There’s nothing quite like coming home after a long day and being greeted by the aroma of a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dinner bubbling away in your slow cooker. That’s exactly what you get with Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice—an irresistibly creamy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. I remember the first time my family tried this recipe; we practically raced to the table and there were no leftovers in sight! Not only is this a set-it-and-forget-it meal, but it also combines simple pantry staples in a way that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. If you love my classic Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken, this recipe will quickly become your next go-to. Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark this cheesy, cozy classic for busy weeknights and family gatherings! Let’s get started on a dish that promises comfort, convenience, and pure cheesy delight.
What is SLOW COOKER CHEESY CHICKEN AND RICE ?
With a name like Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice, you might be wondering if this dish can possibly live up to its title. Spoiler alert: it does—and then some! Why call it anything else when it’s exactly as straightforward and delicious as it sounds? This recipe is simply chicken, rice, cheese, and a handful of comfort-food magic cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. I still believe the way to a man’s (or anyone’s) heart is through their stomach, especially when it leads them straight to a big bowl of this cheesy comfort. Ready to make dinner time the best part of your day? Give this recipe a try and watch it become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This
There are so many reasons why this Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe deserves a regular spot in your weekly meal plan. First, it’s a one-pot wonder—meaning minimal cleanup and zero fuss. The main highlight is that irresistible creamy, oozy blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese swirled throughout juicy chicken and tender rice. Making it at home means you get all the flavors of your favorite takeout dish, but at a fraction of the cost. Plus, the humble cream of chicken soup and the perfect balance of seasonings give it a homemade warmth you just can’t get in a restaurant. Toss in your favorite toppings or sneak in a handful of spinach or broccoli for extra color and nutrition—the possibilities are endless! If you loved my One-Pot Chicken Alfredo, you’ll absolutely savor the comfort and convenience here too. Give it a go tonight, and enjoy a meal everyone will rave about!
How to Make
Quick Overview
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe couldn’t be easier or tastier. Perfect for busy families, this dish requires only 10 minutes of prep before you let the slow cooker work its magic. What makes this standout is the ultra-creamy sauce, layers of gooey cheese, and the way the rice soaks up every bit of flavor. Set the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a complete meal with minimal effort. Dinner has never been so hands-off and satisfying!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup uncooked white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step
- Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pour the uncooked white rice evenly over and around the chicken.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup until well combined. Pour this mixture over the chicken and rice in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid too often—let the steam do its job!
- About 15 minutes before serving, remove the lid and shred the chicken lightly with two forks, then stir everything together gently.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top. Cover again and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted.
- Stir to combine the gooey, cheesy goodness throughout the dish before serving. Enjoy!
What to Serve With
This creamy and cheesy main dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness. For extra veggies, steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or sautéed zucchini make perfect sides. If you want a little crunch, try garlic bread or classic dinner rolls to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce. For drinks, a light sparkling lemonade or an iced tea makes a refreshing match. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday lunch, these pairings will round out your meal perfectly.
Top Tips for Perfecting
For irresistibly tender chicken, be sure to use boneless, skinless breasts—thighs work too if you like it a touch juicier! Short on time? Pre-cooked shredded chicken can be stirred in during the last hour. If you only have brown rice, increase the liquid slightly and plan for a slightly longer cooking time. Rotisserie chicken and leftover rice? No problem—just reduce liquid by half and warm everything through on low. Don’t overcook; rice can turn too soft if left too long, so keep an eye on the timing. Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist or add veggies like bell peppers or peas for more color and flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers should be cooled quickly and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To reheat from the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep things creamy and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. From frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat as above. For best results, avoid overheating which can make the rice mushy. This dish is perfect for meal prep—just portion it out and enjoy cozy comfort all week!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the liquid and possibly the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Chopped broccoli, peas, or bell peppers are delicious additions. Add them during the last hour to prevent overcooking.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile, or make a homemade version if you prefer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Check your soup and broth labels—many brands offer gluten-free options. The remaining ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just set it to cook!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, family-friendly meal packed with flavor and comfort, Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice fits the bill perfectly. With its simple ingredients and hands-off preparation, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again. The blend of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice is exactly what cozy weeknight dinners are made of. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe guarantees smiles all around. Give it a try and see just how easy (and mouthwatering) homemade comfort food can be!
Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Uncooked white rice
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 can Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pour the uncooked white rice evenly over and around the chicken.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup until well combined. Pour this mixture over the chicken and rice in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid too often—let the steam do its job!
- About 15 minutes before serving, remove the lid and shred the chicken lightly with two forks, then stir everything together gently.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top. Cover again and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted.
- Stir to combine the gooey, cheesy goodness throughout the dish before serving. Enjoy!
1 comment
I really had high hopes for this recipe. It looked promising.
It was not.
First and foremost do not trust a recipe that only uses salt and pepper as its seasoning. The first red flag.
It looked unappetizing going on. I added extra seasoning like Italian and thyme and onion powder, garlic powder, etc. It didnt help.
When I finally going to the part to add the cheese, the recipe looked massively unappetitizing. I was like trust the process so I added the cheese and it became this gluey slop that just tasted… bad. It tasted bad. I had to throw the whole dish out. I even took some pictures and sent them to my friends and all of them were like girl abandon ship there is no saving this. I couldn’t even salvage the chicken I used because it all fell apart… which is normally a good thing.
Don’t make this dish. Just. Use a cheesy rice-a-roni box and toss some chicken in that. Itll save you time and money. Probably taste better too