Oh, the joy of a truly comforting meal! There’s something wonderfully satisfying about a warm bowl of creamy crockpot chicken and rice after a busy day. It’s a dish that feels like a hug from the inside out, with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious, savory sauce that brings everyone to the table.
I remember my grandmother making simple, hearty meals that filled our kitchen with the most wonderful aromas. Those afternoons taught me that the best food doesn’t need to be complicated, just made with a sprinkle of love. Each spoonful brings back cherished memories.
This creamy crockpot chicken and rice recipe is not only incredibly easy for weeknight dinners but also a fantastic way to nourish your family. My top tip for any slow-cooked meal is to trust the process – good things truly come to those who wait!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
For this comforting meal, gather tender chicken, creamy condensed soup, and long-grain rice. Fresh yellow onion and garlic build a delicious base. This easy crockpot chicken and rice gets its richness from these simple ingredients. All measurements are in the recipe card below!
How to Make crockpot chicken and rice
Making this creamy crockpot chicken and rice is a breeze! You’ll start by preparing the chicken base with the rich, creamy ingredients and seasonings, allowing it to slow cook until wonderfully tender. Then, you simply add the rice and frozen peas, letting the flavors meld together for a final short cook, culminating in a truly satisfying meal.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, poultry seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Place the cubed chicken into the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once the chicken is tender, carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
- Stir the rinsed long-grain white rice and the remaining 1.5 cups of chicken broth into the sauce in the slow cooker. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and gently stir to combine.
- Cover and continue to cook on HIGH for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir gently halfway through cooking the rice to prevent sticking, if possible.
- If using, stir in the frozen peas during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking until heated through.
- Turn off the slow cooker and let the chicken and rice stand for 5-10 minutes, uncovered, to allow any remaining liquid to be absorbed and the rice to fluff up. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This crockpot chicken and rice
Getting that perfect, creamy texture in your crockpot chicken and rice is all about how you manage your liquids. I’ve learned that not all chicken broths are created equal, so trusting your instincts and the visual cues of your sauce is key. Don’t be afraid to adjust slightly as it cooks down.
My Secret Trick: I always make sure to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this dish. They cook down so beautifully and absorb all those lovely flavors, remaining incredibly tender without any fuss. Plus, it makes shredding them at the end a dream!
For the most flavorful crockpot chicken and rice, don’t skimp on the seasonings. Paprika, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper truly elevate the dish. I sometimes like to add a pinch of dried thyme alongside the poultry seasoning for an extra layer of warmth.
When it comes to the rice, resist the urge to peek and stir too often after you’ve added it. Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes, extending the cooking time and potentially affecting the final texture. My top tip is to let it do its magic undisturbed.
Fun Variations for This Comforting Chicken Dish
Herbaceous Twists
While this dish is delightful, I often get creative with herbs. My friend loves when I add fresh rosemary or dill before serving. It brightens the flavor beautifully! Just a little extra can transform your crockpot chicken and rice.
Veggie Boost
Adding more vegetables is always a wonderful idea for your family’s favorite Crockpot Recipes. Beyond the peas, I’ve had great success stirring in a cup of sliced mushrooms with the chicken, or even some diced carrots and celery for extra color and nutrition. They cook down perfectly in the slow cooker.
Cheesy Indulgence
For those who adore cheese, like my nephew, a cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack stirred in at the very end melts into pure bliss. It makes this wonderful crockpot chicken and rice even more decadent and appealing!
What to Serve With This Hearty Meal
This creamy chicken and rice is truly a meal in itself, but sometimes a little something extra just completes the picture. I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette; the fresh crunch is a perfect contrast to the rich, creamy texture of the dish. It makes every bite sing!
Another simple accompaniment I often turn to is a basket of warm, crusty bread. It’s absolutely perfect for soaking up all that delicious, savory sauce from your crockpot chicken and rice. My family always appreciates having something to mop up every last drop!
How to Store Leftover Goodness
Refrigeration Tips
To keep your leftover crockpot chicken and rice tasting fresh, cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I always label my containers, so I know exactly when I made it!
Reheating for Delight
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating portions gently on the stovetop with a splash of extra chicken broth or water to bring back its creamy consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through. My personal trick for reheating is a tiny pat of butter to restore that lusciousness!
Nutritional Benefits
This comforting crockpot chicken and rice offers lean protein from the chicken. Peas provide valuable vitamins and fiber, creating a wholesome and hearty meal. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, showing simple ingredients can be truly good for you.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can! For brown rice in your creamy crockpot chicken and rice, increase rice cooking time by 30-60 minutes. You might also need extra broth, as brown rice takes longer to soften. Check for tenderness before serving. It’s a great swap!
Can I add different vegetables?
Absolutely! This slow cooker chicken and rice is wonderfully versatile. Besides peas, diced carrots, corn, or even spinach can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes. Add quick-cooking vegetables near the end to prevent them from becoming mushy. Get creative!
How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
The key to perfectly cooked rice in this crockpot chicken and rice is adding it only for the final 30-45 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb liquid without overcooking. Avoid lifting the lid frequently once rice is added; let it steam undisturbed.
Can I make this with chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this creamy crockpot chicken and rice. They remain incredibly moist and tender during slow cooking, adding a slightly richer flavor. The overall cooking time should remain largely the same for this comforting dish.
Conclusion
And there you have it, my friends – a truly delightful and incredibly easy recipe for creamy crockpot chicken and rice that promises to bring warmth and comfort to your dinner table. This dish embodies the heart of homemade cooking: simple ingredients, a little patience, and a whole lot of love. I truly hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen and memories to your family as it does to mine. Happy cooking, and remember, sweet moments are made in the kitchen!