This super easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice is a fuss-free dinner the kids will absolutely love! It’s all made in your slow cooker without any canned soup.

If you’ve been looking for a delicious chicken and rice crockpot recipe that you can make in just over two hours, you’ve just found it.

This has been my family’s favorite crockpot meal for ages, and it disappears quickly whenever I make it.

It’s quite a lifesaver on those busy nights when you have so much to do but you still want a comforting and nourishing meal. Bonus — it doesn’t have any canned soup!

All you have to do is throw most ingredients in the crockpot, cook for two hours and then stir in the rest and cook for 10 more minutes. It doesn’t get easier than that.

Why you’ll love this Crockpot chicken and rice

It has fluffy rice, juicy chicken and veggies for a comfy yet nutritious dinner.
The Crockpot does all the work, and you don’t need any extra pans.
It’s one of the quickest recipes you can cook in a Crockpot!

What goes into slow cooker chicken and rice

Onion — I like a standard yellow or white onion, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.

Carrot — Adds a touch of sweetness and some vibrant color.

Red bell pepper — Gives a bit of extra veggie goodness, but you could swap in green or orange if you prefer.

Garlic — Because what's a savory dish without garlic? Fresh is always best for flavor.

Italian seasoning — A classic flavor combo, but a Mexican or Cajun spice blend would be a fun twist.

Long-grain rice —Long-grain rice (or basmati) cooks very quickly and we love it in this recipe. If you’d like the rice to still have a bit of a bite, use instant brown rice instead.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs — These stay juicy in the crockpot, but chicken breasts work too if that's what you have.

Frozen peas — They add a pop of color and sweetness, no thawing needed!

Half and half — To make the rice dish a bit creamier

Parmesan — A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a lovely salty finish.

Pro tip

Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. For minimal dishes, use two forks to shred the chicken right inside the crockpot after it's cooked. This way, all those delicious juices get mixed back into the sauce.

How to make chicken and rice in Crockpot

This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.

Add the veggies, spices (Italian seasoning, salt, pepper), rice, chicken stock, and chicken thighs to your crockpot.

Crockpot Chicken and Rice making instructions

Set the crockpot to high for 2 hours. Then, shred the cooked chicken and return it to the pot.

Stir in peas, half and half, and Parmesan. Cook on high for 10 more minutes, then serve.

Substitutions and variations

Use whatever veggies you have on hand — mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or even broccoli are all great ideas.
Substitute the half and half with cream of mushroom soup for a richer sauce.
Use whatever kind of cheese you like — shredded cheddar, mozarella or Monterey Jack all work well.

Helpful tips

Brown the chicken for extra flavor. Before adding the chicken to the crockpot, take a few minutes to sear it in a pan with a bit of oil.
Check the rice near the end of the initial cooking time. If it's done and there's lots of liquid remaining, remove the chicken to shred and keep the rice warm separately to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Double the recipe and freeze individual portions for quick and easy lunches or dinners later on.

What to serve with this chicken and rice

Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for an extra hearty meal.
A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette is another great choice, especially if you want a light dinner.
Steamed broccoli, asparagus or green beans all pair nicely with this chicken and rice dish.

Leftovers and storage

Pop leftovers in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge – they'll keep well for up to 4 days.
Warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave until it's hot all the way through. Add a splash of broth or water if it looks a bit dry.
Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

More comfort dinner recipes

If you’ve tried this Crockpot chicken and rice recipe, please rate it and leave me a comment below! I’d love to hear how it turned out.

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Crockpot Chicken and Rice