Description
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked rice. Prepared in a slow cooker, this dish is a hassle-free option for busy days, delivering rich flavors and a hearty texture. With optional vegetables like peas and carrots, it’s a balanced and satisfying dinner perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Rice and Broth Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Vegetables (Optional)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray or oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer the Chicken: Place the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and well blended.
- Add Rice and Vegetables: Stir the uncooked long grain white rice and optional vegetables—frozen peas and diced carrots—into the mixture. Pour this entire mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the rice is fully submerged to cook evenly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked through, the rice tender, and the liquid absorbed.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker to combine with the rice and sauce.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the dish, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier dish; breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
- Do not open the slow cooker during cooking as it may increase cooking time.
- For a lower fat option, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Frozen peas and carrots are optional but add color and extra nutrition.
- If the casserole appears too thick at the end, add a splash of chicken broth and stir.
- Make sure the rice is fully submerged in liquid to avoid undercooked rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken recipe, cheesy chicken and rice, easy slow cooker meals, comfort food, one-pot dinner
