Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe with Simple Ingredients

This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate easy comfort food. With minimal prep, you get tender chicken, creamy rice, and rich flavor all in one pot. Just add the ingredients, let the slow cooker do the work, and come back to a warm, filling meal the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

It’s quick to prep, budget-friendly, and endlessly comforting. The flavors are cozy, the texture is creamy, and it’s easy to customize with veggies or spices. Best of all, it’s kid-approved and reheats beautifully—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

What You’ll Need

To make Crock Pot Chicken and Rice, you’ll need simple, everyday ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for creaminess)

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

1. Prep: Spray your Crock Pot with cooking spray.
2. Layer: Add onion, garlic, carrots, rice, and seasonings to the bottom.
3. Add chicken: Place chicken on top, then pour in the broth.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
5. Shred & Mix: Shred the chicken directly in the pot and stir everything together. Add peas and cheese, then let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

You Must Know

Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is simple, but a few things matter:

• Rice choice: Long-grain white rice works best; brown rice takes longer and can alter texture.
• Liquid ratio: Stick to about 4 cups of broth for 1 ½ cups of rice to keep it creamy, not mushy.
• Chicken cut: Breasts stay lean, thighs stay juicier—both work well.
• Timing: Don’t overcook; rice can get too soft if left too long.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

For the best results:

• Stir gently once halfway if possible, to prevent clumping.
• Add veggies like peas at the end to keep color and texture fresh.
• Let the dish rest covered for 5–10 minutes after cooking—this helps flavors blend and rice thicken.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; slow cooking can mellow flavors.

Add Your Touch Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

This recipe is easy to customize:

• Add veggies like spinach, broccoli, or corn for extra nutrition.
• Stir in cream, sour cream, or Greek yogurt at the end for extra creaminess.
• Sprinkle cheese or fresh herbs before serving for flavor and color.
• Spice it up with chili flakes, Cajun seasoning, or taco seasoning for a new twist.

Storing & Reheating

Explore more budget-friendly meal ideas.

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep rice soft and creamy.

Chef’s Helpful Tips FOR Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Add variety with these quick side dishes.

• Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level.
• If the rice finishes before the chicken, remove chicken, shred it, then stir back in.
• Don’t lift the lid too often—heat loss slows cooking.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brightens the flavor.
• Double the batch if you have a large Crock Pot; it reheats very well.

FAQ FOR Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it takes longer and needs extra liquid—expect a chewier texture.

Find more one-pot meals you’ll love.

Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw first for even cooking, but if using frozen, increase cook time.

What veggies work best?
Carrots, peas, broccoli, spinach, or corn. Add tender veggies near the end.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the cheese or cream and stick to broth and seasonings.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you get a creamy, hearty dish that the whole family will love. It’s flexible enough to customize, easy to store and reheat, and budget-friendly—making it a true weeknight hero.

Whether you serve it plain and classic or dress it up with veggies and herbs, this dish delivers the perfect balance of flavor, warmth, and convenience. Add it to your dinner rotation and let your Crock Pot do the work while you enjoy more time at the table with those you love.