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Creamy Chicken and Rice Crockpot Recipe

creamy chicken and rice crockpot - featured image

This creamy chicken and rice crockpot recipe is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, it features tender chicken, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked rice, all made hands-off in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 23 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste (about 1/2 tsp)
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Chop onion and garlic, dice any additional veggies, and rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Add chicken breasts or thighs to the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle chopped onion and garlic over the chicken, then add rinsed rice in an even layer. Add chosen veggies (peas and carrots, bell pepper, mushrooms) on top.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, chicken broth, thyme, parsley, pepper, and salt. Pour this mixture over everything in the crockpot and smooth out with a spoon.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours (or HIGH for 2-3 hours). Avoid opening the lid frequently.
  5. Check for doneness after 4 hours: rice should be tender and chicken should shred easily. If dry, add a splash of broth or milk; if too soupy, cook uncovered for the last 20 minutes.
  6. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the crockpot. Stir everything together. If using cheese, stir it in until melted.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.

Notes

For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup and check your broth. For dairy-free, substitute coconut-based cream soup and plant milk. Rinse rice well to prevent gumminess. Add dairy at the end if worried about curdling. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving for best texture. Leftovers keep well and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken and rice, crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy family dinner, comfort food, chicken and rice recipe, one pot meal, weeknight dinner, kid friendly, make ahead