Cozy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken And Rice Recipe For Family Night

Comfort meets convenience in this delectable crockpot cheesy chicken and rice that promises to melt hearts and satisfy hunger.

Slow-cooked perfection awaits with tender chicken nestled among creamy, cheesy rice.

Every bite delivers a symphony of rich, comforting flavors that dance across your palate.

Home cooks and busy families adore this one-pot wonder for its simplicity and incredible taste.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, making dinner a breeze.

The magic happens as ingredients blend and transform into a hearty, irresistible meal.

Crockpot Chicken and Rice – Fun Mix-In Variations

• Low-Sodium Swap: Replace salt with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and dried basil for a flavorful, heart-healthy version without excess sodium.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream soups and substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice or brown rice for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a complete meatless meal.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired casserole.

Serving Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Hot

• Hearty Meal Companion: Pair this creamy chicken and rice dish with a crisp green salad for a balanced, refreshing contrast.
• Veggie Boost: Roast some broccoli, carrots, or asparagus on the side to add extra nutrients and color to your plate.
• Bread Pairing: Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and complete the comfort food experience.
• Garnish Glow: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a burst of freshness and a pop of color that makes the dish look even more appetizing.

Storage for Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Rice Leftovers

• 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 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Spread leftovers in baking dish, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and creamy.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is recommended. Avoid using instant or quick-cooking rice as they may become mushy during the long cooking process.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute dairy-free cream soups and use plant-based cheese alternatives or omit cheese completely for a dairy-free version.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats easily, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice – A Slow Cooker Favorite

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, creating a hands-off meal that saves precious kitchen time and reduces daily cooking stress.
• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers rich, creamy flavors with cheesy goodness that hugs your taste buds, making it a perfect soul-warming dish for any day of the week.
• Crowd-Pleasing Magic: Combines kid-friendly ingredients like chicken, rice, and cheese into one pot, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a delicious, satisfying meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people, making it an economical option for families or gatherings without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Ingredient Checklist for Cheesy Crockpot Chicken Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish and slow cooks to a soft, juicy texture.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Chicken Broth: Creamy liquids that provide moisture, richness, and depth of flavor to the chicken and rice mixture.

• Onion, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors of the ingredients.

• Rice: Hearty grain that absorbs the savory liquid and creates a comforting base for the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that add creamy richness and a golden, gooey texture to the final dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that provides a fresh, bright finish to the creamy chicken and rice casserole.

Directions for Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Rice

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Layer chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, creating an even foundation for the dish.

Step 2: Season Generously

Sprinkle onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken to enhance flavor profile.

Step 3: Add Creamy Liquids

Pour in cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth, creating a rich and velvety sauce.

Step 4: Incorporate Rice

Gently stir rice into the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the crockpot.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become tender.

Step 6: Melt Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Stir until cheese melts completely and integrates with the dish.

Step 7: Garnish and Finish

Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and added freshness.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Dish out hot, ensuring each serving gets a generous portion of creamy, cheesy chicken and rice.

Tips for Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Success

• Add a dash of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning to elevate the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Stir rice gently and ensure it's evenly distributed to avoid sticky or undercooked patches.
• Shred cheese fresh for smoother melting and more consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Replace regular chicken broth with low-sodium version and reduce added salt for heart-healthy meal.
• Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for more tender meat or use turkey for a different protein variation.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting crockpot cheesy chicken and rice delivers hearty warmth with minimal kitchen effort. Rich cheese and tender chicken blend seamlessly over fluffy rice, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Starches:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Liquid and Soup:

• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Arrange raw chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spread.
2. Sprinkle chopped onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken to enhance the flavor profile.
3. Gently pour cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth around the chicken, creating a rich cooking liquid.
4. Distribute uncooked rice evenly across the mixture, carefully folding ingredients to ensure uniform coverage without disturbing the chicken placement.
5. Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing chicken to become tender and rice to absorb liquid.
6. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese across the surface, gently stirring to integrate the melting cheese throughout the dish.
7. When cheese is completely melted and rice reaches a soft, fluffy consistency, verify chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and mild herbaceous notes.
9. Transfer to serving dishes immediately while hot, ensuring each portion includes chicken, rice, and melted cheese.

Notes

• Rinse rice thoroughly before adding to prevent clumping and ensure fluffy texture throughout the dish.
• Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform size for even cooking and consistent tenderness.
• Try different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles and added excitement.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream soups and homemade chicken broth, making the recipe more heart-healthy without sacrificing taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg