There’s something wonderfully comforting about a one-pot meal that just works every time, and this Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe is exactly that. The creamy texture paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice makes it a total weeknight winner that’s worth the wait.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy, cheesy rice dish inside a black pot. The dish has two main layers: a base of white rice mixed with small pieces of light-colored meat, and a top layer of melted orange cheese spread evenly, with some green herb bits sprinkled on top for color. A wooden spoon is scooping out a portion of the dish, showing the soft, mixed texture of rice and cheese inside the pot. The overall look is warm and rich, with vibrant orange and white colors standing out against the dark pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe more times than I can count, and what keeps me coming back is how effortlessly delicious it turns out. There’s really nothing better than coming home to the aroma of chicken, creamy soups, and garlic mingling in one pot while everything just melts together perfectly.

Hands-Off Cooking: Simply toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work while you relax or tackle other tasks.
Creamy Comfort: The combination of cream of chicken and mushroom soups creates a rich texture that's incredibly satisfying.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak the seasoning or add veggies to make it your own.
Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: It’s mild enough to please picky eaters but flavorful enough for adults to enjoy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here happens because all the ingredients complement each other perfectly—from juicy chicken thighs to the creamy soups that bring everything together. The long-grain rice cooks up tender without turning mushy, soaking up all those lovely flavors.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken thighs with smooth pale pink flesh, a small mound of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small pile of ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick creamy pale yellow chicken soup, another small white ceramic bowl with thick creamy beige mushroom soup, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, a small heap of fine pale beige onion powder, a small heap of off-white garlic powder, a small mound of uncooked long-grain white rice, and a small pile of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: They stay juicy after slow cooking and bring more flavor than chicken breasts.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Seasoning in two stages ensures the chicken and rice both get the perfect flavor boost.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess and depth without extra effort.
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Brings earthiness and richness; pairs beautifully with chicken.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the dish moist and balances the concentrated flavors from the soups.
Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: Essential for layering savory flavor without chopping fresh ingredients.
Long-Grain Rice: Cooks evenly and absorbs the flavorful juices perfectly when combined in the crockpot.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a melty, cheesy topping that finishes the dish with a touch of indulgence.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe is how flexible it is. I often add in some frozen peas or carrots near the end of cooking to sneak in some veggies without changing the cooking time. Feel free to play around with the types of cheese or spices too.

Variation: I once swapped out cheddar for Monterey Jack and added a handful of chopped cilantro for a fresher twist—totally delicious and a nice change of pace.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe

A black plate holds a layered dish with two main layers; the bottom layer is light beige mashed potatoes mixed with small green herb pieces for texture, topped with an orange melted cheese layer that looks creamy and slightly stringy, covering shredded light brown chicken mixed into the potatoes. The dish has spots of green herbs sprinkled on top adding color contrast. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate, partially under the food. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Layer the Chicken

I start by placing the chicken thighs right in the crockpot insert and seasoning them with half the salt and pepper. This helps the chicken soak in flavor from the start. Make sure to coat both sides evenly—that little touch really makes a difference in the final taste.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Mixture and Rice

Next, in a large bowl, I whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, the remaining salt, pepper, and the rice. This mixture is what makes the whole dish irresistibly creamy, so make sure it’s nice and smooth before pouring it over the chicken.

Step 3: Cook on High for 3-4 Hours

Cover the crockpot and set it on high. The timing can be a little flexible depending on your slow cooker, but I usually check around 3 hours. The rice should be tender and the chicken cooked through but still juicy. If the rice isn’t quite there, keep cooking and add a splash of broth if needed.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Add Cheese

Once it’s cooked, turn off the crockpot and carefully remove the chicken thighs. I use two forks to shred them right in the kitchen — no fuss, just simple shredding while they’re hot. Then I stir the shredded chicken back into the rice mixture, taste for seasoning, and sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Cover and let the cheese melt for about 5 to 10 minutes. Instant cheesy goodness!

Top Tip

From my many times making this Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe, a few tips have saved me from common pitfalls and made the dish turn out just right every time.

Rice Timing: Not all crockpots heat the same—if your rice isn’t tender after the recommended time, don’t rush to serve. Keep cooking a bit longer and add broth as needed.
Season in Layers: Seasoning at the start and after cooking helps build layers of flavor without over-salting.
Shredding Hot Chicken: Shredding the chicken while it's still warm makes it easier to get the right texture and helps it soak up more flavor when mixed back in.
Cheese Finish: Don’t skip the cheese on top—it adds an indulgent touch that makes this humble crockpot meal feel special.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Crockpot Chicken and Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives—not only do they add a pop of green, but they brighten up the flavors and the plate. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice gives it a nice little zing that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad or steamed broccoli pairs perfectly to add freshness and crunch alongside this creamy, hearty dish. Roasted vegetables like carrots or asparagus work really well too if you want something warm and cozy on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I try serving this in an attractive casserole dish straight from the crockpot, sprinkled with extra cheese and fresh herbs on top. It feels like a warm hug on plate, and everyone’s usually eager to dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Crockpot Chicken and Rice in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. It keeps well, but be sure to reheat gently since the rice can dry out if overcooked or reheated too aggressively.

Freezing

I usually skip freezing this one because the creamy soups tend to separate and get grainy when thawed. Better to enjoy fresh and save yourself some texture issues.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I add a splash of chicken broth or water, cover the dish, and gently warm it on the stove or microwave to regain that creamy texture without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can! Just know that chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out more easily in slow cookers. If you use breasts, keep a close eye on the cooking time and consider adding a little extra broth to keep things moist.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain rice is ideal because it cooks evenly and stays fluffy without getting mushy. Avoid using instant or quick-cooking rice varieties, as they’ll likely overcook during the long cooking time.

Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen peas, carrots, or bell peppers can be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them from getting too soft. Just stir them in gently and cover to finish cooking.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the crockpot?

To avoid sticking, make sure there’s enough liquid in the mixture when you pour it over the chicken. If you notice the rice starting to stick near the end of cooking, gently add a little more chicken broth and stir carefully. Also, using a ceramic crockpot insert helps with even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort dishes because it’s just so easy, adaptable, and reliably delicious. I think you’ll find making it feels like a little kitchen victory every time, and sharing it at the dinner table brings a warm, happy vibe to any day. Give it a try, and let the slow cooker do the magic for you—it’s worth every cozy spoonful!