When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as a warm, hearty bowl of chicken and rice. Combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a flavorful broth, this Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe is the epitome of a simple, yet comforting meal.

In my experience, the best meals are the ones that are both delicious and effortless. As a busy person with a hectic schedule, I love having meals that I can prepare in the morning and enjoy without much effort later in the day.

This Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s not only easy to make, but it’s also filling and nutritious.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Minimal Prep Time: The beauty of using a Crockpot is that you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it. The slow cooking process ensures that all the flavors meld together perfectly, giving you a rich, savory dish without all the effort.
One-Pot Meal: The Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe is a one-pot meal, which means fewer dishes to clean up afterward. The rice cooks in the same pot as the chicken, absorbing all the flavors and becoming perfectly tender and flavorful.
Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Want to add some veggies like peas, carrots, or mushrooms? Go ahead! Prefer a bit of heat? Toss in some diced jalapeños. You can make this dish your own by adding different seasonings or proteins.

Family-Friendly: Chicken and rice is a dish that the whole family can enjoy. It’s mild in flavor, making it suitable for kids, but still packed with enough savory goodness to satisfy adults. It’s also great for picky eaters since you can adjust the seasonings and vegetables to their liking.
Affordable and Filling: This recipe uses simple ingredients that are budget-friendly yet hearty enough to feed a crowd. The combination of chicken, rice, and broth makes for a filling meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.
Great for Meal Prep: If you like to plan ahead, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge for several days and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)

1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup carrots, diced (optional)

1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Process

Prepare the Crockpot: Begin by greasing the inside of your Crockpot with a small amount of oil or non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent the rice from sticking during cooking.
Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the Crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme. You can also add a little bit of olive oil or butter on top of the chicken to enhance the flavor.
Add the Rice and Vegetables: Sprinkle the uncooked rice over the chicken. Add in the diced onion, garlic, and any other vegetables you’d like to include, such as carrots and peas. These will cook along with the chicken, infusing the rice with their flavor.

Pour in the Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the rice and chicken mixture. Ensure that the rice is fully submerged in the liquid. This will help the rice cook evenly and soak up all the delicious flavors from the chicken and broth.
Set the Crockpot: Cover the Crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts and the specific Crockpot you’re using. Check the rice after 4 hours to ensure it is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the Crockpot and shred it using two forks. It should come apart easily. Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot and stir everything together. This allows the chicken to absorb even more of the flavorful broth.

Final Touches: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed. You can also add a bit more broth if the rice looks dry.
Serve and Garnish: Scoop the chicken and rice mixture onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or your favorite herbs for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

Add More Vegetables: To make this dish even more hearty, add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These will add color and nutritional value to the dish without changing the flavor too much.

Use Brown Rice: For a healthier twist, substitute the white rice with brown rice. Keep in mind that brown rice will take a little longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Creamy Chicken and Rice: If you love creamy dishes, add a cup of heavy cream or a block of cream cheese to the Crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir it in to create a rich, velvety texture.
Spicy Version: If you prefer a little heat, add diced jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce to the mix. This will give the dish a nice kick without overwhelming the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in the Crockpot. Just be sure to cook it for a bit longer—around 6-8 hours on low—until the chicken is fully cooked.

Can I substitute the rice? Yes, you can substitute the white rice with other grains like quinoa or couscous. Just be sure to adjust the liquid ratio accordingly, as some grains absorb more or less liquid than rice.

Can I prepare this in advance? Absolutely! You can assemble all the ingredients in the Crockpot the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just cook it on low for 4-6 hours. This makes for a convenient, no-hassle dinner.

What can I serve with this? This dish is great on its own, but if you’d like to add sides, consider a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to complete the meal.

How to Serve

Crockpot Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pot meal that doesn’t require many accompaniments, but if you’d like to add sides, here are some great options:

Garlic Bread: The crispy texture of garlic bread is a perfect contrast to the creamy chicken and rice.

Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the rich dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add flavor and nutritional value to the meal.