Slow-Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe for Comforting Weeknight Dinners

This easy Crockpot chicken and rice is ideal for a cozy weeknight. Brown rice and tender chicken combine with peas and carrots, then everything is finished with melted mozzarella and cheddar for a family-friendly, comforting dinner.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice

This casserole-style slow-cooker meal is creamy, simple, and satisfying. It’s a versatile recipe that’s kid-approved, easy to prepare, and packed with protein to keep everyone full. The slow cooker delivers tender chicken and fluffy brown rice with minimal effort.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

• Kid friendly – No spicy or unfamiliar ingredients, just cheesy rice, mild chicken, and classic veggies that most kids enjoy.
• Budget friendly – Uses affordable staples like rice, chicken, and frozen vegetables. Buy in bulk when on sale for quick weeknight dinners.
• Meal prep friendly – Makes great leftovers and can be prepared 3–4 days ahead. Easy to reheat for lunches or to pack for meals on the go.

Ingredients

Below is a summary of the ingredients. Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card later in the page.

• Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep the dish lean; thighs or tenderloins work too.
• Brown rice and chicken broth – Brown rice cooks up fluffy in the slow cooker; broth adds flavor. Vegetable or store-bought broth is fine if you prefer.
• Yellow onion, jarred pimentos, and frozen peas and carrots – Use frozen or canned veggies for convenience.
• Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper – Simple seasonings keep the flavor familiar and kid-friendly.
• Whole milk, shredded cheddar, and shredded mozzarella – These make the dish creamy and cheesy. Freshly shredded cheese will melt best.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice in the Crock Pot

This recipe requires only a slow cooker. A model with a timer and warming setting is convenient if you’ll be out while it cooks. Follow the steps below for best results.

Cook

Add the cubed chicken, dry brown rice, chicken broth, diced onion, pimentos (undrained), and seasonings to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, then cook on low for 3–4 hours, or until the rice and chicken are fully cooked.

Stir in peas & carrots

When the rice and chicken are cooked, add the frozen peas and carrots and cook on low about 30 more minutes until the vegetables are heated through. Canned vegetables will warm more quickly.

Add in milk & cheeses

Stir in the milk, mozzarella, and cheddar. Mix until the warm rice and chicken melt the cheese and everything becomes creamy and combined. Serve hot.

What to serve with chicken and rice

This is a satisfying all-in-one meal, but you can garnish with chopped green onions, fresh herbs, cracked pepper, or a sprinkle of Parmesan. For extra vegetables and texture, serve with a crisp side like green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Need to stretch it further?

To feed more people, stir in air-fried frozen broccoli or top with crumbled cooked bacon for added bulk, flavor, and crunch.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. For meal prep, pack in individual containers for grab-and-go lunches.

To freeze, cool fully to avoid condensation, then portion into freezer bags or airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

Reheating Instructions

Microwave individual portions at 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, and add a teaspoon or two of water to keep the dish moist.

To reheat several portions, place in a covered oven-safe dish with 1–2 tablespoons of water or broth and warm at 350°F until heated through.

More Crock Pot Recipes

• Pork Sirloin Roast
• BBQ Chicken Tacos
• Sausage Tortellini Soup
• Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
• Easy Slow Cooker Taco Soup