The Easiest Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe: Your Go-To for Delicious, Stress-Free Weeknight Dinners

Discover the ultimate in convenience and flavor with this incredibly easy slow cooker chicken and rice recipe. It’s the perfect, budget-friendly meal that promises a delicious, hearty dinner with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights!

Side shot of slow cooker chicken and rice sprinkled with herbs on a black plate. — Your whole family will enjoy this nutritional and delicious chicken and rice recipe!

👩🏻‍🍳 Why You’ll Love This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

In a world of complicated recipes and endless kitchen tasks, finding a meal that genuinely simplifies your life is a treasure. This slow cooker chicken and rice recipe is exactly that – an absolute gem for anyone seeking ease, flavor, and a satisfied family. It effortlessly ticks all the boxes for the ultimate “easiest meal” classification.

Imagine a dinner prep where you simply gather a few essential ingredients, combine them in your trusty crockpot, give it a quick stir, and then let your slow cooker work its magic all day long. That’s precisely what you get here. There’s no tedious chopping, no time-consuming pre-cooking of any components, and you’ll find yourself doing very little measuring. This recipe respects your precious time, making it an ideal choice for the busiest weekdays.

Beyond its incredible simplicity, this dish is a guaranteed family-pleaser. Even the most discerning palates, often those of our little ones, have given this recipe a resounding “TOTAL YUM!” It’s a wholesome, comforting meal that appeals to everyone. If you’re constantly on the lookout for easy, cheap chicken recipes that don’t compromise on taste, then this slow cooker chicken and rice is about to become your new household staple. It offers incredible value without sacrificing flavor or nutrition, making it a perfect partner to other budget-friendly options like our One Pot Chicken and Rice.

(Psst… for another chicken dish bursting with vibrant flavors that’s just as simple, don’t miss our Lemon Feta Cheese Chicken, complete with an optional Mediterranean salsa. It’s deliciously easy and provides a wonderful change of pace!)

🥘 Essential Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Delight

One of the many reasons this chicken and rice dish is so popular is its straightforward ingredient list. You don’t need a pantry full of exotic spices or a fridge stocked with rare produce. Just a few readily available items come together to create a truly magical meal.

Overhead shot of ingredients- chicken thighs, long grain and wild rice mix, milk, and cream of chicken soup. — With these four simple ingredients, this slow cooker chicken and rice recipe is a breeze to create!

Cream of Chicken Soup: This humble ingredient is the secret to the dish’s incredibly rich and creamy texture. It forms the savory base of our sauce, infusing every bite with delicious, comforting flavor. Opt for condensed soup for the best results, as it provides that classic creamy consistency.
Milk: Added alongside the soup, milk contributes to the luscious, creamy texture and helps to thin out the sauce to the perfect consistency. More importantly, it plays a crucial role in preventing the chicken from drying out during the long cooking process, ensuring tender, juicy results.
Long Grain and Wild Rice Mix (with Seasoning Packet): This is a game-changer for flavor and convenience. Using a pre-seasoned blend, especially one like Uncle Ben’s Original Recipe, means you don’t have to worry about adding a myriad of separate spices. The seasoning packet is integral, imparting a complex and satisfying taste to the entire dish. The combination of long grain and wild rice also offers a fantastic textural contrast.
Chicken Thighs: For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are highly recommended. Their higher fat content makes them exceptionally forgiving in the slow cooker, ensuring they remain wonderfully moist and tender even after hours of cooking. While you can substitute chicken breasts, keep in mind they tend to dry out more easily, so monitoring the cooking temperature is key.

These simple ingredients are all you need to create a wholesome, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that will quickly become a favorite in your cooking rotation.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Crockpot Meal

Preparing this slow cooker chicken and rice is as easy as 1-2-3! Forget about complex culinary techniques or long hours slaving over a hot stove. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss, perfect for even the busiest of home cooks. Just follow these simple steps, and let your slow cooker do the hard work.

Four panel collage of process shots- mixing together ingredients and combining them in the slow cooker. — With only four ingredients and four steps, this is the best chicken recipe you will find!

Combine the Creamy Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the condensed cream of chicken soup, the entire contents of the long grain and wild rice mix (including its crucial seasoning packet), and the milk.
Mix Thoroughly: Using a whisk or a spoon, mix all these ingredients together very well until a smooth, uniform sauce forms. Ensure there are no dry pockets of rice or seasoning. This creamy mixture is what will cook the rice and flavor the chicken.
Prepare the Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Depending on the size of your slow cooker and the amount of chicken, you may need to overlap them slightly. Don’t worry, they will cook down and tenderize beautifully.
Pour and Cover: Carefully pour the creamy rice mixture from the bowl evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is adequately covered by the sauce.
Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to the LOW setting and cook for approximately 6 hours. This slow, gentle cooking method ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors, resulting in a perfectly cooked, comforting meal.

Once cooked, gently stir everything together before serving. The rice will be fluffy, the chicken fall-apart tender, and the sauce wonderfully creamy. Enjoy!

👪 Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Got questions about making this super easy slow cooker chicken and rice? We’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common inquiries to help you master this delicious dish.

How do you know when chicken is fully cooked?

The safest and most accurate way to determine if chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. Once it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), your chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.

Do you have to brown chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?

While some recipes recommend browning chicken before adding it to the slow cooker to enhance flavor and appearance, it is absolutely not necessary for this recipe. If you’re aiming to minimize prep time and maximize ease, you can completely skip this step. I’ve tested it both ways, and I find it tastes just as delicious without the extra pan. The slow cooking process itself develops plenty of flavor.

How do I keep chicken from drying out in the crockpot?

Several factors help prevent dry chicken in a slow cooker. Firstly, choosing the right cut of chicken is key; chicken thighs, with their higher fat content, are much more forgiving and harder to dry out than leaner cuts like breasts. Secondly, ensuring there’s enough liquid (like the soup and milk in this recipe) creates a moist environment. Finally, avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature with a thermometer towards the end of the cooking time.

Is it OK to put raw chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to put raw chicken directly into the slow cooker. The slow cooker will reach temperatures hot enough to cook the chicken safely. The crucial step is always to verify that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) before serving to ensure all bacteria are destroyed.

How long does it take to cook chicken in the crockpot?

The cooking time for chicken in a crockpot typically ranges from 4 to 6 hours on the LOW setting, or 2 to 3 hours on the HIGH setting. However, this can vary based on your specific slow cooker model, the size and cut of the chicken, and how full your slow cooker is. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

Does a slow cooker get hot enough to kill bacteria?

Absolutely. Slow cookers operate at temperatures high enough to safely cook food and destroy harmful bacteria. The combination of sustained, low direct heat and the steam created within the tightly-covered container ensures that food remains in the safe temperature zone (above 140°F / 60°C) for most of the cooking period, effectively killing bacteria.

What is the temperature of a slow cooker set on low?

While temperatures can vary slightly between different slow cooker brands and models, the “low” setting typically maintains a temperature of approximately 200-225 degrees F (93-107 degrees C). This gentle heat allows for long, slow cooking, tenderizing ingredients beautifully.

Overhead shot of slow cooker chicken and rice sprinkled with herbs on a black plate with a fork and knife on the side. — Quick and simple, this slow cooker chicken and rice recipe is perfect for a busy weekday!

💭 Top Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Even though this recipe is incredibly simple, a few expert tips can elevate your slow cooker chicken and rice from great to absolutely extraordinary. Follow these pointers to ensure perfect results every time:

Prevent Overcooked Chicken: Chicken thighs are quite resilient, but if you’re using chicken breasts (which are leaner) or are simply cautious, start checking the internal temperature of the chicken around the 4-hour mark. Once it reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), you can carefully remove the chicken and set it aside. Then, return the lid and allow the rice to continue cooking until it’s perfectly tender. This ensures juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
Craft Your Own Wild Rice Seasoning: If you don’t have access to a seasoned long grain and wild rice mix like Uncle Ben’s, or you prefer to control the ingredients, you can easily create your own seasoning blend. Mix together: 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder, ½ teaspoon each of parsley flakes, ground cumin, and black pepper, ¼ teaspoon each of garlic powder, ground ginger, and onion powder, 1 teaspoon each of onion flakes and ground turmeric, and 1 ½ teaspoon of salt. Combine this with 1 ½ cups uncooked long grain white rice and ⅓ cup uncooked wild rice to make your own flavor-packed blend.
Scaling the Recipe for a Crowd: This recipe is incredibly adaptable! If you need to feed more people, you can easily double it. I’ve successfully made this dish with up to 10 pieces of chicken, and it turned out wonderfully. When doubling, consider adding an extra side dish like this refreshing Lemon Dill Rice to ensure there’s enough delicious rice to go around for everyone.
Storage and Reheating: Leftovers are fantastic! Store any remaining slow cooker chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave (adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry) or warm it gently in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
Garnish for Freshness: While the dish is delicious on its own, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving can add a lovely pop of color and a fresh herby note.

I absolutely adore easy, cheap chicken recipes like this one! They are a lifesaver during the week, saving me precious time without ever compromising my budget or the satisfaction of a wholesome, homemade meal.

📖 Delicious Variations to Customize Your Meal

One of the best things about this slow cooker chicken and rice recipe is its versatility. It serves as a fantastic base for customization, allowing you to adapt it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Get creative with these delicious variations:

Chicken Cut Options: While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the top recommendation for their moisture and tenderness in the slow cooker, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if that’s your preference. Just be mindful that chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out more easily, so keep an eye on the cooking time and temperature as suggested in our ‘Top Tips’.
Add More Vegetables: For an extra boost of nutrition and earthy flavor, consider stirring in some fresh sliced mushrooms or other quick-cooking vegetables. Broccoli florets, frozen peas, or chopped carrots can be added during the last hour of cooking to ensure they are tender but not mushy.
Spice It Up or Down: The beauty of making your own food is tailoring the flavors. If you decide to omit the pre-made Uncle Ben’s seasoning mix, you have a blank canvas! Season as you please with your favorite herbs and spices like paprika, thyme, or rosemary. For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder mixed into the sauce will add a delightful kick to this comforting dish.
Cheesy Goodness: For an extra layer of creamy decadence, stir in about half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of your favorite cheeses during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or sprinkle some on top just before serving. The warmth of the dish will melt it perfectly.

🥗 Complementary Side Dishes for Your Meal

This slow cooker chicken and rice is a complete meal on its own, packed with protein, carbs, and creamy goodness. However, pairing it with a simple vegetable side dish can round out the meal beautifully, adding freshness and extra nutrients. Here are some fantastic options that would complement the rich flavors of this dish:

Garlic Butter Microwave Broccoli

A unique microwave broccoli dish featuring a delicious butter sauce infused with the vibrant flavors of fresh red peppers and garlic, all combined with the delightful crunchiness of cashews! It’s super quick and packed with flavor.

Overhead shot of garlic butter broccoli in a blue bowl on a wooden surface

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic

Even picky eaters rejoice over these tender, flavorful roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic! Seriously, my kids not only happily ate them but asked for seconds – a true testament to their deliciousness.

Side shot of garlic roasted Brussel sprouts on a blue and grey plate on a wooden table.

Sautéed Sliced Zucchini with Walnuts

This quick and easy sliced zucchini side dish is elevated with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a satisfying crunch from toasted walnuts! It’s a simple yet elegant vegetable accompaniment.

Side shot of sauteed zucchini and walnuts with parmesan cheese on a white decorative plate with raw zucchini on a cutting board in the background.

🍗 More Delicious and Easy Chicken Recipes

If you love the simplicity and flavor of this slow cooker chicken and rice, you’re in for a treat! We have a host of other easy and budget-friendly chicken recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Explore these fantastic options to keep your meal rotation fresh and exciting:

Creamy Crockpot Chicken with Cayenne
Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes
Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Your Ultimate Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe Journey

We hope you’ve enjoyed exploring the simplicity and deliciousness of this Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe! It’s truly designed to make your life easier while delivering a meal that satisfies and delights. If you’ve tried this recipe and loved it, we would be absolutely thrilled to hear from you!

Please take a moment to give it a 5 star ⭐ rating below and leave a comment sharing your experience. Your feedback helps us continue to create and share recipes that you and your family will truly enjoy. And if you capture a photo of your magnificent creation, snap it and tag me on Instagram! You can find me at @DizzyBusyandHungry or use the hashtag #dizzybusyandhungry!

📋 Recipe Card

Side view of slow cooker chicken and wild rice on a black plate with a fork and knife on the side.

Easiest Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Recipe Author:
Kristin

It doesn’t get any easier than this, and yet this dish is a total family-pleaser!

4.9 from 76 votes

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Prep Time
5 minutes

Cook Time
6 hours

Servings
6

Ingredients

▢ 21.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (2 cans)
▢ ¾ cup milk
▢ 6 ounces long grain and wild rice with seasoning packet (I use Uncle Ben’s Original Recipe) (1 package)
▢ 1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or substitute chicken breasts)

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Instructions

Place all the ingredients except the chicken in a bowl.

21.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup,
¾ cup milk,
6 ounces long grain and wild rice with seasoning packet (I use Uncle Ben’s Original Recipe)
Mix well.
Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Overlap as needed.

1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Pour the mixture from the bowl over the chicken. Cover and cook on low about 6 hours.

Notes

If you are concerned about the chicken overcooking, check the temperature with a meat thermometer after about 4 hours and remove the chicken once it hits an internal temperature of 165 degrees. (This is more of a concern if you are using chicken breasts instead of thighs.) Then continue to cook the rice until it’s done.
For a little extra nutrition, add fresh sliced mushrooms.
No Uncle Ben’s? Make your own wild rice mix with seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
- ½ teaspoon each: parsley flakes, ground cumin, and black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon each: garlic powder, ground ginger, and onion powder
- 1 teaspoon each: onion flakes and ground turmeric
- 1 and ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 and ½ cup uncooked long grain white rice
- ⅓ cup uncooked wild rice
Cooking for a crew? I have made this with up to 10 chicken thighs and it worked out great. However I added another side dish to make up for the fact that there would be less of the rice mixture to go around.

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Nutrition

Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

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Update Notes: This post was originally published in April 2014, but was comprehensively updated with new tips, step-by-step photos, and a refined recipe in January 2021 to provide the best possible experience for our readers.

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