There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice filling your kitchen. This dish combines tender, shredded chicken with perfectly cooked rice, all enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s sure to become a family favorite.
I discovered this recipe on a busy weekday when I needed something easy yet satisfying. The slow cooker did all the heavy lifting, and the result was so good that my family now requests it on repeat. If you’re looking for a dish that’s as simple to prepare as it is delicious, you’re in the right place.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice
Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate one-pot comfort food. This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is more than just a meal—it’s a lifesaver for busy days.
First, it’s ridiculously easy to make. Toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and hours later, you’ll have a perfectly cooked meal without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re juggling work, errands, or a full house, this recipe fits seamlessly into your day.
Another reason to love this dish? It’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the flavors with your favorite seasonings, swap out vegetables, or even use different proteins. No matter how you adapt it, the results are always comforting and satisfying.
Lastly, it’s a budget-friendly option. Using simple ingredients like chicken thighs, rice, and pantry staples means you can feed your whole family without stretching your wallet. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!
So, grab your slow cooker and get ready to create a dish that will earn you rave reviews. Let’s dive into the ingredients next!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen to enhance the dish’s comforting, hearty flavors.
- Chicken Thighs: These are my go-to for this recipe. They’re flavorful, stay juicy during cooking, and shred beautifully. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, but thighs add an extra layer of richness.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works best here, as it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the dish without becoming mushy. If you’d like a heartier texture, try brown rice, but remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Chicken Broth: This forms the base of the sauce, infusing the dish with savory depth. Opt for a low-sodium variety so you can control the saltiness of the final dish.
- Vegetables: A mix of diced carrots, celery, and onions adds both flavor and nutrition. You can also toss in peas or mushrooms for extra variety.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This classic ingredient brings creaminess and ties the flavors together. If you prefer to skip canned soup, a homemade béchamel sauce works as a great substitute.
No special equipment is needed—just your trusty slow cooker and a large spoon for serving. Let’s move on to the fun part: making this delicious meal!
How To Make This Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice

Creating this hearty Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is easier than you might think. Here’s how to make it step by step.
Start by prepping your chicken. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Place them in the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they’re spread out evenly.
Next, add the vegetables. Scatter the diced carrots, celery, and onions over the chicken. This not only enhances the flavor of the dish but also ensures the veggies cook to tender perfection.
Pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the top. Stir gently to combine the liquids, coating the chicken and vegetables. This mixture will transform into a rich, flavorful sauce as it cooks.
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreddable. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the rice. This allows the grains to cook gently in the flavorful liquid without becoming mushy.
Once the rice is tender, fluff it with a fork and shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Mix everything together, ensuring the chicken, rice, and sauce are evenly distributed. Serve warm and enjoy!
This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy days. The slow cooker does the rest, delivering a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Storage Options
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.
- Freeze: For longer storage, portion the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore the creamy consistency.
With these storage tips, you’ll never have to worry about wasting a single bite of this delicious dish.
Variations and Substitutions
The versatility of Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice makes it easy to adapt to your preferences or dietary needs.
- Swap the protein: Use turkey, pork, or even tofu as a substitute for chicken. Each variation brings its own unique flavor to the dish.
- Add more vegetables: Stir in spinach, peas, or bell peppers toward the end of cooking for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
- Change up the rice: Try wild rice or quinoa for a different texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk and a homemade cream of chicken substitute to make the dish creamy without dairy.
- Boost the flavor: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving for a finishing touch.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe. It’s forgiving and open to experimentation, making it a great canvas for your culinary ideas.
With its comforting flavors and endless possibilities, Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
PrintSlow Cooker Chicken And Rice Recipe
This slow cooker chicken and rice recipe is a comforting and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a blend of flavorful seasonings, it's an easy and healthy dinner the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
- Add the diced onions and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- Rinse the rice and spread it evenly around the chicken.
- Pour in chicken broth, ensuring rice is submerged.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until chicken is fully cooked and rice is tender.
- In the last 30 minutes, stir in the frozen peas and carrots.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs.
- You can substitute brown rice, but cooking time will need to be adjusted.
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about ¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
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