This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice is a warm and comforting dish that’s super easy to make. Just toss chicken, rice, cheese, and some spices in your slow cooker, and let it do all the work!
I love how it fills the house with delicious smells while it cooks. Plus, who can resist a creamy, cheesy dish that’s made with minimal effort? Perfect for busy days! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Brown Rice: I love using brown rice for its nutty flavor and added fiber. If you’re in a hurry, white rice can be used instead, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time down to about 2-3 hours on low.
Chicken Breasts: Diced chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you want to save time, rotisserie chicken works well too. Just add it near the end to heat through!
Chicken Broth: Homemade is best for flavor, but store-bought works fine. For a lighter option, you can substitute vegetable broth.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but you can substitute with low-fat milk or even non-dairy milk if you’re avoiding dairy. Just make sure it doesn’t have added sugars!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is my favorite for its melting properties. Feel free to swap it out for mozzarella or gouda if you’d like a different flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Tender Chicken and Rice?
The key to making this dish really good is layering the ingredients properly in the slow cooker. Start by mixing the dry ingredients like rice and spices before adding the liquid. This helps everything cook evenly.
- Combine rice, chicken, onion, and garlic first.
- Pour broth and milk evenly over the top, then stir gently.
- Keep the lid closed during cooking to trap in steam, which is essential for the rice to cook well.
Finally, the timing matters—if the rice absorbs too much liquid, it may become mushy, so sticking to the recommended cook times makes a big difference!
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked brown rice
- 1 pound chicken breasts, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This slow cooker recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and cooks for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. So, you can set it and forget it, making it perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by dicing your chicken breasts and chopping the onion. Mince your garlic cloves as well. This will help everything cook evenly and make it easier when you put it all together.
2. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, combine the uncooked brown rice, diced chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything well.
3. Add the Liquids:
Now pour the chicken broth and milk over your mixture. Make sure everything is evenly covered. Give it another gentle stir to help combine the ingredients a bit more.
4. Cook It Up:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Add the Cheese:
When it’s done cooking, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Let it sit for a minute or two so the cheese melts and gets mixed in nicely.
6. Season and Serve:
Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Serve warm, and don’t forget to sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese and chopped parsley on top for garnish!
Enjoy your creamy and cheesy chicken and rice dish! It’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.
Can I Use White Rice Instead of Brown Rice?
Yes, you can substitute white rice, but adjust the cooking time! White rice usually cooks faster, so aim for about 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Check the rice for tenderness before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe with Frozen Chicken?
Absolutely! Just add the frozen chicken directly to the slow cooker. You may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor! Just chop them into small pieces and mix them in with the other ingredients at the beginning.
