The Ultimate Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe for Comfort

Crafting a delightful crockpot cheesy chicken and rice dish promises comfort and simplicity in one pot.

Slow cooking transforms ordinary ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.

Tender chicken melts into perfectly cooked rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Minimal prep work means you can walk away and let magic happen in the kitchen.

Cheese adds a luxurious richness that turns this humble recipe into something special.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this meal comes together with just a few ingredients.

Warm, cheesy goodness awaits you – so grab that crockpot and start cooking!

Why Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice Is So Convenient

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This crockpot recipe transforms boring chicken into a comforting, cheesy meal with minimal prep work, making dinner stress-free for busy families.
• Minimal Ingredient Complexity: Using just a few pantry staples like chicken, rice, soup, and cheese, this recipe requires zero fancy cooking skills, perfect for beginner cooks.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy texture and mild flavors make this dish a guaranteed winner for picky eaters, ensuring everyone at the table will clean their plates.
• One-Pot Wonder: Cooking everything in a single crockpot means less cleanup, fewer dishes, and more time enjoying your delicious meal instead of scrubbing pots and pans.

Ingredients That Make This Crockpot Meal a Hit

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that provides the primary protein for this comforting dish.

• White Rice: Soft, fluffy grain that absorbs the flavors and creates a hearty base for the recipe.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and adds depth to the overall taste.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy sauce that adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and rice.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic warmth to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that provides a delicious, creamy finish to the crockpot meal.

How to Set Up and Cook Cheesy Chicken and Rice in a Crockpot

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Nestle chicken breasts gently into the crockpot, ensuring they’re spread evenly across the bottom of the cooking vessel.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Liquid Foundation

• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set to low temperature.

Allow the mixture to simmer and cook for 4-6 hours, letting the chicken become tender and rice absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Transform Chicken Texture

Once cooking time is complete, carefully remove chicken breasts and use two forks to shred the meat into soft, delectable pieces.

Return shredded chicken back into the crockpot.

Step 5: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese over the chicken and rice mixture.

Stir gently until cheese completely melts and creates a creamy, luxurious coating.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Scoop the cheesy chicken and rice into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a perfect blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melted cheese.

Enjoy immediately while warm.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Texture and Flavor

• Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Opt for long-grain white rice to prevent mushy texture and maintain perfect consistency.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile.
• Add frozen mixed vegetables during last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier meal option.

Flavor Variations to Try for a Twist

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce using cornstarch, milk, and chicken broth.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chilies, pepper jack cheese, and taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Serving Suggestions for Comfort Food Lovers

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty chicken and rice dish as the main attraction at your family dinner table, paired with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
• Game Night Comfort Meal: Transform this recipe into a perfect post-game or movie night feast, offering warm, cheesy goodness that satisfies hungry crowds after sports or entertainment.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the chicken and rice into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the workweek, ensuring a delicious and filling midday meal that reheats beautifully.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, where its creamy texture and comforting flavors will make you the star of the potluck with minimal effort.

Storage Advice for Crockpot Leftovers

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the cheesy chicken and rice in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it sealed tightly to preserve flavor and texture.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for longer storage, lasting up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through.

• What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is recommended. Brown rice can work but may require adjusting liquid and cooking time.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, and part-skim cheddar cheese to cut down on calories and sodium.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and verify your chicken broth is gluten-free to make the entire dish gluten-free.

Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy crockpot cheesy chicken and rice elevates comfort food to new heights with minimal effort. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal that delivers rich flavor and wholesome goodness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (454 grams)

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (200 grams)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces / 298 grams)

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 2 cups chicken broth (473 milliliters)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (113 grams)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Nestle whole chicken breasts into the crockpot base, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
2. Pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the chicken, creating a liquid foundation for cooking.
3. Sprinkle selected seasonings across the surface, allowing them to infuse flavor throughout the dish.
4. Spread uncooked rice evenly around and between the chicken pieces to absorb the savory liquid.
5. Cover and set crockpot to low temperature, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for 4-5 hours until chicken reaches tender consistency.
6. Carefully remove chicken breasts and use two forks to shred meat into bite-sized pieces.
7. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy texture.
8. Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
9. Scoop into serving bowls, ensuring each portion has a balanced mix of rice, chicken, and cheesy sauce.
10. Garnish with optional fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Prevent rice from becoming mushy by using long-grain white rice, which holds its texture better during slow cooking.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce or cornstarch-thickened broth.
• Boost nutritional value by adding frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
• Elevate flavor profile by using rotisserie chicken seasoning or adding a splash of white wine to the broth for deeper, more complex taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (or 5 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg