Crock Pot Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

Few meals capture the heart of home cooking quite like Crock Pot Chicken and Rice. Warm, creamy, filling, and incredibly easy to make, this slow cooker favorite has stood the test of time for good reason. It’s the kind of dish that welcomes you home after a long day, filling the kitchen with gentle, savory aromas and delivering a spoonful of pure comfort in every bite.

What makes crock pot chicken and rice so special isn’t just its simplicity—it’s how effortlessly it transforms humble pantry staples into something deeply satisfying. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a savory, creamy base come together slowly, allowing flavors to meld beautifully without constant attention. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something cozy and dependable, this recipe checks every box.

Unlike stovetop versions that require careful timing and frequent stirring, the slow cooker does most of the work for you. That hands-off approach makes this dish ideal for busy weekdays, chilly evenings, or anytime you want a reliable dinner without stress. It’s budget-friendly, adaptable, and universally loved—especially by kids and picky eaters.

This recipe focuses on achieving the perfect balance: rice that’s tender but not mushy, chicken that stays juicy, and a creamy texture that feels indulgent without being heavy. With a few smart tips and the right timing, you’ll get consistent, restaurant-quality results right from your crock pot.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

This recipe has become a staple in countless kitchens because it’s:

• Set-it-and-forget-it easy, perfect for busy schedules
• Comforting and filling, ideal for family dinners
• Budget-friendly, using simple pantry ingredients
• Customizable, with endless variations and add-ins
• Great for leftovers, reheating beautifully the next day

It’s also one of those rare recipes that feels nostalgic and modern at the same time—classic flavors prepared in the easiest way possible.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Long-grain white rice
• Chicken broth
• Onion, finely diced
• Garlic, minced
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream or milk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Lightly grease the inside of your crock pot with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
3. Scatter the diced onion and minced garlic over the chicken.
4. Add the uncooked rice, spreading it evenly across the crock pot.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the rice is fully submerged.
6. Dot the top with butter pieces for added richness.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
8. Once cooked, shred or cube the chicken directly in the crock pot using two forks.
9. Stir in the cream or milk until the mixture becomes creamy and cohesive.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
11. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes with the lid off to thicken slightly before serving.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

A creamy, comforting slow cooker dinner made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and simple pantry ingredients.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 390

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Grease the slow cooker lightly.
2. Add chicken to the bottom and season.
3. Top with onion, garlic, rice, and broth.
4. Dot with butter and cover.
5. Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
6. Shred chicken and stir in cream.
7. Adjust seasoning and rest before serving.

Notes

For thicker texture, let rest uncovered before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken and Rice

• Add rice later if needed: Some slow cookers run hot. If yours does, add the rice halfway through cooking.
• Use long-grain rice only: Short-grain rice can become gummy.
• Don’t overcook: Once the rice is tender, stop cooking to avoid mushiness.
• Stir gently: Over-stirring can break down the rice and chicken too much.

Delicious Variations

• Cheesy Chicken and Rice: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella at the end.
• Vegetable-Loaded: Add peas, carrots, or spinach during the last 30 minutes.
• Herb & Lemon: Finish with fresh lemon juice and herbs for brightness.
• Cream of Mushroom Style: Replace part of the broth with mushroom-based creaminess for deeper flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve crock pot chicken and rice on its own for a complete meal, or pair it with:

• A crisp green salad
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread

It’s equally perfect for casual family dinners or cozy weekend meals.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers store beautifully. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

Why This Recipe Works

Slow cooking allows the chicken to release flavor into the broth while the rice absorbs it gradually, creating a deeply savory, unified dish. The final addition of cream ensures richness without curdling or overcooking.

This is comfort food at its best—simple, dependable, and deeply satisfying.