Can I make CrockPot Chicken and Rice with frozen chicken?

It’s not recommended. The USDA advises thawing chicken first to prevent bacteria risks. Use thawed or pre-cooked chicken to stay safe.

What kind of rice works best in CrockPot Chicken and Rice?

Long-grain brown rice holds up best. Jasmine and wild rice work with tweaks. Avoid instant or minute rice—it turns mushy fast.

Can I leave it cooking all day on low?

Only if your slow cooker shuts off automatically. Otherwise, rice can get mushy and chicken may dry out after 6+ hours. High works better if you're home.

How do I make it without canned soup?

Use a homemade roux or stir in Greek yogurt and broth. It keeps CrockPot Chicken and Rice creamy without processed ingredients.

Can I make this dairy-free or gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use dairy-free yogurt and gluten-free broth or soup. CrockPot Chicken and Rice is easy to adapt for dietary needs.

Why is my rice always mushy or crunchy?

The usual culprits: unwashed rice, too much liquid, or slow cooker quirks. Rinse well, measure carefully, and cook on high for best texture.

Can I cut the recipe in half for two people?

Yes! Halve the ingredients and use a smaller (3–4 qt) CrockPot. Check doneness at 2.5 hours on high. Great for couples or solo prep.

Can you put raw rice in a slow cooker?

Yes—just make sure there’s enough liquid (2:1 ratio water to rice) and cook on high. CrockPot Chicken and Rice works perfectly this way.

How to keep rice from getting mushy in a CrockPot?

Rinse rice before cookingUse long-grain brown or wild riceAvoid overcooking and don’t stir mid-cookUse just enough broth to cover

Can you cook raw chicken and rice together in a slow cooker?

Yes! It’s safe as long as you cook on high and let both reach proper temps. Add broth to fully submerge ingredients for even cooking.

Can you cook raw chicken and rice at the same time?

Definitely. That’s the beauty of CrockPot Chicken and Rice. Just layer the raw rice on the bottom, add broth, then place chicken on top. Cook until chicken hits 165°F.

CrockPot Chicken And Rice That’s Creamy, Reliable & Comforting

Description

Creamy, comforting CrockPot Chicken and Rice made with brown rice, chicken breasts, veggies, and dairy-free or cheesy options.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
1 cup long-grain brown rice, rinsed well
2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced
1 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup or ½ cup plain Greek yogurt + 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for cheesy version)

Instructions

Prep the CrockPot: Spray your CrockPot with nonstick spray or brush with oil.
Add the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the pot.
Add Rice: Rinse the brown rice thoroughly and add it on top.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Add broth, onion, carrots, peas, and all seasonings.
Stir and Cover: Stir gently to combine, then cover with lid.
Cook: Cook on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until chicken reaches 165°F and rice is tender.
Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred with forks, then stir back in.
Add Creaminess: For creamy version, stir in Greek yogurt + Dijon (or canned soup) during the last 20 minutes.
Add Cheese: Add cheese now if using the cheesy route.
Rest and Serve: Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving to thicken.

Notes

Rinse rice well to avoid mushy texture.
Use long-grain brown rice—avoid short-grain or quick-cook varieties.
Dairy-free version: skip cheese and use dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Estimated nutrition based on standard ingredient values.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 360
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: CrockPot Chicken and Rice