Prepare to elevate your comfort food game with this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe from Chef Crenn. Combining tender chicken, creamy rice, and a luscious cheese sauce, this dish is a cozy, satisfying masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Get ready to transform classic flavors into a visually stunning, feel-good creation that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice
Indulge in the ultimate in comfort food bliss with this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection, the chicken becomes deliciously tender and infuses the rice with its savory flavors. The creamy, decadent cheese sauce adds a touch of elegance, elevating this dish to new heights of coziness and satisfaction. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple lineup of ingredients that come together to create a truly gourmet experience. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, long-grain rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and a few pantry staples like garlic, chicken broth, and seasonings.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Lean protein that becomes deliciously tender in the slow cooker.
- 1 cup long-grain rice – The perfect base for the creamy, cheesy sauce.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup – Adds a rich, comforting creaminess.
- 1 cup sour cream – Enhances the luxurious texture of the dish.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into a dreamy, indulgent sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs — a richer, more flavorful swap.
- Cheese: Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe is easy to prepare and lets the slow cooker do all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting, crave-worthy dish.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. In a separate bowl, combine the rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken, making sure to evenly distribute it.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Cover the slow cooker and cook the Cheesy Chicken and Rice on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the dish is beautifully creamy.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors that will warm your soul.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Cheese Varieties: Customize this recipe by experimenting with different cheese varieties, such as Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
- Veggie Add-Ins: For extra nutrition and flavor, you can add diced vegetables like broccoli, peas, or bell peppers to the dish.
- Crispy Topping: Sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice before serving for a satisfying crunch.
- Gluten-Free Variation: Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own cream sauce using gluten-free ingredients to make this recipe gluten-free.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Make-Ahead: This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice is a great option for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week.
Nutrition Information
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice dish is a deliciously indulgent comfort food that’s also packed with nutrition. Each serving provides a balance of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and creamy, satisfying flavors to keep you feeling full and energized.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 482 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbs: 44 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 872 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own cream sauce using gluten-free ingredients.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe. Simply add the shredded or diced chicken to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed.
How can I make this recipe lower in fat or calories?
To lighten up this recipe, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat versions of the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. You can also opt for a lighter cheese, such as part-skim mozzarella or low-fat cheddar.
Can I freeze this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice?
Absolutely! This dish freezes beautifully. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
What can I serve with this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice?
This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a crusty loaf of bread. It’s also delicious on its own, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
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Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Rice is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
Ingredients
2 cups uncooked rice
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Place the uncooked rice in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. 2. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the rice.
3. 3. In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. 4. Pour the mixture over the chicken and rice.
5. 5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
6. 6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and carrots.
7. 7. Once cooked, shred the chicken and mix everything together.
8. 8. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
9. 9. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, add some herbs like thyme or parsley. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey or add more vegetables as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Slow Cooker & Instant Pot
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg