Name: Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 chicken tenderloins; 1/2 Tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning; 3 cups chicken broth (or water); 1/2 sweet onion, finely diced; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 cup uncooked long grain rice; 10 ounce can cream of chicken soup; 10 ounce can cheddar cheese soup; 1/2 cup shredded cheese; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 2-3 Tablespoons olive or vegetable oil (for browning chicken)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 13 reviews

If you are looking for a comforting, no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm hug, then you’re going to love this Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe. With tender chicken tenderloins soaking up creamy, cheesy goodness alongside perfectly cooked rice, it’s the ideal dish to come home to after a busy day. The slow cooker does all the work, letting the flavors meld together beautifully and creating a one-pot meal that satisfies on every level. Whether you’re craving something hearty or simply want a family-friendly recipe, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side photos: on the left, several pieces of cooked chicken seasoned with pepper, arranged in a black pan, with a slightly golden-brown color and visible grill marks; on the right, a clear glass mixing bowl filled with small white chopped pieces in a milky liquid, and a silver immersion blender inside the bowl. The background features a white marbled surface and a blurred appliance in the back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a clear role to play, from the tender chicken to the creamy soups that create the rich sauce. These essentials come together for a dish that’s easy to assemble but full of flavor and texture.

Chicken tenderloins: They cook quickly and stay juicy, making them perfect for slow cooking.
Lemon pepper seasoning: Adds a zesty, peppery kick that brightens up the dish.
Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base for the rice to absorb.
Sweet onion: Provides subtle sweetness and depth to the overall taste.
Minced garlic: Offers that irresistible aroma and rich savory note.
Uncooked long grain rice: The star starch that soaks in all the creamy flavors.
Cream of chicken soup: Adds a silky texture and classic comfort food vibe.
Cheddar cheese soup: Brings sharpness and creaminess all in one.
Shredded cheese (optional): For a melty, cheesy finish on top.
Dried parsley (optional): Adds a touch of freshness and color to the final dish.

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your 8 chicken tenderloins dry with a paper towel to ensure they brown properly. Next, season both sides generously with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon pepper seasoning. This simple seasoning mix elevates the natural flavor of the chicken and gives a lovely zing to each bite.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of your preferred cooking oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Work in batches to brown the chicken tenderloins on both sides; you want a golden crust without fully cooking the chicken. This step adds a beautiful color and boosts the overall flavor thanks to that caramelized exterior.

Step 3: Arrange Chicken in Slow Cooker

After browning, remove the chicken from the skillet and place them neatly at the bottom of a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker. This creates a cozy little nest for the rice mixture to cook on top of, allowing the flavors to mingle.

Step 4: Mix the Soup and Rice Base

In a medium bowl, combine 3 cups of chicken broth, half a finely diced sweet onion, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, and 1 cup of uncooked long grain rice. Stir well to distribute everything evenly. Then mix in the cream of chicken soup and cheddar cheese soup until the blend is smooth and creamy. This mixture will cook the rice tender while enveloping the chicken with luscious flavor.

Step 5: Add the Soup Mixture and Cook

Pour the soup and rice mixture evenly over the browned chicken in your slow cooker. Take a moment to make sure the rice is distributed uniformly rather than clumped in one spot. Cover and cook on low for 3 1/2 to 5 hours. Because slow cookers vary, keep an eye on the dish after 3 hours to gauge progress.

Step 6: Midway Stir and Adjust

About halfway through cooking, gently stir the rice to help it cook evenly and absorb all the delicious juices at the bottom of the pot. If the rice still feels tough and there is little liquid left, add about half a cup of water. Then cover and continue cooking to perfect tenderness.

Step 7: Final Touches and Melty Cheese

Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the rice is tender but not mushy, consider adding half a cup of shredded cheese on top for that extra indulgence. Replace the lid and let it melt for about 15 minutes. Finish by sprinkling a teaspoon of dried parsley for a lovely pop of color before serving.

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

A close-up view of a creamy yellow cheesy rice dish with visible soft cooked rice grains mixed with melted cheese, and tender browned chicken pieces scattered throughout. The dish is inside a blue cooking pot with a wooden spoon stirring it from the left side. The texture is smooth and creamy, with some black pepper specks on the cheese. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of dried parsley or fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives instantly brightens the appearance and adds a fresh herbal note. For a little extra punch, some crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can be fantastic toppings to customize your plate exactly how you like.

Side Dishes

This comforting dish pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh side salads to balance the richness. Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots also make excellent companions, adding texture and vibrant color to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the chicken and rice in rustic bowls for cozy family dinners or in colorful ceramic dishes when entertaining guests. For a fun twist, scoop the steaming mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers for an eye-catching presentation that hides a tasty surprise inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe keeps wonderfully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Store it promptly to preserve freshness and prevent the rice from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind rice textures sometimes change after thawing. For best results, freeze without adding cheese topping and in portion-sized containers for easy thaw and reheat later.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat with a sprinkle of water or broth to keep the rice moist. Adding extra cheese when reheating can make it taste freshly made again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work well but may take a bit longer to cook and could dry out more than tenderloins, so watch cooking times carefully to keep the chicken juicy.

Do I need to brown the chicken beforehand?

Browning the chicken adds layers of flavor and improves texture, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still have a tasty dish, just a bit less rich in flavor complexity.

What type of rice is best for this recipe?

Long grain rice is ideal because it cooks to a fluffy texture and absorbs the flavorful juices beautifully without becoming too sticky or mushy.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower and use vegetable broth and cream of mushroom soup alternatives. The texture and flavor will shift but remain delicious.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, some diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the soup mixture before cooking to amp up the heat to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe truly is a gem for busy days when you want something cozy, tasty, and fuss-free. The way the chicken soaks up creamy, cheesy flavors while the rice cooks perfectly makes every bite feel special. I hope you give it a try and watch it become a cherished staple in your kitchen as it has in mine.