Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice is a delightful and comforting dish, perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekends. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy soup, and cheesy goodness, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s easy to prepare and is sure to become a family favorite.
Why We Love This Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice Recipe
You’ll love this Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice recipe for several reasons. Firstly, the simplicity of preparation is a game-changer. Just layer your ingredients in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! The result is a wonderfully creamy and flavorful dish that is satisfying and comforting. Additionally, it’s a meal that caters to everyone’s taste buds, with the irresistible cheesy layer making it appealing to both kids and adults. Lastly, this recipe is flexible; you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or side dishes, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
Ingredients for Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice
Here’s what you need to gather for your Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice:
- 2 cups of chicken, diced
- 1 cup of rice (white or brown, according to your preference)
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar is a popular choice)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice Directions
Creating your Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice is simple and straightforward. Begin by preparing your slow cooker; a 6-quart size works well for this recipe. Start with 2 cups of diced chicken, which will be the base of your meal. Place the chicken evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Next, take 1 cup of uncooked rice and sprinkle it over the chicken. This rice will absorb all the delicious flavors as it cooks. In a separate bowl, mix together a can of cream of chicken soup with 1 cup of chicken broth. This mixture will provide the creamy base that makes this dish so delightful. Once mixed well, pour this soup and broth combination over the chicken and rice layers.
To add flavor, season your dish with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. After you’ve seasoned it, cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook. If you choose the low setting, allow it to cook for 6 to 8 hours; for a quicker option, the high setting will take about 3 to 4 hours.
As your dish nears completion, about 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheese. This will melt and create that creamy, cheesy finish that makes this meal so irresistible. Once the cooking time is complete, give everything a good stir to ensure it’s well combined. Serve it warm, and consider garnishing with extra cheese or fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
How to Serve Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice
Serving Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice is as easy as the preparation! Use a large spoon to scoop generous portions into bowls or plates. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables, providing a lovely contrast to the creamy chicken and rice. If you’re feeling creative, consider topping each serving with extra cheese, fresh parsley, or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Leftovers can be stored and reheated, making this dish a fantastic option for meal prep. It’s also a great choice for potlucks or family gatherings, where it is sure to impress guests with its rich flavors and comforting texture.
Expert Tips: Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice
To elevate your Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice, here are some expert tips you should consider. First, always ensure your chicken is diced into uniform pieces. This helps it cook evenly and become tender and juicy. If using brown rice, keep in mind it may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Next, experiment with different cheeses if you want to switch things up. Mixing mozzarella with cheddar can provide a unique taste and texture. You can also add in vegetables like broccoli or peas right before serving for added nutrition and color.
Additionally, if you want to enhance the flavor further, consider adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the mixture. Lastly, always taste and adjust the seasonings before serving to ensure every bite is just right!
How to Store Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice
Storing your Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice is simple. Once it cools to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. These can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. This will help preserve the flavors and textures for future meals.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If the mixture looks a little dry after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk for creaminess.
Variations of Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice
There are endless ways to customize your Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice. For a hearty twist, consider adding vegetables such as diced bell peppers, carrots, or corn. These not only add flavor but also nutritional value to your dish.
If you’re in the mood for something spicier, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. For a more gourmet experience, substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade creamy sauce or use a different soup variety like cream of mushroom.
Another variation is to switch up the protein. You can use turkey, beef, or even plant-based proteins for those looking for a vegetarian option. Finally, play around with different rice types, such as wild rice or quinoa, for an exciting twist on this classic dish.
FAQ
What is Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice?
Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice is a simple, comforting dish made with diced chicken, rice, a creamy soup base, and melted cheese, all cooked together in a slow cooker.
How do I make Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice?
To make Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice, layer diced chicken and uncooked rice in the slow cooker, mix cream of chicken soup with chicken broth, pour it over, season, and cook until everything is tender. Finally, stir in cheese before serving.
Can I use brown rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice in Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice, but be aware it may necessitate a longer cooking time to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
How do I store Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage. When reheating, consider adding a bit of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
What variations can I try with Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice?
You can add vegetables, try different cheeses, switch proteins, or even change the type of rice. Spice it up with jalapeños or use a different soup variety for unique flavors.
Cheesy CrockPot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken, diced Ensure chicken is diced into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- 1 cup rice (white or brown) Choose rice based on preference; brown rice requires longer cooking time.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup Can be substituted with cream of mushroom or homemade sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth Adjust for creaminess when reheating leftovers.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar) Feel free to mix different cheeses for unique flavor.
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Adjust to taste.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season to your preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare your slow cooker; a 6-quart size works well for this recipe.
- Layer 2 cups of diced chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of uncooked rice over the chicken.
- In a bowl, mix 1 can of cream of chicken soup with 1 cup of chicken broth.
- Pour the soup and broth mixture over the chicken and rice.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Cooking
- Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheese.
- Once cooking is complete, stir everything together and serve warm.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!