If your evenings are anything like mine, they’re a juggling act—kids’ homework at one end of the table, laundry beeping in the background, and a hungry family asking, “What’s for dinner?” That’s when Easy Crockpot Chicken Rice steps in like a trusty old friend. This dish is warm, hearty, and doesn’t demand constant babysitting. Just toss in tender chicken, rice, broccoli, and a good handful of cheddar, and your slow cooker takes care of the rest.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Chicken Rice
This recipe checks all the right boxes:
- Time saver: Just 15 minutes of prep, then let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
- Comfort food vibes: Creamy, cheesy, and filling—like a cozy hug in a bowl.
- Family approved: Even picky eaters (and I’ve raised three of them) happily ask for seconds.
- Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
And honestly? It’s one of those meals that makes your house smell amazing, like you’ve been cooking all day when really you just pressed a button.
What Does Easy Crockpot Chicken Rice Taste Like?
Imagine tender bites of chicken nestled in fluffy, slow-cooked rice, all coated with a creamy, cheesy sauce. The broccoli adds a fresh, earthy bite, while the cheddar brings that gooey, savory finish we all crave. It’s rich without being heavy—perfect for those nights you want something that feels special but doesn’t weigh you down.
If you like recipes with that old-fashioned comfort feel, you’ll also love my Crock-Pot No Peek Chicken with Rice for a similar cozy vibe.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Crockpot Chicken Rice
One of the best parts about this Easy Crockpot Chicken Rice recipe is that it relies on simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Think of this list as your roadmap to a creamy, hearty, and stress-free dinner. I’ll break it down so you know not only what to use, but why each ingredient makes the dish shine.
Chicken – the star protein
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
Cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2–4 cm). Chicken breasts cook tenderly in the crockpot, soaking up all that flavorful broth. If you prefer darker, juicier meat, chicken thighs are a great substitute.
Creaminess and Flavor Boosters
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
This is what gives the rice its creamy texture without needing heavy cream. Greek yogurt adds a subtle tang, while sour cream leans richer. Either works beautifully. - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Freshly shredded cheddar melts smoother and tastes sharper than pre-packaged shreds. It’s the golden finish that makes this dish pure comfort food.
Broth and Seasonings – the flavor foundation
- 2 cups chicken broth
The liquid that helps cook the rice and infuses the chicken with savory goodness. If you’ve ever made my Slow Cooker Steak and Potato Soup, you know broth is the secret to deep, cozy flavor. - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Adds a gentle tang and a touch of heat. Don’t worry, it won’t overpower—it just balances the richness. - 1 tsp dried thyme
A classic herb that pairs perfectly with chicken and rice, bringing a subtle earthy note. - ½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp onion powder
These pantry staples provide depth and round out the flavors without needing fresh aromatics. - ¼ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper
Start here, then taste and adjust before serving. The cheese adds saltiness too, so it’s smart to go light at first.
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice (or risotto rice)
Brown rice is sturdy enough to hold up to long crockpot cooking, giving you fluffy, separate grains. If you prefer extra creaminess, risotto rice (like arborio) creates a more casserole-style dish.
Vegetables – adding balance and color
- 1 lb broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Fresh broccoli stays slightly crisp, while frozen becomes softer and blends right in. Either way, it’s your built-in veggie—no extra side dish required!
How to Make Easy Crockpot Chicken Rice (Step by Step)
Cooking Easy Crockpot Chicken Rice is just as comforting as eating it. The beauty of this recipe is that once you’ve done a little prep, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide so you can follow along with confidence, even on your busiest nights.
Step 1 – Prep the chicken
Start by cutting 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces about 2–4 cm in size. Keeping them uniform helps the chicken cook evenly in the crockpot. If you’re short on time, you can even use pre-diced chicken from the store.
Tip: Prefer darker meat? Swap in boneless chicken thighs—they stay juicy and add extra flavor.
Step 2 – Build your creamy base
In your slow cooker, whisk together:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (if you’re using it)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
This mixture creates the savory, creamy foundation that the rice and chicken will soak up. Think of it as the “glue” that brings the dish together.
Step 3 – Add rice and chicken
Stir in 1 cup of rinsed long-grain brown rice (or risotto rice if you want a creamier, casserole-style texture). Then, add the chicken pieces you prepped earlier. Make sure everything is coated in that flavorful broth mixture.
Note: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps it cook evenly without turning gummy.
Step 4 – Layer in the vegetables
Scatter 1 lb of broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) on top of the rice and chicken mixture. No need to stir—placing them on top allows them to steam gently while the rest cooks.
If you like your broccoli extra crisp, wait and add it during the final hour of cooking.
Step 5 – Let the slow cooker work its magic
Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to:
- Low for 3–4 hours OR
- High for 2–3 hours
During this time, the rice becomes tender, the chicken cooks through, and all the flavors meld into a creamy, hearty base. Your kitchen will smell like you’ve been cooking all day (and no one has to know it only took 15 minutes of prep).
If you’ve enjoyed my Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, you already know the slow cooker has a way of transforming simple ingredients into something irresistible—and this recipe is no exception.
Step 6 – Add the cheesy goodness
Once everything is cooked, stir in 1 cup of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The heat of the dish will melt it right in, creating that creamy, gooey texture we all crave.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the top, cover the crockpot again, and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This gives you that melty, golden layer of cheese on top—no oven required.
Step 7 – Serve and enjoy
Give the dish a gentle stir and serve it hot, straight from the crockpot. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness and color if you’d like to dress it up.
Pair it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal, or simply enjoy it as-is. Either way, this Easy Crockpot Chicken Rice is the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table—fast.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Easy Crockpot Chicken Rice
- Rice matters: Brown rice holds up better in the slow cooker. If using white rice, reduce the cook time slightly.
- Cheese choice: Freshly grated cheddar melts creamier—bagged cheese often has anti-caking agents.
- Make it a full meal: Serve with crusty bread or a light side salad.
- Frozen broccoli hack: If using frozen florets, add them during the last hour so they don’t get mushy.
- Leftover magic: Stir in a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs will give you an even richer flavor.
Will the rice overcook?
Not if you stick to the recommended times. Brown rice is sturdier, so it’s the safest choice.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free version and use vegan cheese.
Conclusion
If you’ve been craving a dinner that’s hearty, low-stress, and guaranteed to win smiles at the table, this Easy Crockpot Chicken Rice is it. With just a few everyday ingredients, your slow cooker transforms chicken, rice, and broccoli into a creamy, cheesy comfort dish the whole family will love.
So the next time life gets hectic (and let’s be honest—it always does), let your crockpot be the hero. Try this recipe, and you might just find yourself making it on repeat.
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Easy Crockpot Chicken Rice – The Best Comfort Meal for Busy Nights
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheddar combine in a comforting slow-cooked dinner that’s both easy and satisfying.
Ingredients
450 g boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2–4 cm pieces
120 ml sour cream or Greek yogurt
200 g sharp cheddar cheese, grated
480 ml chicken broth
15 ml Dijon mustard, optional
1 teaspoon dried thyme
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.25 teaspoon salt, or to taste
0.25 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
190 g long-grain brown rice or risotto rice, rinsed
450 g broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
Instructions
1. Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces measuring approximately 2 to 4 centimeters.
2. In the crockpot, combine chicken broth, sour cream or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard if using, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly.
3. Incorporate rinsed rice and chicken pieces into the crockpot, mixing until evenly combined. Top with broccoli florets.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through, rice is tender, and broth is absorbed.
5. Stir half of the grated cheddar into the hot mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese on the surface, cover, and let stand for 15 minutes to melt. Serve promptly.
Notes
For extra flavor, use freshly shredded cheddar and finish with chopped parsley before serving.
Use Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-rich option.
Make sure to rinse your rice well to reduce starch and avoid clumping.
Always check for doneness before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinners
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hearty portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken, rice, crockpot, broccoli, cheddar, one-pot, slow cooker
