Name: Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486886H14M47S
Total time: 10 h 19 min 47 s
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste; ¼ teaspoon pepper, to taste; 1 cup long-grain brown rice or risotto rice, rinsed; 1 lb broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one dish destined to make your weekly dinner rotation feel like a triumph, it’s Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice. This classic comfort food brings together melt-in-your-mouth chicken, creamy rice, and cozy cheddar cheese—all infused with just the right blend of herbs and spices. It’s the type of meal that warms up kitchens and hearts, only requiring a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of patience while your crockpot works its effortless magic. Whether you’re looking for a one-pot weeknight hero or the quintessential dish to share with friends, you’re about to fall in love with every spoonful.

Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice is refreshingly short, yet every component plays a star role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. These pantry-friendly staples come together to deliver a meal that’s irresistibly creamy, savory, and satisfying!

Chicken Breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps things lean and lets the chicken easily soak up all those comforting flavors.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Either brings creamy richness, but Greek yogurt adds a fresh tanginess if you want a lighter option.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully and brings bold flavor—don’t skimp!
Chicken Broth: Acts as the flavorful base for tender rice and juicy chicken.
Dijon Mustard (optional): Adds a subtle touch of zest and complexity; a little goes a long way!
Dried Thyme: Infuses everything with herby warmth; it’s a small but mighty flavor boost.
Garlic Powder: A kitchen staple that gives gentle depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Onion Powder: Brings savory notes that round out the dish perfectly.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; start light, adjust later.
Long-Grain Brown Rice or Risotto Rice: Rinsed rice helps prevent stickiness—use your favorite kind for varied texture!
Broccoli Florets (fresh or frozen): Adding veggies right to the pot gives gorgeous green color and makes it a true one-dish meal.

How to Make Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

First things first: grab your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized chunks, aiming for pieces about 1 to 1½ inches. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all those amazing flavors. You don’t need to be a perfectionist—just keep the pieces roughly the same size so everything finishes at the same time.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In your crockpot, whisk together the chicken broth, sour cream or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard if you’re using it, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well blended. This luscious liquid brings creaminess to the rice and infuses the chicken with flavor as it slow-cooks!

Step 3: Layer and Combine

Now, add the rinsed rice straight into the base. Give it a quick stir so the grains distribute evenly. Layer those chicken chunks in next, gently mixing them through so every bit bathes in the creamy sauce. Finish by scattering the broccoli florets right over the top—no need to mix those in. They’ll steam perfectly and keep their color.

Step 4: Let the Crockpot Do Its Thing

Pop the lid on your crockpot and set it to low for 3 to 4 hours, or high for 2 to 3 hours. The goal is for your Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice to emerge with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a sauce that’s almost entirely absorbed but still luxuriously creamy. Avoid the urge to peek too often—every time you lift the lid, heat escapes!

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Finish

Once everything’s tender and cooked through, stir in half of your grated cheddar cheese until it melts right into the rice. Sprinkle the rest over the top, cover again, and let it sit for about 15 minutes until delightfully gooey. The cheesy blanket makes each bite extra cozy and delicious.

How to Serve Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

For an irresistible final flourish, try a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a pinch of cracked black pepper, or a dusting of extra cheddar cheese. If you love a pop of color, finely chopped chives or thinly sliced green onions make this dish look as inviting as it tastes. A dollop of extra Greek yogurt or sour cream can also add an extra creamy touch on top.

Side Dishes

Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice works well as a one-dish wonder, but it shines even brighter when plated with a crisp green salad or some classic garlic bread. For something a little special, serve it alongside roasted carrots, steamed green beans, or a tangy cucumber salad—the subtle flavors balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or just want to liven up dinner, scoop the Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice into colorful bowls and garnish with microgreens or toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. Or, spoon a mound into hollowed-out baked bell peppers for an edible bowl that’s both fun and eye-catching. You can even let everyone build their own bowls with a toppings bar: think chopped herbs, extra cheese, or hot sauce for a personal twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days—perfect for grab-and-go lunches or easy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the cooled dish into individual freezer-safe bags or containers for easy reheating later. It keeps well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, as this helps preserve the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice nice and creamy. For bigger batches, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding liquid if needed. Top with fresh cheese and herbs to revive that just-cooked flavor!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs not only add extra juiciness, but their richer flavor makes this Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice an even more comforting experience. Just trim any excess fat and cut them into similar bite-sized pieces.

What’s the best rice to use?

Long-grain brown rice provides a nutritious, chewy foundation, while risotto (Arborio) rice gives a creamier, almost risotto-like texture. Avoid instant or quick-cook rice as it tends to get mushy in the crockpot.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the sour cream or Greek yogurt with a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt and use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese. The final dish will still be flavorful and creamy!

Do I add the broccoli at the beginning or later on?

You can add broccoli with the rest of the ingredients at the start to make things easy, but if you prefer broccoli with more bite, toss it in during the last hour of cooking on low. Fresh and frozen both work beautifully.

How can I prevent the rice from getting too gummy?

Rinse your rice well before adding it, and stick to the recommended cooking times. Try not to stir too often during cooking, as this can break down the rice and make it mushy. A little patience pays off!

Final Thoughts

Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice is the kind of recipe that brings comfort to even the busiest days—hearty, wholesome, and brimming with flavor in every bite. If you’re craving a low-fuss, satisfying dinner that’s as easy to make as it is to love, give this a try and see how it transforms your weeknight routine!

Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 31 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 3.5-4.25 hours
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe is a delicious and convenient meal that cooks to perfection in your slow cooker. Creamy and cheesy with tender chicken, broccoli, and flavorful rice, it’s a comforting dish the whole family will love.

Instructions

Prep Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks, about 1 to 1½ inches in size.
Mix Base: In your crockpot, combine the chicken broth, sour cream, Dijon mustard (if using), dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Layer Ingredients: Add the rinsed rice to the crockpot, followed by the chicken pieces. Stir to mix everything together. Add the broccoli florets on top.
Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked, the broth is absorbed, and the rice is tender.
Add Cheese: Stir in half of the grated cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for about 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American