The Best Slow Cooker Rice and Chicken – Effortless, Flavorful, Family-Friendly

Slow cooker rice is more than a recipe—it’s a comforting, one-pot meal inspired by my real-life kitchen experiences. As the creator behind Yumi Meals, I believe in simple, nourishing dishes that bring families together. This creamy chicken and rice Crockpot recipe, packed with veggies and flavor, reflects my journey from childhood cooking memories to easy weeknight meals. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and perfect for busy days—exactly what a slow cooker recipe should be.

What Is Slow Cooker Rice and Why It’s a Game-Changer

What is slow cooker rice?

Slow cooker rice is exactly what it sounds like—rice that’s gently cooked in a slow cooker (Crockpot) alongside other ingredients like chicken, broth, veggies, and seasonings. Unlike traditional stovetop or rice cooker methods, slow cooking rice allows the grains to absorb flavors slowly, resulting in an ultra-creamy, savory finish. It’s often combined with proteins like chicken or turkey and rich ingredients like cheese and cream to form a complete meal.

Instead of cooking the rice separately, everything comes together in the same pot. You get a flavorful, hearty dish that’s cooked low and slow—perfect for busy days or meal prepping.

How slow cooking transforms simple rice dishes

The beauty of slow cooker rice lies in its transformation. Here’s how:

• Flavor Absorption: Rice soaks up all the seasoning, garlic, broth, and veggie essence as it simmers.
• Creamier Texture: Thanks to the long cook time and low heat, rice turns out creamy and tender without being mushy (if done right).
• Minimal Cleanup: One pot, zero fuss. No separate pots for rice, chicken, or sauces.

The Best Slow Cooker Rice and Chicken – Effortless, Flavorful, Family-Friendly

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• Author: Yumi
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
• Yield: 4
• Category: Slowcooker
• Cuisine: American

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Description

slow cooker rice and Chicken features bites of tender chicken breasts, a medley of veggies, a creamy, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked white rice. It’s an easy dinner recipe that the whole family loves!

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Ingredients

▢1½ cups long grain white rice

▢3 cups low sodium chicken broth

▢2 large carrots (peeled and finely diced)

▢¼ cup onion (finely diced)

▢½ cup roasted red peppers (store-bought, chopped)

▢2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

▢2 cloves garlic (minced)

▢1 teaspoon salt

▢¼ teaspoon black pepper

▢2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

▢⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

▢1 cup frozen peas

▢½ cup half and half

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Instructions

Lightly grease 4-5 quart slow cooker. Rinse rice well and drain completely.

In the slow cooker, stir together the rice, broth, carrots, onion, red peppers, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper.

Add chicken breasts(whole), cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours (if your slow cooker cooks on the hot side, check it sooner, if it cooks on the low side, it may take longer. They are all different!)

Remove chicken and test the rice. If rice is not yet al dente, add a splash of broth if it has all absorbed, cover and continue cooking, checking every 15-20 minutes.

Remove chicken and place on a cutting board. Chop or shred chicken and set aside.

When the rice is cooked, stir in the chopped chicken, cheese, peas, and half and half.

Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

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Notes

I have updated this recipe to use long grain rice as it is our preference now. You can see the old recipe here, which uses instant brown rice.

Ingredients and Substitutions:

Vegetables: this is an easy recipe to swap in the vegetables you have and enjoy, so feel free to clean out the fridge! Firmer vegetables get added at the beginning of the cook time, and softer or frozen vegetables get added at the end.

Chicken breasts: I prefer to cook these whole in the slow cooker as they don’t dry out as quickly. You can chop them first and add raw, chopped chicken to the rice and it will easily cook with the rest of the ingredients, or you can use pre-cooked Crockpot Shredded Chicken or chopped leftover Air Fryer Chicken Breast and stir it in with the cheese and cream.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 317cal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 754mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0.01g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 36mg

Don’t miss our Chicken Breast and Vegetable Slow Cooker Recipes for more ideas on combining grains and proteins for dinner success.

Incorporating slow cooking into your rice recipes not only saves time but also delivers comfort food that’s loaded with nutrients and flavor in every spoonful.

Ingredients You Need for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Creating a satisfying slow cooker rice meal doesn’t require an endless list of items or complicated techniques. In fact, the charm of this recipe lies in how a handful of simple ingredients blend seamlessly in the Crockpot to become something warm, creamy, and totally comforting.

Here’s a closer look at the essentials you’ll need to get it right—whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd.

Main components: Rice, Chicken, Broth & Cream

We begin with the foundational ingredients—those that bring structure, flavor, and heart to the meal:

• Long Grain White Rice: This rice cooks steadily and maintains its texture, making it ideal for slow cooking. Skip the brown rice here—it requires additional time and moisture that could throw off the balance.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Keeping them whole helps preserve moisture and makes shredding easier once cooked. Alternatively, rotisserie chicken or previously cooked and chopped chicken also work perfectly.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Not only does it season the dish from within, but it also keeps the rice soft and flavorful as it slowly absorbs the liquid.
• Half and Half or Heavy Cream: Both bring a rich, velvety texture and enhance the dish with creamy depth. If you prefer something lighter, a lower-fat option can be used, though your sauce will be slightly thinner.
• Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated parmesan—it melts evenly and infuses the dish with sharp, savory richness.

These five ingredients lay the groundwork for a hearty slow cooker chicken and rice meal that’s both filling and family-friendly.

Fresh veggies and flavorful seasoning options

Now let’s add the color and nutrition—the ingredients that elevate this from a side dish to a full, balanced dinner:

• Carrots: Diced small so they cook faster and add a touch of sweetness to the mix.
• Roasted Red Peppers: These can be store-bought or made at home. They offer a gentle smoky flavor and bright color.
• Frozen Peas: Stirred in at the end, they add texture and freshness to balance the creamy base.
• Onion & Garlic: The aromatics that form the backbone of flavor—finely chop the onion to ensure it softens properly during cooking.
• Italian Seasoning: A classic herb blend that complements chicken beautifully.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Don’t skip seasoning! Even with broth, a little extra salt and pepper brings everything together.

Looking for inspiration? Try Slow Cook in Rice Cooker for tips on adapting stovetop rice dishes to your Crockpot.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll need:

This streamlined, flavorful list guarantees a rich and satisfying slow cooker rice recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Check out Slow Cooker Mac N Cheese with Velveeta for another creamy, cozy dish that comes together easily in the Crockpot.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a recipe that practically cooks itself—and that’s exactly what you get with this slow cooker rice. It’s creamy, hearty, and loaded with wholesome ingredients, making it the perfect set-it-and-forget-it dinner. When life feels overwhelming—between work, family, and daily demands—this slow cooker dish offers a simple, stress-free solution.

Here’s how to make it perfectly every single time.

Initial prep: rinsing rice, chopping veggies

Start with the basics. To get the texture just right, rinse your rice under cold water to wash off any extra starch. This helps the grains stay light and fluffy during the slow cooking process and keeps your slow cooker rice from turning sticky or heavy.

Next, chop your veggies into small, uniform pieces. Carrots, onions, and roasted red peppers all cook at slightly different rates, so dicing them evenly ensures everything turns out tender and flavorful without overcooking.

Make sure to prep all ingredients before you start layering. A little organization goes a long way in making this slow cooker rice dish come together smoothly.

Cooking stages: layering, timing, and mixing

Now it’s time to load up your Crockpot.

• Begin with the rice and veggies: Add your rinsed long grain white rice directly to the bottom of a greased slow cooker. First, add the carrots and onions. Then mix in the roasted red peppers, garlic, and Italian herbs.
• Pour in the broth: Add enough low-sodium chicken broth to fully immerse the rice and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to build a flavorful base.
• Place chicken on top: Nestle your boneless chicken breasts on top of the mixture, allowing them to slow cook right along with everything else. This keeps them juicy and makes shredding easy later.
• Let it cook: Set your Crockpot to high and allow everything to cook for a few hours, checking the rice occasionally after the two-hour mark. Depending on your slow cooker’s heat, the timing might vary slightly.
• Shred and return the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
• Add the final creamy touches: Stir in freshly shredded parmesan cheese, frozen peas, and half and half or cream. Let it simmer on low for another few minutes so everything blends into a rich, creamy texture.

What you’ll end up with is a comforting, well-balanced slow cooker rice dish that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying.

Check out High Protein Slow Cooker Recipes if you’d like to pair this meal with other filling Crockpot options.

🥄 Cooking Tip:

If the rice looks dry before it’s fully tender, don’t hesitate to splash in a bit more broth and extend the cook time in 15-minute intervals. Every slow cooker runs a little differently.

With just a few simple steps, this slow cooker rice will quickly become one of your go-to meals. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and makes enough to feed the whole family—with plenty of leftovers for later.

Expert Tips to Get Perfect Slow Cooker Rice Every Time

Cooking slow cooker rice may sound foolproof, but getting that perfect, fluffy texture takes more than just tossing everything in the Crockpot. Whether your rice tends to get mushy, undercooked, or just doesn’t turn out quite right, these tips will help you master the art of making truly delicious slow cooker rice every single time.

These expert techniques come straight from my own kitchen, after years of testing and tweaking Crockpot meals to perfection.

Avoiding mushy rice: what to know

The biggest complaint people have with slow cooker rice? It turns out too soft or gummy. Luckily, with just a few easy changes, you can fix that for good.

Here’s how to prevent mushy slow cooker rice and get great texture every time:

• Always rinse the rice: This is non-negotiable. Rinsing removes extra starch that leads to clumping and soggy texture. Clear water = clean rice = better results.
• Stick with long grain rice: This variety holds up better in a slow cooker. Short-grain or instant rice cooks too fast and often breaks apart in slow cooker rice recipes.
• Control your liquid: The more broth you add, the more risk you run of rice becoming overly soft. Add only enough liquid to lightly moisten the mixture—avoid overdoing it.
• Time it right: Every slow cooker runs a bit differently. Some cook hot, others more gently. Start checking your slow cooker rice around the 2-hour mark to avoid overcooking.

By staying on top of these simple adjustments, you’ll transform your slow cooker rice from hit-or-miss to reliable and delicious.

Best rice types and cooking duration advice

The kind of rice you choose has a huge impact on how well your slow cooker rice turns out. Some varieties simply work better than others in a low-and-slow environment.

• Long grain white rice is your best friend: It cooks at just the right pace and holds its shape in a slow cooker. It’s the go-to choice for balanced, fluffy slow cooker rice.
• Avoid quick-cook or brown rice: These varieties either cook too fast or too slow, messing with the timing and potentially overcooking everything else in your Crockpot.
• Timing is everything: Keep your cooker on high, and check your rice early. Around 2 hours in, test a spoonful. If it’s still firm, continue in short intervals until done.

Discover great ideas like Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas to expand your collection of flavorful, slow-cooked meals.

✔️ Quick Recap for Perfect Slow Cooker Rice:

With these techniques, your slow cooker rice will come out creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time. Once you get the timing and ingredients dialed in, you’ll wonder why you ever made rice any other way.

Delicious Slow Cooker Rice Twists to Suit Any Craving

One of the reasons I keep coming back to slow cooker rice is how versatile it is. You start with a simple base—rice, broth, and chicken—and from there, the possibilities are endless. This dish is more than just a recipe—it’s a flexible foundation you can build on. Once you’ve tried it once, you can build dozens of versions by swapping ingredients, playing with seasonings, or tailoring it to your dietary preferences.

Below, I’ll share some of my favorite customizations to turn your go-to slow cooker rice into something brand-new.

Try new proteins and grains for exciting variations

While chicken breast is a classic, it’s far from your only option. Your Crockpot is more flexible than you think, and slow cooker rice welcomes a wide range of protein and grain combinations that keep things interesting.

Let’s explore a few:

• Boneless chicken thighs: Richer in flavor than breasts and very forgiving in slow cooking.
• Turkey or beef: Ground meats should be browned first, but they add a hearty, meaty boost.
• Leftover meats: Have cooked pork chops or shredded chicken in the fridge? Mix them in at the end—they’ll heat up beautifully in the hot rice.
• Seafood: Shrimp or sliced smoked sausage can take this dish in a new direction. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Meat-free options: Tofu, black beans, or white beans add plant-based protein that pairs perfectly with rice and creamy sauce.

And if you’re up for something new:

• Quinoa or bulgur can replace rice—just tweak the liquid amounts slightly.
• Riced vegetables like cauliflower make a lighter, low-carb option—best stirred in once cooking is complete to avoid mushiness.

Reinvent the flavor with vegetables, spices, and sauces

Once you’re comfortable with the basic method, have fun by reinventing the flavor profile of your slow cooker rice. Adding different vegetables and seasoning blends can completely transform the dish without adding much effort.

Here are a few ways to upgrade it:

• Seasonal vegetables: Add chopped asparagus in spring, corn in summer, or sweet potatoes in fall.
• Global seasoning blends: Use Moroccan ras el hanout, Cajun spice rubs, or curry powders to give your rice an international twist.
• Cheese swap: Parmesan is great, but so is sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or creamy goat cheese.
• Cream alternatives: Use cashew cream or canned coconut milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan-friendly base.
• Fresh herbs: Stir in chopped basil, dill, or cilantro just before serving to brighten up the flavor.

Want a spicy version of slow cooker rice? Add in a finely chopped jalapeño, a dash of cayenne pepper, or smoky chipotle for a kick that cuts through the creaminess.

Check out Chicken Breast and Vegetable Slow Cooker Recipes for more ways to pair proteins and veggies for your Crockpot creations.

🍽️ Inspiring Combos for Every Palate

What makes slow cooker rice so magical is that it’s endlessly customizable. You can tailor it to the season, your cravings, or just what you need to use up in the fridge. With this kind of flexibility, you’ll never get bored—and neither will your family.

Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

One of the best things about making slow cooker rice—besides how easy it is—is the fact that it stores incredibly well. Whether you’re planning leftovers for tomorrow or freezing a batch for later, knowing how to handle your cooked rice and chicken properly is key to keeping flavor and texture intact.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about storing, reheating, and freezing your favorite slow cooker rice recipes.

Proper storage and shelf-life tips

Once your slow cooker rice has cooled down, transfer it into airtight containers for storage. Letting the food sit in the slow cooker too long after it’s done cooking can cause over-softening, so move it promptly.

Here are the storage basics:

• Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, use a shallow container to speed up cooling and preserve freshness.
• Label your leftovers: Add the date to the container so you’ll always know when it was prepared.
• Avoid storing in the insert pot: While tempting, leaving rice in the slow cooker base can cause bacterial growth if it cools too slowly.

How to reheat and freeze without losing texture

Slow cooker rice reheats well—but only if you do it the right way. Here’s how to keep it creamy and flavorful:

Reheating:

• Microwave method: Before reheating, stir in a splash of chicken broth, cream, or water to keep it moist and flavorful. Cover loosely and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat and moisture evenly.
• Stovetop method: Place your rice in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat with a little liquid. Stir gently as it warms.

Pro Tip: Avoid reheating rice more than once. Only reheat the portion you plan to eat to preserve both safety and quality.

Freezing:

Yes, you can freeze slow cooker rice! Just follow these tips:

• Cool it completely before transferring it into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Portion it out: Divide into single servings to make thawing and reheating easier.
• Freeze for up to 3 months: Longer than that, and you risk texture loss or freezer burn.

To thaw, move it to the fridge the night before. Then reheat using the methods above for a meal that tastes freshly cooked.

Looking for inspiration? Try Slow Cooker Mac N Cheese with Velveeta for another creamy make-ahead dish that stores beautifully.

🧊 Quick Storage Chart for Slow Cooker Rice

When stored the right way, your slow cooker rice becomes more than just dinner—it’s a prep-ahead solution for busy days, last-minute lunches, and stress-free meal planning.

Serving Ideas for Slow Cooker Rice Recipes

After preparing a warm, hearty pot of slow cooker rice, the next question is: what should you serve with it? While this creamy chicken and rice dish can absolutely stand alone, pairing it with the right sides can elevate it into a full, balanced meal or make it shine at the dinner table.

Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, here are some simple and satisfying serving suggestions that work beautifully with slow cooker rice.

What to serve with chicken and rice meals

This type of recipe is already a one-pot wonder—protein, veggies, and grains all in one. But if you want to stretch it further or balance the plate a little more, these ideas will round things out nicely:

• Simple green salads: A fresh spinach or arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds brightness to contrast the richness of your slow cooker rice.
• Roasted vegetables: Oven-baked asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or roasted carrots add caramelized flavor and a satisfying crunch.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls: Ideal for scooping up the creamy rice and cheese—plus, who doesn’t love a little extra bread?
• Steamed broccoli or green beans: Quick, healthy, and easy. These classic sides are kid-friendly and loaded with fiber.

Side dish pairings that boost nutrition

Want to pack even more nutrients into your meal? Here are a few ideas that add texture, color, and vitamins without complicating your prep:

• Cheesy Baked Asparagus: A great low-carb side that pairs well with the creamy consistency of slow cooker rice.
• Sautéed kale or spinach: Leafy greens provide iron, fiber, and balance out the richness of the rice.
• Cucumber tomato salad: A crisp, cool option with acidity to cut through creamy textures.

Discover great ideas like High Protein Slow Cooker Recipes if you’re looking to boost your menu with meals that are filling and fuel-packed.

🧂 Suggested Pairings for a Full Plate

You don’t need much to turn your slow cooker rice into a complete meal—but with the right side dishes, you’ll turn an easy dinner into something truly memorable. Whether you go fresh and crisp or roasted and savory, these pairings ensure every bite is well-balanced and satisfying.

Final Thoughts – Why Slow Cooker Rice Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Menu

When life feels busy and the last thing you want to think about is what’s for dinner, slow cooker rice is the kind of meal that comes through—every single time. It’s comforting, hands-off, and packed with flavor, making it a dependable favorite in any household.

This dish goes beyond just being convenient. It combines tender, juicy chicken, creamy rice infused with parmesan, and vibrant veggies to create a hearty, homemade-style meal. It’s comfort food at its finest—like a warm hug on a plate, ideal for busy nights or when you crave something nourishing with minimal effort.

The real win? Everything happens in one pot. No juggling pans or extra cleanup. Just load up your Crockpot, set the timer, and let your kitchen fill with the savory scent of dinner slowly coming to life. When it’s ready, all you need is a fork and a bowl.

Slow cooker rice also offers flexibility that fits any lifestyle. You can change up the protein, mix in different veggies, or tweak the flavors to match your mood. And when it comes to leftovers, it stores and reheats beautifully—ideal for lunches, quick dinners, or meal prep.

For families, it’s a time-saver. For solo cooks, it’s a batch-cook dream. For anyone craving simplicity with flavor, it’s a go-to solution.

If you’re looking to build your own lineup of no-fail, comfort meals, this recipe is where to start.

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Don’t miss our Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas for another crave-worthy recipe that keeps weeknights easy and flavorful.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Rice

If you’re new to slow cooker rice, you probably have a few questions—and you’re not alone. Below, I’ve answered some of the most common queries that pop up when people search for slow-cooked rice meals, especially ones involving chicken, veggies, and creamy sauces.

These answers will help you troubleshoot, optimize, and feel more confident cooking with your Crockpot.

Yumi

Welcome to Yumi Meals!
I’m Yumi, and this space is a heartfelt extension of my lifelong love for cooking. What began in my grandmother’s kitchen has become a journey of sharing soulful, approachable recipes that celebrate connection, tradition, and creativity. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, I hope Yumi Meals brings warmth and inspiration to your table.