Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is an easy slow cooker dinner recipe made with tender chicken tenderloins, long grain rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese soup for a rich and creamy texture. This simple one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, and meal prep. The slow cooking process helps the chicken stay juicy while the rice absorbs all the savory flavors. A budget-friendly comfort food recipe, ideal for quick homemade meals, crockpot recipes, and easy dinner ideas that require minimal prep and deliver consistent results.

Ingredients

8 chicken tenderloins
½ tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning (adjust to taste)
3 cups chicken broth (or water)
½ sweet onion, finely diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10 oz) can cheddar cheese soup
½ cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
2–3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for browning)

Instructions

Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. Season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Sear the chicken in batches, browning both sides. Do not cook through—just develop color and flavor. Set aside.
Place the browned chicken into the bottom of a 5–6 quart slow cooker.
In a mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, and uncooked rice. Stir well.
Add cream of chicken soup and cheddar cheese soup. Mix until fully smooth and combined.
Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure the rice is spread out and not clumped together.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3½ to 5 hours, depending on your slow cooker.
Halfway through cooking, gently stir to ensure even rice cooking and liquid distribution.
If the rice is still firm and liquid is low, add about ½ cup water, stir gently, and continue cooking.
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and rice should be tender and creamy.
Optional: In the last 15 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover, and let it melt.
Garnish with dried parsley and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker chicken and rice dish is creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy to prepare. It combines tender chicken, cheesy flavor, and perfectly cooked rice in one pot, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners with minimal effort.

Tips

Brown the chicken first for extra flavor and better texture.
Stir gently during cooking to prevent rice from sticking or clumping.
Keep an eye on liquid levels—slow cookers vary in heat intensity.
Use long-grain rice for best results; avoid instant rice.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap chicken tenderloins with chicken breast cut into strips.
Replace cheddar soup with mushroom or broccoli cheese soup for a different flavor.
Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms for a complete one-pot meal.
Use brown rice, but increase cooking time and liquid as needed.

FAQs

Can I skip browning the chicken?
Yes, but browning adds extra flavor and improves the final texture.

Can I use instant rice?
It’s not recommended, as it may become too soft and mushy during slow cooking.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on HIGH for about 2–3 hours, but check frequently to avoid overcooking the rice.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 2–3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy chicken and rice with:

A fresh green salad
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Roasted vegetables for a balanced plate

Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family with minimal cleanup.