Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate Easy Family Dinner
Prepare for a new family favorite! This Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken and Rice casserole has earned a stellar 4.5 out of 5 biscuits from even the pickiest eaters in my home – a truly remarkable feat! With just 15 minutes of hands-on prep and a handful of everyday ingredients, your slow cooker takes the reins, transforming simple components into a rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal. This one-pot wonder is not only easy but also packed with comfort and taste, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends.
First Published: March 22, 2013… Last Updated: May 5, 2020
Table of Contents
- The Story Behind This Cheesy Chicken and Rice
- Why Use a Slow Cooker for This Recipe?
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Expert Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken and Rice
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Recipe Variations to Try
- Suggested Side Dishes
- Full Recipe Card
👩🏻🍳 The Story Behind This Cheesy Chicken and Rice
As any parent of a picky eater knows, discovering a dish they genuinely love is a moment of pure culinary triumph! This creamy, cheesy chicken and rice dish is one of those rare gems. It consistently earns rave reviews, especially from my most discerning family member, which instantly makes it a cherished recipe in our household. The joy of seeing them eagerly finish their plate is truly incomparable.
I’ve been perfecting this recipe over many years, and it has consistently been a go-to for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even larger celebrations. It’s always been a resounding hit, met with requests for second helpings and the recipe itself. While its exact origin has been lost to the sands of time and countless kitchen experiments, the core concept of a delicious, easy, and comforting chicken and rice dish has remained.
There’s something uniquely special about cooking this dish on a lazy weekend. The inviting aroma that gradually fills the house throughout the day is simply wonderful, building anticipation for a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, creating lasting memories around the dinner table.
If you’re looking for a slightly different take on this classic combination, or perhaps a quicker stovetop option, don’t forget to try my One Pot Chicken and Rice. It offers similar comfort in a fraction of the time. And for those who adore creamy chicken dishes, this Chicken Risotto Recipe is another fantastic one-pot option that’s incredibly rich and flavorful!
Why Use a Slow Cooker for This Recipe?
The slow cooker is truly the unsung hero of many kitchens, and for this Cheesy Chicken and Rice, it’s absolutely essential. Here’s why embracing your Crock Pot for this dish is a game-changer:
- **Hands-Off Cooking:** Once you’ve done the minimal 15 minutes of prep, you can simply “set it and forget it.” The slow cooker does all the work, freeing you up to tackle other tasks, spend time with family, or simply relax. It’s the ultimate convenience for a busy schedule.
- **Tender, Juicy Chicken:** The low and slow cooking method ensures that your chicken breasts or thighs remain incredibly tender and juicy, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the sauce and spices. No dry chicken here!
- **Perfectly Cooked Rice:** The rice cooks directly in the flavorful, cheesy sauce, resulting in a creamy texture and perfectly infused taste. It eliminates the need for a separate pot for rice, making cleanup a breeze.
- **Deep, Developed Flavors:** Long, slow cooking allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods. The cheese melts into a luxurious sauce, and the vegetables soften to perfection.
- **Warm and Welcoming Aroma:** As mentioned in the backstory, the scent of this dish cooking all day is pure comfort. It builds anticipation and creates a welcoming atmosphere, making dinner feel like a special occasion even on a regular Tuesday.
- **Ideal for Batch Cooking & Leftovers:** This recipe makes a generous amount, perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring you have delicious leftovers for lunches or another dinner later in the week. Slow cooker meals often taste even better the next day!
Embracing the slow cooker for this Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe isn’t just about ease; it’s about maximizing flavor and minimizing stress, delivering a truly satisfying meal with minimal effort.
🥘 Ingredients Needed
One of the beauties of this slow cooker cheesy chicken and rice recipe is its reliance on simple, accessible ingredients. You likely have many of these on hand already, making it an ideal choice for last-minute meal planning. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Chicken: Boneless and skinless chicken is best for this recipe. You can use either white meat (chicken breasts) for a leaner option or dark meat (chicken thighs) for extra juiciness and flavor. Whatever you have on hand works perfectly!
- Wild Rice Mix: I typically use Uncle Ben’s Original Recipe wild rice mix, but any similar boxed wild rice mix will work beautifully. These mixes often come with a seasoning packet, which adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Water: Essential for cooking the rice and creating the creamy sauce base.
- Condensed Cheddar Soup: This is a flavor powerhouse! It contributes significantly to the creamy texture and cheesy taste. I highly recommend keeping a can or two in your pantry for moments when you need a quick flavor boost or a shortcut to creaminess.
- Butter or Buttery Spread: Margarine or unsalted/salted butter will work to add richness and help everything combine smoothly. Melted butter disperses more evenly throughout the mixture.
- Onions: Chopped onions add aromatic depth. For ultimate convenience, I often use frozen chopped onions, which save time and tears. Fresh white or yellow onions are also fantastic. If you’re feeling adventurous, red onions can be used for a slightly sharper flavor.
- Broccoli Florets: These add a lovely touch of green, vitamins, and a mild earthy flavor. If broccoli isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with cauliflower florets or broccolini for a similar texture and nutritional boost.
- Velveeta Cheese: For that signature creamy, melty, and unmistakably “cheesy” texture, Velveeta is my top choice. Its shelf-stable nature also makes it a great pantry staple. If Velveeta isn’t available or preferred, a mild, creamy cheese like Colby or a mild cheddar will also work, though the final texture might be slightly different.
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step towards creating a truly memorable and fuss-free slow cooker meal that your whole family will adore.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
You won’t believe how incredibly simple it is to prepare this Cheesy Chicken and Rice in your slow cooker. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal fuss and maximum flavor payoff. Here’s how you bring it all together:
- Dice the Chicken: Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1-inch in size. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly within the slow cooker, preventing it from drying out while allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Slice the Cheese: If you’re using a block of Velveeta cheese, slice it into small chunks or cubes. This helps it melt more readily and distribute its creamy goodness throughout the dish as it cooks. If using shredded cheese, simply measure it out.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the diced chicken, wild rice mix (including any seasoning packets), water, condensed cheddar soup, melted butter or buttery spread, chopped onion, broccoli florets, and your prepared Velveeta or substitute cheese. Stir everything until it’s well incorporated and evenly mixed.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Transfer the entire mixture from the bowl into your slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 10 hours. The longer cooking time on low helps tenderize the chicken and allows the flavors to truly meld, resulting in a rich and comforting casserole.
Isn’t that absolutely fabulous? This is a truly fantastic “set-it-and-forget-it” meal to have in your culinary repertoire. For even greater convenience, you can complete all the prep steps—dicing the chicken, chopping onions, and combining all the ingredients—the day before. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and the next morning, simply pour it into your slow cooker. Dinner will practically make itself!
🌟 Expert Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken and Rice
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your slow cooker cheesy chicken and rice from great to truly unforgettable:
- Don’t Lift the Lid! This is the golden rule of slow cooking. Every time you open the lid, you release accumulated heat, adding at least 20-30 minutes to your cooking time. Resist the urge to peek until absolutely necessary!
- Browning the Chicken (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor, you can quickly sear the diced chicken in a skillet with a little olive oil before adding it to the slow cooker. This caramelizes the chicken, adding depth, but it’s completely optional and not required for a delicious result.
- Evenly Sized Pieces: When dicing your chicken, aim for pieces of similar size. This ensures everything cooks at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
- Seasoning Check: While the condensed soup and rice mix provide a good base, always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A pinch of salt, a crack of black pepper, or a dash of garlic powder can make a big difference.
- Pre-Melted Butter: Melting the butter or buttery spread before adding it to the mixture helps it distribute more evenly, ensuring richness throughout the dish.
- Fresh Herbs for Finish: For a burst of freshness and color, consider stirring in some fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving. It brightens the whole dish.
- Slow Cooker Liner: If you hate cleanup (who doesn’t?), use a slow cooker liner! It makes tidying up an absolute breeze, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the dread of scrubbing.
👪 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can absolutely start with frozen chicken. However, dicing it can be challenging when completely frozen. It will be much easier if you allow it to thaw at least partially. In fact, raw chicken, whether fresh or slightly frozen, is often easier to cut into uniform pieces when it’s very cold!
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, is a fantastic shortcut that will save you even more prep time. If you use pre-cooked chicken, you’ll need to reduce the cooking time significantly, typically to 3-4 hours on low, just long enough for the rice to cook through and the flavors to meld, as the chicken is already cooked.
Can this cheesy chicken and rice be cooked in the oven?
Definitely! If you prefer to bake this dish as a casserole, it adapts beautifully. Simply prepare the mixture of ingredients as outlined in the instructions above. Then follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Prepare a large casserole dish by lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the chicken and rice mixture evenly into the dish.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and bubbly and the rice is fully cooked.
Does this meal freeze well?
It absolutely does! This dish is a great candidate for meal prepping and freezing. Just allow the cooked cheesy chicken and rice to cool completely to room temperature. Store it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to three months. To reheat, thaw completely in the refrigerator first, then transfer to a microwave-safe dish or oven-safe casserole dish. Reheat gently until hot and bubbly throughout.
How can I stretch this meal even further?
Sometimes, to add extra bulk and a fresh pop of color, I’ll steam some additional broccoli florets at the last minute and stir them in right before serving. The broccoli that cooks in the crock pot all day tends to lose some of its vibrant green color, so adding fresh, steamed broccoli boosts both the visual appeal and the vegetable content. And, let’s be honest, adding more broccoli is always a healthy and delicious choice!
📖 Recipe Variations to Try
One of the best things about this cheesy chicken and rice recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Soup Swaps: Instead of condensed cheddar soup, try using cream of chicken, cream of celery, or cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile while maintaining that creamy consistency.
- Add a Southwestern Kick: For a hint of spice and a Southwestern flair, stir in a can of drained, chopped green chiles (mild or hot, depending on your preference) along with the other ingredients.
- Cheese Alternatives: If Velveeta isn’t your thing, a good quality Colby or sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, makes an excellent substitute. For a more sophisticated flavor, consider a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar.
- Vegetable Alternatives: While broccoli is great, you can easily swap it out for cauliflower florets, mixed frozen vegetables, or even a bag of spinach (stirred in during the last hour of cooking) for variety.
- Crunchy Topping: For added texture, consider sprinkling crushed cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or fried onions over the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking (if baking in the oven) or just before serving.
- Spicy Boost: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a subtle heat.
- Herbacious Twist: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a poultry seasoning blend for an extra layer of aromatic flavor.
🥗 Suggested Side Dishes
This slow cooker cheesy chicken and rice casserole is quite a complete meal on its own, packed with protein, grains, and vegetables. However, pairing it with a simple side can elevate the dining experience and add texture or freshness.
Because this meal is loaded with hearty components—tender chicken, satisfying rice, and nutritious broccoli—really all you need to round it out is a delicious piece of bread to soak up all that creamy, cheesy sauce!
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice! My Parmesan Garlic Bread or simple toasted sourdough with butter and garlic powder would be absolutely delicious and perfect for dipping.
- Pretzel Bites: For a fun and unique twist, serve alongside warm Pretzel Bites. Their soft, chewy texture and savory flavor would be a delightful contrast.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich casserole. Consider a straightforward mixed green salad with a vinaigrette. This great green salad or a fresh cucumber salad would add bright, fresh flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon juice offer a simple, healthy, and vibrant side.
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe
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Cheesy Chicken and Rice
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 12 ounces wild rice mix (I use Uncle Ben’s Original Recipe, includes seasoning packet)
- 2 ½ cups water
- 10 ounces condensed cheddar soup (1 can, for ultimate creaminess)
- ½ cup butter or buttery spread, melted
- 1 cup chopped onion (fresh white/yellow or frozen for convenience)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, substitute cauliflower if preferred)
- ½ pound Velveeta cheese (or substitute 8 ounces shredded Colby or mild cheddar)
Instructions
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Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized cubes (approximately 1-inch pieces).2 pounds chicken
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If using Velveeta, slice the cheese into small cubes to help it melt easily.½ pound Velveeta cheese
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In a large bowl, combine all the prepared ingredients: diced chicken, wild rice mix, water, condensed cheddar soup, melted butter, chopped onion, broccoli florets, and cheese. Stir well until everything is evenly incorporated.12 ounces wild rice mix, 2 ½ cups water, 10 ounces condensed cheddar soup, ½ cup butter or buttery spread, melted, 1 cup chopped onion, 2 cups broccoli florets
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Transfer the entire mixture to your slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6-10 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during cooking to maintain heat.
Notes
- Raw chicken is easiest to dice if it is very cold or even slightly frozen, allowing for cleaner cuts.
- I like to use frozen chopped onion for convenience; it’s inexpensive and saves a lot of time. However, fresh white or yellow onions work perfectly too.
- For another time-saving shortcut, consider buying pre-cut broccoli florets. They might be a little more expensive, but the convenience can be worth it on a busy day!
- If you prefer not to use Velveeta, you can substitute it with a mild, creamy cheese such as shredded Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a mild cheddar. The final dish might not be quite as incredibly creamy as with Velveeta, but it will still be very delicious!
- If you want some vibrant green broccoli in your finished dish, set aside about 1 cup of fresh broccoli florets before mixing all the other ingredients. Right before serving, quickly steam these extra florets until crisp-tender, then stir them into the hot casserole for an appealing pop of color and fresh texture.
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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.
Thanks so much for reading and cooking along with me! This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole has truly become a staple in my home, cherished for its ease, incredible flavor, and the sheer comfort it brings. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!
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Happy cooking, and enjoy your delightful slow cooker creation!
