Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice
This creamy crockpot chicken and rice is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for cozy gatherings. Tender chicken, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked rice make this easy one-pot meal a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium if preferred)
- 8 oz cream cheese (cubed and softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced, about 1/2 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning blend)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional, stirred in at the end)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional, for garnish)
- Extra shredded cheese (for sprinkling, optional)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a large slow cooker with cooking spray or butter.
- Place chicken breasts (whole) at the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle diced onion and minced garlic over chicken.
- In a mixing bowl, combine condensed soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Whisk until mostly smooth.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and onions. Sprinkle uncooked rice evenly over the sauce. Press rice gently into liquid but do not stir too much.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours, or High for 2.5-3 hours. Check halfway through; if rice looks dry, add another 1/2 cup broth.
- After 4 hours, check chicken doneness (should be fork-tender and reach 165°F). Shred chicken directly in the crockpot with two forks and stir everything together.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and frozen peas (if using). Replace lid and let sit for 10-15 minutes on ‘Keep Warm’.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add salt, pepper, or more broth if too thick. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of milk or more cream cheese.
- Scoop into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Use long-grain white rice for best texture. For gluten-free, use gluten-free condensed soup. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and cheddar with plant-based alternatives. Add extra veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or corn for variety. Leftovers thicken in the fridge; add broth or milk when reheating. Double the recipe for large gatherings, but monitor liquid levels.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups per
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: crockpot chicken and rice, creamy chicken rice, slow cooker dinner, comfort food, easy family meal, one-pot recipe, crowd-pleaser, cozy dinner