Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)

Highlighted under: Warm & Tasty

I can’t tell you how much I love coming home to the rich aroma of Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The tender chicken, infused with spices, coupled with perfectly cooked rice creates a comforting meal that the whole family enjoys. Plus, there's minimal cleanup involved, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. Whether it’s a quick dinner or a leisurely weekend meal, this recipe always hits the spot and brings smiles to our table.

Created by

Perrie Lawson

Last updated on 2026-02-01T15:45:35.527Z

Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice has become a cherished ritual in my home. The first time I prepared it, I marveled at how easy it was to throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. I learned that browning the chicken first enhances the flavors tenfold, adding a delightful depth that makes all the difference. Now, I wouldn’t dream of skipping that step!

What I appreciate most about this recipe is its versatility. I often add seasonal vegetables or swap in different spices based on what I have on hand. It’s like a warm canvas for whatever creativity strikes, and guests are always blown away by how delicious and comforting the dish turns out.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Tender chicken that practically falls off the bone
Rich and creamy texture thanks to the slow cooking process
A one-pot meal that makes cleanup a breeze

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the dish's delightful flavor and texture. For instance, the long-grain white rice absorbs the flavors from the chicken and broth, becoming tender and fluffy. Choosing high-quality chicken broth adds depth to the creamy sauce made from the cream of chicken soup, enhancing the overall richness. If you’d like to lighten the dish, you can opt for low-sodium broth, which can be just as flavorful when seasoned correctly.

Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker not only locks in moisture but also creates a beautiful golden crust that contributes to the dish's flavor profile. Take care to not overcrowd the skillet when searing; this allows the chicken to brown properly instead of steaming. If you're short on time, you can skip the searing step, but the depth of flavor may be less pronounced.

Cooking Techniques and Troubleshooting

Cooking in a slow cooker is about patience and timing. When set to low, the chicken should be cooked for about 6 hours for optimal tenderness. If you're in a bind, you can set it to high for approximately 3 to 4 hours, but the texture may not be as fall-apart tender. Keep an eye on the moisture level; if it seems too dry after a few hours, you can add a splash of additional broth to keep things creamy and luscious.

If you're using frozen peas and carrots, it's best to add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This minimizes their mushiness and helps retain their vibrant colors. Alternatively, fresh vegetables can also be used, adding them earlier in the cooking process for a more integrated flavor, but make sure they are chopped into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Combine Ingredients

In the slow cooker, combine the rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, onion, garlic, and the seared chicken. Ensure the chicken is submerged in the liquid.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas and carrots if using.

Serve

Once the cooking time is up, fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also use brown rice, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread, perfect for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme as a finishing touch for added color and a flavor boost. Alternatively, consider serving it over sautéed greens for a nutritious twist.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture as the rice can absorb some of the liquid when stored.

Make-Ahead and Variations

To save time during busy weeknights, you can prep this meal the night before. Simply assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and set it to cook. Just remember to add the frozen peas and carrots later in the cooking process as instructed.

For a twist on this classic recipe, feel free to experiment with other protein options. Boneless, skinless thighs can be used for a juicier bite, or you can try turkey for a lighter option. Additionally, adjusting the spices by adding cumin or thyme can create a different flavor profile that may suit your tastes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to increase the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes about 8 hours on low.

→ What can I do with leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables. Just remember to add them in the last hour to keep them from getting mushy.

→ Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.