Description
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice is a comforting, easy-to-make one-pot meal that combines tender chicken breasts, creamy rice, and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all cooked slowly to perfection with a savory mix of herbs and vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish delivers flavor and convenience in one slow cooker.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
Cheese and Seasonings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out evenly.
- Add the Rice: Pour the long-grain white rice evenly over the chicken breasts for even cooking.
- Mix Broth and Seasonings: In a separate bowl, combine the low-sodium chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended to create a flavorful cooking liquid.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Pour the broth and soup mixture evenly over the chicken and rice in the slow cooker to saturate all ingredients.
- Add Vegetables: Top with the frozen peas and carrots, distributing them evenly on top of the mixture.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, use two forks to shred the chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker for better texture and flavor integration.
- Add Cheeses and Butter: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and butter, mixing carefully until everything is melted and well combined.
- Final Cooking: Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 15-30 minutes to let all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the cheesy chicken and rice hot, garnished generously with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control salt levels but you can adjust seasoning at the end.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the broth quantity slightly.
- Feel free to substitute or add other frozen vegetables like corn or green beans.
- Shredding the chicken inside the slow cooker reduces cleanup and allows the flavors to blend better.
- For a dairy-free option, swap cheeses and butter with suitable plant-based alternatives.
