There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of chicken and rice simmered together in a rich, flavorful broth. This slow cooker chicken and rice recipe makes the process completely hands-off, letting the slow cooker work its magic while you get on with your day.
The chicken becomes perfectly tender, while the rice absorbs all the savory flavors, creating a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and easy.
This recipe combines the classic combo of chicken, rice, and aromatic herbs into a one-pot meal that is packed with comfort. Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for your next family gathering, this dish is a guaranteed hit. The ingredients are simple, yet the result is so satisfying—creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
Here’s why this dish is perfect for you:
- Tender Chicken – The chicken in this recipe turns out incredibly tender as it cooks low and slow in a flavorful broth.
- Fluffy Rice – The rice soaks up the juices and becomes perfectly fluffy and seasoned.
- Minimal Effort – Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. This meal is as easy as it gets.
- Family-Friendly – This dish is loved by both kids and adults, making it the perfect meal for busy families.
- Great for Leftovers – This dish stores and reheats wonderfully, making it great for meal prep.
This slow cooker chicken and rice is comforting, rich, and requires no constant attention. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel cozy and satisfied.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
You only need a few key ingredients for this flavorful, comforting meal:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Both cuts of chicken work well in the slow cooker, but thighs will give you a juicier result.
- Long Grain White Rice – Use long grain rice for this recipe, as it absorbs the broth without becoming mushy.
- Chicken Broth – The broth is the base of the dish, adding richness and flavor to the rice and chicken.
- Onion and Garlic – These aromatics build the foundation of flavor for the dish.
- Carrots and Celery – These vegetables add texture and natural sweetness.
- Herbs and Spices – A blend of thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper enhances the savory flavor.
These simple ingredients come together to create a meal that’s not only flavorful but also easy to prepare.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
Making this slow cooker chicken and rice is incredibly easy. Here’s how you do it:
- Prepare the Chicken – Season the boneless chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs, and place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the Vegetables and Rice – Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker. Then, add the rice, spreading it evenly over the chicken.
- Pour in the Broth – Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the rice is submerged. Add a bit more water if needed.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is fluffy.
- Shred the Chicken – Once the chicken is done, shred it with two forks and mix it back into the rice for an extra boost of flavor.
- Serve – Serve the chicken and rice hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
In just a few simple steps, you have a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
This meal is satisfying on its own, but here are a few great side options to complete the meal:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Steamed Vegetables | Light, healthy broccoli or green beans provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken and rice. |
| Garlic Bread | Serve with garlic bread for a crunchy, buttery side that complements the creamy rice. |
| Green Salad | A crisp, fresh green salad with a tangy dressing balances the meal and adds texture. |
| Roasted Potatoes | Roasted baby potatoes or sweet potatoes are a great addition to this comforting dish. |
| Crispy Onion Rings | Crispy onion rings add a crunchy, savory element to this rich dish. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
This dish is great for leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat:
How to Store Leftovers
- Allow the chicken and rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the chicken and rice in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or water to loosen the rice.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Slow Cooker: You can also reheat leftovers in the slow cooker on low for about 1 hour.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
To get the best result with this dish, follow these tips:
- Use chicken thighs for extra flavor and tenderness, but chicken breasts work well too.
- Do not stir the rice until the dish is done cooking. Stirring during the cooking process can lead to mushy rice.
- Adjust the seasonings – You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs like thyme and rosemary to suit your taste.
- Check the rice – If you notice the rice isn’t fully cooked, add a bit more chicken broth or water and continue to cook for another 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice. Just note that brown rice takes longer to cook, so increase the cooking time to about 7 hours on low or 5 hours on high.
2. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to extend the cook time by about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it before serving.
4. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to add peas, corn, or spinach for extra veggies. Just add them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, add chili flakes, jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra spice.
This slow cooker chicken and rice is the perfect one-pot meal, bringing together simple ingredients in the most flavorful way. It’s an easy dinner that everyone will love—comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chicken and rice
- Large Skillet For sautéing onions and garlic
- Wooden Spoon For stirring
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the slow cooker.
- In a separate skillet, sauté the diced onions and garlic until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and cook until softened.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Then, pour in the chicken broth and add the rice. Stir everything together.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Once the chicken is done, shred it using two forks and mix it back into the rice and broth.
- Stir in the sour cream and mix until the rice is creamy and fully coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like **carrots** or **peas** for a more balanced meal.
- For a richer flavor, add a bit of **heavy cream** instead of sour cream.
- Store leftovers in an **airtight container** in the fridge for **up to 3 days** or freeze for later use.
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