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Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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