Crockpot Chicken and Rice: Cozy, Easy Dinner Idea

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty meal that practically makes itself, right? This Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe is exactly that—a cozy, creamy dish that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your belly with pure satisfaction. It’s an effortless dinner winner you’ll want on repeat.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy, cheesy rice dish inside a black pot. The dish has two main layers: a base of white rice mixed with small pieces of light-colored meat, and a top layer of melted orange cheese spread evenly, with some green herb bits sprinkled on top for color. A wooden spoon is scooping out a portion of the dish, showing the soft, mixed texture of rice and cheese inside the pot. The overall look is warm and rich, with vibrant orange and white colors standing out against the dark pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe—after a busy day, it was such a treat to come home to that creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s exactly the kind of hands-off cooking that feels generous without being complicated.

Set It and Forget It: This recipe lets your crockpot do the heavy lifting so you can focus on other things.
Comforting Flavors: Creamy soups and cheese bring rich, satisfying tastes that the whole family adores.
Simple Ingredients: Most of these pantry staples probably already live in your kitchen—so no extra shopping stress.
Customizable: It’s easy to swap ingredients or add your favorite veggies to make it your own special dinner.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is like a magic potion of cozy flavors that blend seamlessly. The cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups give the right creamy texture while keeping things quick and easy. Plus, the chicken thighs stay tender and juicy throughout the slow cooking process, soaking up all those spices perfectly.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken thighs with smooth pale pink flesh, a small mound of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small pile of ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick creamy pale yellow chicken soup, another small white ceramic bowl with thick creamy beige mushroom soup, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, a small heap of fine pale beige onion powder, a small heap of off-white garlic powder, a small mound of uncooked long-grain white rice, and a small pile of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs over breasts here for juiciness and flavor—plus they hold up well during slow cooking.
Kosher salt: Using kosher salt helps season everything evenly without overpowering.
Ground black pepper: Balances the creaminess with a little subtle heat and depth.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: This is the creamy base that keeps the dish luscious without extra effort.
Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds a slight earthiness that complements the chicken and rice beautifully.
Low sodium chicken broth: A little extra moisture and flavor enhancer that keeps the rice cooking perfectly.
Onion powder: Brings savory warmth without chopping—love this shortcut.
Garlic powder: Adds a gentle kick of garlicky goodness.
Long-grain rice: Absorbs all the flavors while staying fluffy; don’t swap for quick-cook rice here.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts on top for that irresistible cheesy finish everyone looks forward to.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve tried swapping out the cheddar for mozzarella or mixing in some chopped spinach or mushrooms right before the cheese goes on. Feel free to play around and make it fit your taste perfectly.

Variation: Personally, I love adding a handful of frozen peas about 30 minutes before it’s done cooking for a pop of color and sweetness.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of cheddar for those sensitive to dairy.
Extra Veggies: Toss in diced carrots or bell peppers at the start to sneak in some veggies without extra work.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe

A black plate holds a layered dish with two main layers; the bottom layer is light beige mashed potatoes mixed with small green herb pieces for texture, topped with an orange melted cheese layer that looks creamy and slightly stringy, covering shredded light brown chicken mixed into the potatoes. The dish has spots of green herbs sprinkled on top adding color contrast. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate, partially under the food. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Season

Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the crockpot. I always use thighs because they stay juicy and tender, but breasts would work too if that’s your preference. Sprinkle with half of your kosher salt and black pepper to ensure every bite is seasoned. Don’t skip this step—it really builds the flavor foundation.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Rice Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, remaining salt, pepper, and the long-grain rice. This mix brings together all the creamy goodness that cooks right into the rice.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Pour your soup and rice mixture right over the chicken in the crockpot, spreading it evenly. Cover it up, set your crockpot to high, and let it work its magic for 3 to 4 hours. Peek only if you have to—every crockpot is a little different, so checking toward the end doesn’t hurt.

Step 4: Shred and Finish with Cheese

When the time’s up, turn off the crockpot and carefully remove the chicken to shred it with two forks. Stir the shredded chicken back into the rice, adding a splash of chicken broth if it feels too thick. Season to taste with a bit more salt and pepper. Finally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover it again, and let it melt for 5 to 10 minutes—then it’s ready to serve!

Top Tip

I’ve made this Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe countless times, and a few simple tweaks have really saved me from common pitfalls. Here are my top tips to help you get it right the first time.

Rice Patience: If the rice isn’t quite done at the 4-hour mark, keep cooking on low and check every 15 minutes—it varies by crockpot.
Adding Moisture: If it looks dry midway through, stir in a little extra chicken broth to keep things creamy.
Shredding Chicken Early: Shredding the chicken after cooking, rather than before, helps keep it moist and tender.
Cheese Melting: Cover after sprinkling cheese to trap heat and achieve that perfect melt without drying out the dish.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Crockpot Chicken and Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with some fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the creaminess beautifully. Sometimes I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to give it a little kick that wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

Since the Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe is already so filling, I like to pair it with simple, light sides like a crisp green salad or roasted green beans with a squeeze of lemon. Steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms work great too for some extra veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a handful of toasted almonds for crunch. It makes a humble meal feel a little more festive without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays delicious for up to 4 days. Just be sure to cool it quickly to keep everything nice and fresh.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this dish because the cream-based soups can sometimes separate and get grainy when thawed. If you want to try, freeze before adding the cheese and add it fresh when reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to bring back creaminess and avoid drying it out. Stir often until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

Yes! You can swap chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy during slow cooking, which enhances the overall texture of the dish.

How do I know when the rice is perfectly cooked in the crockpot?

Rice cooking times can vary depending on your crockpot. After 3-4 hours on high, check the rice for tenderness. If it’s still a little firm, continue cooking on low, checking every 15 minutes and adding broth if needed so it doesn’t dry out.

Can I add vegetables to this Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe?

Absolutely! You can stir in chopped veggies like peas, carrots, or mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them crisp-tender. Adding them earlier might result in softer veggies.

What’s the best way to prevent the dish from drying out?

Keeping an eye on the moisture level is key—if the rice looks dry or isn’t cooking through, add additional chicken broth a little at a time. Also, avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking to keep the steam trapped inside.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe is one of those treasures that feels both cozy and effortless—perfect for busy days or whenever you need a little comforting boost. I love how it fills the house with inviting aromas and provides a creamy, satisfying meal with minimal effort. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a go-to recipe in your kitchen too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way