Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful rice in a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe has been a family favorite for years. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that's both satisfying and simple to prepare. Whether you're coming home from a long day or planning a weekend meal, this recipe is sure to please.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy texture that comforts the soul
- Minimal prep time with maximum flavor
- Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd
- Versatile ingredients that you can customize
A Comforting Meal for Any Occasion
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is the perfect dish for those hectic weeknights when you want something comforting yet easy to prepare. This dish is not only simple to make, but it also fills your home with an irresistible aroma as it cooks. The slow cooker takes care of the hard work while you go about your day, allowing you to return to a warm, delicious meal ready to serve.
Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a gathering, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful rice, and creamy sauce makes it a hit for both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s easy to double the recipe if you need to feed a larger group, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Customizable Ingredients
One of the best features of this creamy chicken and rice dish is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or what your family loves. Consider adding different vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, or switch out the chicken for turkey or even a vegetarian protein. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this dish your own with each preparation.
If you prefer a bit of spice, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This recipe is adaptable, so don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors that suit your taste buds. With a few tweaks, you can create a new family favorite every time you make it.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This creamy chicken and rice dish is ideal for meal prepping. You can prepare a large batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. The flavors only get better as they meld together, making leftovers taste just as delightful as the first serving. Portion it out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals that are nutritious and satisfying.
Storing this dish is simple; just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to revive the creaminess.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, onion, garlic, peas and carrots, salt, pepper, and thyme. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
Finish with Cream
Stir in the heavy cream before serving, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice, consider serving it with a side salad or some crusty bread. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the dish, while bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. For a more substantial meal, pair it with roasted vegetables for a well-rounded dinner that’s sure to impress.
You can also top the dish with additional garnishes such as grated cheese, crispy bacon bits, or even sliced green onions for added flavor and texture. These simple touches can transform this comfort food into a gourmet experience.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping your Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice fresh and delicious. If you plan to store leftovers, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. This will help prevent moisture build-up and maintain the texture of the rice and chicken.
When stored correctly in the refrigerator, this dish can last for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in individual portions. Just make sure to label your containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little liquid if necessary.
Nutritional Information
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice offers a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins from the vegetables. Each serving provides a good amount of protein from the chicken, while the rice serves as a comforting source of energy. The addition of peas and carrots adds fiber and nutrients, making this dish not just delicious but also nourishing.
For those mindful of dietary restrictions, you can easily modify the recipe to fit your needs. Opt for brown rice for added fiber or use low-fat cream and a reduced-sodium broth to make it lighter without sacrificing flavor. This way, you can enjoy a wholesome meal that aligns with your dietary goals.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time and possibly add more liquid.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in the slow cooker the night before and cook it in the morning.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful rice in a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Created by: Keira Thompson
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken and Rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
In a mixing bowl, combine the rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, onion, garlic, peas and carrots, salt, pepper, and thyme. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
Stir in the heavy cream before serving, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 25g