Name: Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486976H19M28S
Total time: PT-486976H19M28S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless); 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked; 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup milk

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This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting, creamy dish that's perfect for a busy weeknight. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The combination of tender chicken, rich cheese, and fluffy rice makes it a family favorite that’s both filling and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice because it's super easy to prepare and requires just a few simple ingredients. The best part is that it practically cooks itself while I'm going about my day. The slow cooker works its magic, blending the flavors of chicken, cheese, and rice into a creamy, satisfying dish. It’s the kind of comfort food that I can count on to please everyone at the dinner table.

Ingredients

2 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless)
1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup milk

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, mix together the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until combined.
Pour the rice mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Shred the chicken using two forks, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.
Cover again and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to fully melt into the dish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 6 people. It takes around 10 minutes of prep time, and the cooking time is 4 to 6 hours on low in the slow cooker.

Variations

Add vegetables: I sometimes throw in some frozen peas or corn for added color and nutrition. You can also add diced carrots or bell peppers for a crunchy texture.
Use a different cheese: While I love sharp cheddar, you can try other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses to mix things up.
Spicy twist: If I want to add some heat, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the mixture.

Storage/Reheating

This dish stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I usually place it in the microwave for a couple of minutes or heat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy. If storing for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months, though the rice may slightly alter in texture after freezing and reheating.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook. I recommend cooking it for 6 to 8 hours on low in the slow cooker.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts, and the slow cooker will still cook them thoroughly. Just ensure you cook it for the full 6 hours on low to ensure the chicken is cooked all the way through.

Is there a way to make this dish creamier?

For a creamier texture, I sometimes add an extra half cup of milk or a little bit of sour cream toward the end of cooking. This makes the dish even richer and smoother.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks in place of chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since bone-in cuts may take a little longer to cook through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! This dish is great for meal prepping. I often make it a day ahead, and it reheats beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice is one of those recipes that I always turn to when I want something easy, comforting, and full of flavor. The slow cooker does all the hard work for me, leaving me with a delicious, creamy meal that my family loves. It’s perfect for busy days, meal prepping, or even just when I need a dish to make everyone feel at home.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, mix together the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until combined.
Pour the rice mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Shred the chicken using two forks, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.
Cover again and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to fully melt into the dish.