Crockpot Rice and Chicken Recipe: Easy Steps for Creamy Comfort

Introduction

Today we’re diving into a comforting, flavorful crockpot rice and chicken recipe that’s creamy, family‑friendly, and fuss‑free. I’ll share a bit of my story behind why this dish holds a special spot in my kitchen, walk you through exactly how to make it shine, answer your FAQs like “Can you cook raw chicken and rice together?”, and offer helpful tips along the way. Whether you’re a slow‑cooker novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this recipe approachable and satisfying. Let’s get started with the heartwarming tale behind why I love this [crockpot rice and chicken recipes] dish so much.

The Story

My kitchen memory with crockpot rice and chicken recipes

Ever since I was a kid, crockpot dinners meant coming home to warmth and wonderful smells. I remember busy weeknights as a young mom when I’d toss long‑grain rice, cream soups, shredded onion, broth, and chicken into the slow cooker before running errands. By the time we walked in, the kitchen smelled like comfort, and dinner felt like a hug. That’s how crockpot rice and chicken recipes got their place in my family – they taught me that simple ingredients can turn into something special with zero stress. That memory is why I continue to create this dish again and again.

I still rely on this recipe when I need a meal that’s creamy, flavorful, and family‑friendly. Whether the keyword “crockpot rice and chicken recipes” shows up on a search or not, it’s my go‑to for nourishing busy evenings and cozy weekends alike. Throughout this article I’ll refer to crockpot rice and chicken recipes several times so you get a feel for how easily it fits into your routine—just like it has into mine.

Why this crockpot rice and chicken recipe works

This version builds on that childhood favorite but adds a few simple tweaks: combining cream of chicken and mushroom soups for depth, layering spices like garlic powder and paprika, and optionally adding cheddar cheese at the end for gooey richness. It’s designed to take 5–6 hours on low (or 3–4 on high), and the rice cooks right alongside the chicken—no precooking required. With just one pot to wash, it’s perfect for busy families.

By weaving in this story and repeating the focus phrase naturally, you get a sense of both the personal connection and practical appeal of crockpot rice and chicken recipes. I’ll link to other helpful posts like the basics of slow‑cooker soups and family dinners at packrecipes.com so you can explore more inspiration as you cook along.

Crockpot Rice and Chicken Recipe

This creamy and flavorful crockpot rice and chicken recipe is perfect for busy families. With tender chicken, uncooked rice, and savory soups cooked together in one pot, it delivers comfort food with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Servings: 4 People

Course: DINNER

Cuisine: American comfort food

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked
• 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
• 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
• 1 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
• Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Equipment

• Crockpot (slow cooker)
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Forks for shredding (optional)
• Spoon for stirring
• Nutrition (per serving, approx.):
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Sodium: Moderate (from soups and broth)
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Method

 

1. Grease the Crockpot and place the chicken breasts in the bottom. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
2. Pour the uncooked rice evenly over the chicken.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom (or celery) soup, chicken broth, and chopped onion. Stir well, then pour this mixture over the rice and chicken.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the rice is tender.
5. About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let it melt.
6. Before serving, shred the chicken with two forks or serve whole. Stir gently to combine everything.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Using boneless skinless thighs instead of breasts will add more flavor and tenderness.

Adjust salt according to your taste and the sodium content of your soups and broth.

For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

Why This Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe Stands Out

Safe, Simple, and Truly Hands-Off

Can you cook raw rice with raw chicken in the Crockpot? Absolutely. Trusted recipes across the web confirm that combining uncooked long-grain rice, broth, and chicken in the slow cooker results in tender rice and juicy, flavorful meat. No need to precook anything — just layer and go. It’s a classic “dump-and-start” method that works wonders. For best results, cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours to allow the rice to absorb all that savory liquid as the chicken cooks to perfection.

Creamy Comfort in Every Bite

What truly makes this Crockpot chicken and rice shine is its rich, creamy base. A blend of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom (or celery) soup delivers depth, while cheddar cheese stirred in at the end adds that melty, crowd-pleasing finish. Popular recipe blogs like The Cookie Rookie®, Well Plated by Erin, and Eating on a Dime all praise similar combos for their cozy, satisfying flavors.

Want to lighten it up? Well Plated recommends swapping in Greek yogurt or grated Parmesan for a tangy, creamy twist without the extra richness.

In your version, the chicken is seasoned and placed under a mixture of uncooked rice, chopped onion, broth, and soup. As it slow-cooks, the flavors marry and the rice soaks up every bit of savory goodness. A generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese near the end delivers that perfect cheesy pull everyone craves.

Tips, Timing, and Flavor Boosters

Can you cook raw chicken and rice together at the same time?

Absolutely! One of the reasons crockpot chicken and rice dishes are so popular is that both ingredients cook beautifully together in a single pot. As the raw chicken cooks, it releases savory juices that enhance the flavor of the rice. Meanwhile, broth and creamy soups help keep the dish moist and rich. When slow-cooked on low for 5–6 hours, the rice becomes tender and fluffy—not mushy—while the chicken cooks through to a safe 165°F without drying out.

If you’re ever in doubt, a quick check with a meat thermometer takes the guesswork out. Many home cooks wonder if they need to sear chicken first, but the beauty of this recipe is that everything goes in raw and comes out delicious. That’s a huge win for anyone short on time. Over on packrecipes.com, check out our no-prep slow cooker meals and one-pot chicken dinners for more time-saving comfort foods like this one.

Flavor tips to elevate this CrockPot favorite

While the basic recipe is rich and comforting, a few small additions can take your dish to the next level. If you’re looking for a brighter, herbier taste, try replacing cream of mushroom with cream of celery. Add frozen peas or a handful of chopped spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking for color and nutrition.

A sprinkle of smoked paprika gives it a slightly deeper, earthy taste, and stirring in sharp white cheddar can introduce a tangier profile. On chilly nights, I’ve even added a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Looking to go even bolder? I highly recommend exploring our spicy dinner ideas or family-friendly casseroles for more ways to tailor crockpot rice and chicken recipes to your style.

Serving, Storing, and Making It Your Own

Is it safe to prepare raw chicken using a slow cooker?

Yes, it’s completely safe to put raw chicken into a CrockPot. As long as the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it’s perfectly fine to start from raw. According to USDA guidelines, slow cookers heat gradually and cook food evenly, so there’s no need to pre-cook the chicken. This method saves you time and effort — one of the biggest advantages of crockpot rice and chicken recipes.

I always recommend checking doneness with a meat thermometer, especially when cooking with thick chicken breasts. If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs are also an excellent swap — they stay juicy and flavorful during the long, slow cook. On our site, check out easy slow cooker chicken meals and chicken thigh recipes for variations using different cuts and seasonings.

How to serve, store, and reheat leftovers

Once your CrockPot dish is ready, you can either shred the chicken into the rice or serve the pieces whole—whichever your guests prefer. A dash of freshly chopped parsley brings vibrant color and a refreshing taste. Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water before microwaving to loosen up the rice and maintain creaminess. This dish also freezes nicely — portion it out and freeze for up to 2 months.

If you’re into batch cooking, this recipe is a winner. Don’t forget to browse our meal prep slow cooker recipes and comfort food classics for more make-ahead ideas that save you time while feeding your family well.

for more recipes, follow me on my Facebook page

you can see more recipes :

Overnight Oats with Banana and Chia Seeds

Smoothie King Strawberry Yogurt Delight

Easy One-Pan Chicken

Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Conclusion

This crockpot rice and chicken recipe combines convenience, comfort, and creamy deliciousness all in one pot. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or prepping ahead, the simple layering of uncooked rice, raw chicken, savory soups, and seasoning delivers tender, flavorful results every time. With easy variations and leftovers that reheat beautifully, it’s a weeknight winner that fits right into your meal rotation.

Try this recipe to enjoy a fuss-free, home-cooked classic that’s both creamy and family-friendly. Discover a variety of comforting slow cooker recipes and simple chicken dishes at packrecipes.com to keep your meal ideas flowing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Rice and Chicken