Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe

BY :

Ovia Smith

Posted On :

September 3, 2025

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience with our Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice, all simmered together in a slow cooker for maximum flavor and minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is designed to be both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through every step to create a delicious meal that your family will love.

The beauty of the slow cooker is that you can set it and forget it. As the hours pass, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a warm and inviting dish that fills your home with a mouthwatering aroma. This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe is not just about convenience; it’s about delivering a wholesome meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. **Convenience**: The slow cooker makes cooking effortless. Just toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and let it work its magic. You can spend your time doing other things while your meal cooks. This is particularly beneficial for busy families or anyone juggling a hectic schedule.

2. **Flavorful and Satisfying**: The combination of chicken, rice, and cheese creates a rich and satisfying meal. As the dish cooks, the chicken becomes incredibly tender, while the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors from the spices and broth. The addition of shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy finish that takes this dish over the top.

3. **Customizable**: This recipe is highly versatile. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Want to add more veggies? Toss in some bell peppers or spinach. Prefer a different protein? Feel free to use turkey or pork instead of chicken. The possibilities are endless!

4. **Family-Friendly**: With its cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

5. **Leftover Friendly**: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), they can be easily reheated for lunch the next day. The flavors only get better as they sit, making this a great make-ahead option for meal prep.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

There are countless reasons to add this Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe to your culinary repertoire. Here are just a few compelling ones:

1. **Nutritional Value**: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, while adding mixed vegetables increases the nutritional profile of this dish. You’ll be serving up a balanced meal that’s both filling and healthy.

2. **Cost-Effective**: This recipe uses affordable ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. It’s a budget-friendly meal option that doesn’t skimp on taste or quality.

3. **Minimal Cleanup**: With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. No need to dirty multiple pans or dishes, making this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

4. **Perfect for Meal Prep**: If you’re looking to save time in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch and portion it out for lunches throughout the week. It’s a healthy and convenient option for busy days at work or school.

5. **Impress Guests**: Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a more formal gathering, this dish is sure to impress your guests. The creamy, cheesy texture and delicious flavors will have everyone raving about your cooking skills.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Recommended Utensils

Slow cooker (at least 4-quart capacity)
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Two forks (for shredding chicken)

Having these ingredients and utensils on hand will ensure your success in preparing this Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or seasonings to make it your own!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this delicious meal:

Prepare Ingredients: Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. These aromatics will add a fantastic flavor base to your dish. In your slow cooker, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and frozen mixed vegetables.
Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the vegetables. This allows the chicken to cook evenly while absorbing the flavors from the veggies below.
Mix Rice and Soup: In a mixing bowl, combine the long-grain white rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed to ensure the rice is coated with the creamy mixture.
Combine in Slow Cooker: Pour the rice mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed. This will help the rice cook properly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain the heat and moisture.
Add Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and allow the cheese to melt, creating a gooey and delicious finishing touch.
Shred Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. This step allows the chicken to mix in beautifully with the rice and vegetables. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine everything.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

Yes, you can use brown rice; however, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 1 hour since brown rice takes longer to cook.

Can I add other vegetables to the Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces to ensure even cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe without cream of chicken soup?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce or another type of cream soup, like cream of mushroom. You can even use a dairy-free alternative if needed.

Can I prepare this meal in advance?

Yes! You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just add them to the slow cooker in the morning and set it to cook.

How can I store leftovers of this dish?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe is a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. With its ease of preparation and mouthwatering flavors, it’s a recipe that you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below or share this recipe with your friends on social media! Happy cooking!

For more great recipes, check out our collection at Ovia Recipes or explore our Pinterest for inspiration!