• Dried thyme, salt, and pepper: Herbs and spices that balance and lift the overall taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 lbs)
• 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

How to Make this

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the rinsed rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Stir the mixture well and then pour it evenly over the chicken in the crock pot.

4. Add the frozen peas and carrots on top of the mixture.

5. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.

6. Once the cooking time is nearly up, check to see if the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

7. When the rice and chicken are done, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

8. Cover the crock pot again and let it sit for another 10 minutes so the cheese can melt into the dish.

9. Stir everything together gently to mix in the melted cheese with the rice and chicken.

10. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed then serve and enjoy your comforting dinner!

Equipment Needed

1. Crock pot
2. Mixing bowl
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Chef’s knife and cutting board
5. Stirring spoon or spatula
6. Can opener (if your soup can isn’t already opened)
7. Timer or clock for keeping track of cooking time

These are the basic items you’ll need to get this recipe started.

FAQ

Crock Pot Chicken And Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken breasts: You can substitute with boneless chicken thighs if you want a bit more flavor and moisture
• Long grain white rice: Try using brown rice instead but remember it may need extra liquid and cooking time
• Cream of chicken soup: Swap with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade version by blending cooked chicken with a bit of milk and flour
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Vegetable broth works fine too, especially if you want to keep the dish lighter
• Frozen peas and carrots: You might use fresh chopped veggies or even a mix of corn and green beans for a different twist

Pro Tips

1. Try fryin up the diced onion and minced garlic in a little oil before tossing them in the crock pot. This simple step really boosts the flavor and adds a nice caramelized twist.

2. When your chicken and rice are almost done, give the seasoning a quick taste and adjust it if needed. Crock pots can be a bit unpredictable so its good to double-check salt and pepper midway.

3. Let the dish sit uncovered for about 10 minutes after cookin, so the cheese melts properly and everything gets a chance to blend together nicely. This little wait really ups the overall taste.

4. If you want to switch it up a bit, you can add a squeeze of lemon or some fresh herbs at the very end. This adds a bright note that balances out the rich creaminess of the soup and cheese.