If you’re searching for the perfect comfort food that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this crock pot chicken and rice recipe will quickly become a family favorite. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together around the table for a warm, satisfying lunch. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melty cheese come together in the slow cooker for a dish that’s not only delicious but also simple enough for a busy day.
Many people love chicken and rice as a go-to meal because it’s versatile and budget-friendly. With this recipe, you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen—just toss everything into the crock pot and let it do the work. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or craving a cozy lunch after a long morning, this recipe checks every box.
Ingredients
To make this delicious chicken and rice recipe, you’ll need the following:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups uncooked brown rice (recommended for texture)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering your ingredients and prepping them. Dice the onion into small pieces, mince the garlic, and shred the cheese if you haven’t already. Using fresh garlic and onion adds a lot of depth to this recipe, but you can substitute with garlic powder and onion powder in a pinch.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot
Place the chicken breasts into your crock pot. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, diced onions, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and uncooked brown rice. Stir everything together so that the rice and seasonings are evenly mixed with the broth. The chicken will cook and release flavor into the mixture as it simmers.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on high for 3.5 to 4 hours. During this time, the rice will absorb the broth and become tender, while the chicken cooks through until it’s juicy and shreddable.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Once the cooking time is done and the rice is soft, shred the chicken using two forks directly in the crock pot. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until it melts into the rice, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chicken and rice hot, straight from the crock pot. This dish makes a comforting, filling lunch that pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice
- Use brown rice: White rice tends to overcook and become mushy in the crock pot. Brown rice holds its texture better.
- Add vegetables: Toss in frozen peas, carrots, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Switch up the soup: While cream of chicken soup works great, cream of mushroom soup gives it a deeper, earthy flavor.
- Cheese variations: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a twist.
- Chicken options: Substitute chicken thighs for richer flavor.
Variations
- Mexican-style chicken and rice: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and corn, then top with shredded pepper jack cheese.
- Broccoli chicken and rice: Stir in steamed broccoli when you add the cheese for a classic combo.
- Creamier version: Add a splash of heavy cream before serving for a richer texture.
Why This Recipe Works for Lunch
Lunch can sometimes feel tricky—you want something satisfying but not overly complicated. This chicken and rice recipe hits the sweet spot. It’s filling enough to fuel your afternoon, but because it’s cooked in the crock pot, it requires minimal effort. You can set it up in the morning and have a hot, homemade lunch ready by midday. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers make an easy next-day meal.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist. This makes it perfect for meal prep lunches throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This crock pot chicken and rice lunch recipe is comfort food at its finest. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and the magic of slow cooking, you’ll end up with a creamy, cheesy dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy. It’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again—not only because of how good it tastes, but because of how easy it makes lunchtime.
