Delicious Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Ah, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to meal on those busy days: Crock Pot Chicken and Rice. I remember the first time I made this comfort food slow cooker classic — my kitchen filled with that warm, inviting aroma of chicken simmering alongside tender rice. It was the kind of scent that made my whole house feel cozy and homey, almost like an edible hug. I’ve always believed that food should not only taste good but also bring people together, and this simple chicken rice dinner does just that.

You know how sometimes coming up with dinner feels like a mini panic attack? Well, Crock Pot Chicken and Rice swoops in and saves the day every time. I vividly recall the time I forgot to defrost chicken for a family gathering and had to improvise fast. That’s when this slow cooker chicken and rice recipe proved its magic—just toss everything into the Crock Pot, set the timer, and voilà, dinner is done without a single sweatdrop. Since then, it’s become a family favorite for easy crock pot recipes that I can count on when life gets hectic.

This recipe fits right into my philosophy of effortless meals packed with flavor that nourish the soul and satisfy my family’s appetites during busy school nights, weekends, or even casual get-togethers. It’s like the ultimate one pot chicken rice comfort food slow cooker dish that never disappoints. Whenever I crave a fuss-free yet hearty dinner, this Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is my reliable sidekick. I’d love for you to give it a try and make it your own family staple—it’s really that good! Oh, and if you want some inspiration from other easy crock pot recipes I love, check out my Cozy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe or a spicy twist with my Mexican Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl for more flavorful slow cooker ideas.

For this Crock Pot Chicken and Rice, here’s my tried-and-true ingredient list—simple, wholesome, and easy to find!

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (I prefer thighs for that juicy tenderness, but tender chicken breasts work too)
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine add a nice fragrant touch)
1 medium onion, diced finely
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (always better to cook rice in broth for extra flavor)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (adds subtle sweetness and color)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional: ½ cup cream or sour cream (for that creamy finish)

I’ve learned a few kitchen hacks over the years while perfecting this Crock Pot Chicken and Rice. For instance, buying chicken thighs in bulk and freezing portions makes weeknight meal prep a breeze. Also, frozen veggies like peas and carrots save me from chopping small pieces. You can grab most of these ingredients from any local supermarket or order them online if you’re pressed for time. Here’s a little Crock Pot Chicken and Rice trick I like: sauté the onion and garlic first in olive oil to unlock more flavor before adding everything to the Crock Pot—it really makes a difference.

If you’re keeping an eye on the budget, chicken thighs are usually more affordable than breasts and create a richer stew-like dish. Plus, leftover broth or shredded chicken from Costco is great for maximizing ingredients. When storing your leftover ingredients, keep rice dry and sealed tight to retain freshness, and place your broth in the back of the fridge — it lasts longer there. You can see more about ingredient tips in slow cooker chicken and rice recipes shared by other home cooks like in this easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice dinner post.

Ready to cozy up your kitchen with this simple chicken rice dinner? Here’s how I walk you through each step:

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken thighs for about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t skip this step, girl! It locks in flavor and adds a beautiful golden crust to your Crock Pot Chicken and Rice.

2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This step elevates the whole dish, and trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing.

3. Layer in the Crock Pot: Place the browned chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the rice evenly over the chicken. Add the sautéed onions and garlic on top.

4. Add the Flavor: Pour the chicken broth gently over the rice and chicken—this is the magic liquid that transforms the dish. Sprinkle thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly.

5. Final Touches: Toss in the frozen peas and carrots, spreading them lightly. If you want a creamy version, wait until the last 10 minutes to stir in some cream or sour cream.

6. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. In my kitchen, Crock Pot Chicken and Rice usually takes about 4 ½ hours on low for perfectly tender chicken and rice with all the flavors melding together. If you’re short on time, high works too but check earlier.

7. Check and Stir: Don’t worry if your Crock Pot Chicken and Rice seems a little soupy at first—that gets absorbed as it cooks. I learned the hard way that stirring too much can make the rice mushy, so I let it be and trust the process. Your Crock Pot Chicken and Rice should smell like a warm hug by now, with hints of garlic, thyme, and paprika.

8. While It Cooks: This is my favorite part—I usually sneak off to tidy up the kitchen, set the table, or even sneak a quick phone call with a girlfriend. The slow cooker does all the hard work so I can relax a little!

If you want to see a creamy twist on slow cooker chicken and rice soups, Lemons & Zest has a wonderful take here. And if you’re curious about tips for slow cooker rice dishes, this easy chicken and rice video breaks it down nicely.

Now for my favorite part — serving this delicious Crock Pot Chicken and Rice! My family absolutely loves it when I plate this hearty simple chicken rice dinner with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top for that pop of color and freshness.

Honestly, it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans for a bit of crunch and color contrast. On chilly nights, I also love to add a crusty loaf of bread beside the Crock Pot Chicken and Rice—perfect for mopping up every bite of the flavorful broth. When I’m feeling a little fancy, adding a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a quick garlic sautéed spinach takes it up a notch.

This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is perfect for weeknight dinners when I want to spend more time with the family than in the kitchen, but it also shines at casual Sunday dinners or potluck gatherings. Whenever I bring this dish along, friends always ask for the recipe—it’s that comfort food slow cooker hit.

Leftovers from Crock Pot Chicken and Rice? Oh, those are gold. I reheat them gently the next day and sometimes turn it into stuffed bell peppers for a fun twist or mix it with a little salsa for a quick burrito filling. In spring, I love swapping out peas and carrots for fresh asparagus tips and sweet corn for a seasonal update.

If you want some inspiration on how to serve similar crock pot chicken and rice dishes, check out my take on comforting chicken and stuffing here or the quicker Mexican street corn chicken rice here.

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Crock Pot Chicken and Rice?
Great question! Brown rice is a bit trickier because it usually takes longer to cook than white rice. I’ve tried it, but you need to add extra cooking time. I recommend cooking brown rice separately or using a slow cooker setting that allows for longer cooking. This is a common confusion with slow cooker chicken and rice recipes, but it’s worth experimenting.

Q2: What if I want to add more veggies?
I love adding extra veggies! Carrots and peas are staples, but you can toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or chopped zucchini about halfway through cooking. Just avoid watery veggies too early or the Crock Pot Chicken and Rice might become soupy.

Q3: How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
I’ve made the mistake of over-cooking the rice before! The trick is to use the right amount of liquid and cook on low heat rather than high. Also, don’t peek too often—that lets out heat and can mess with rice texture.

Q4: Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be mindful not to overfill your slow cooker. Cooking times may need to be adjusted as larger amounts take longer to heat through evenly. This is perfect when meal prepping.

Q5: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Totally! My picky eater loves it because the flavors are mild but tasty. You can always tweak the herbs to suit your family’s taste. This has become one of the best simple chicken rice dinners for my whole crew.

Q6: Can I substitute chicken breasts?
Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out faster, so check in earlier and consider cooking on high for less time. Dark meat like thighs really gives the best results in my slow cooker chicken and rice experience.

Q7: Do I need to soak the rice beforehand?
No need! Just add it right into the Crock Pot Chicken and Rice with the broth. It cooks perfectly all in one pot, which is part of the magic of this slow cooker meal.

If you want more Crock Pot Chicken and Rice tips and tricks from the community, this popular easy crockpot chicken and rice dinner post has tons of fun suggestions. Plus, for a punch of extra flavor, check out how to make authentic slow cooker chicken pozole verde here.

If I had to sum up why this Crock Pot Chicken and Rice holds such a special place in my heart, it’s the way it brings us all around the table without stress. It’s a comforting hug after busy days, a family-friendly meal that’s simple yet satisfying, and a canvas for me to add little tweaks to suit any mood or season.

My Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Pro Tips:
1. Always brown your chicken first to build flavor.
2. Use low heat for a slow, even cook that keeps rice tender.
3. Don’t be shy to add veggies midway for texture and nutrition.

Over the years, we’ve tried a creamy version with sour cream, a spicy twist with peppers and cajun seasoning, and even swapped the rice for wild rice for earthier notes. My kids love the creamy style, while my husband adores the spicy variant—there’s a version here for every taste!

I truly hope you find as much joy in making this Crock Pot Chicken and Rice as I do. Give it a whirl, tweak the herbs, swap veggies, and make it your own simple chicken rice dinner. It’s such a warm, nourishing dish to welcome home.

If you want to branch out, I know you’ll also love my rich Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing or the vibrant Mexican Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl recipes. Give them a try and keep those cozy dinner vibes going strong.

Thanks so much for cooking along with me today, friend. Here’s to many easy crock pot recipes that bring comfort and togetherness to your table!

If you want even more ideas on Crock Pot Chicken and Rice, check out these great resources:
Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe (& VIDEO!) – Easy Chicken and …
This Easy Dinner is So Good! Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Dinner
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup | Lemons & Zest