There's nothing more comforting than the aroma of Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice filling your home after a long day. This dish is the epitome of cozy, combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and savory spices for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare.

I discovered this recipe on a chilly autumn evening when I needed a hands-off dinner that would warm both body and soul. With minimal prep and a little patience, this slow cooker classic has become a staple in my household. Ready to discover your new go-to dinner? Let’s dive in.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
Get ready to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe! It's everything a busy home cook could ask for—simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
First off, this recipe is incredibly convenient. With just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker takes over, letting you focus on other things while dinner practically makes itself. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
This dish is also wonderfully budget-friendly. Using staples like chicken thighs, white rice, and a few pantry spices, you can feed a family of four without breaking the bank.
The flavors are a total crowd-pleaser. The chicken turns out perfectly tender and juicy, while the rice absorbs all the savory goodness from the seasonings and broth, creating a one-pot masterpiece that’s sure to have everyone coming back for seconds.
Finally, it’s a meal with endless versatility. You can switch up the veggies, experiment with seasonings, or even make it creamy with a touch of cheese. No matter how you tweak it, this dish delivers every time.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to make this meal shine.
- Chicken Thighs: These are the star of the dish! Their natural richness and tenderness make them ideal for slow cooking. Boneless, skinless thighs work best, but you can use bone-in if that’s what you have. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Rice: I recommend using long-grain white rice, as it cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors. Avoid instant rice, as it can become mushy. For a nuttier taste, try substituting with basmati or jasmine rice.
- Chicken Broth: This forms the flavorful base for the dish. Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level. If you don’t have broth on hand, water mixed with a bouillon cube works in a pinch.
- Seasonings: A combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme adds a savory depth to the dish. Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste.
- Vegetables: Diced carrots, celery, and peas add color and nutrients. These are classic, but you can easily swap in your family’s favorite veggies.
Finally, grab your trusty slow cooker and a few mixing bowls to get started. No fancy tools required—just simple, hearty ingredients and a little patience.
How To Make This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Making this Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Prep the Ingredients
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a touch of salt and pepper. Dice your vegetables and measure out the rice and broth so everything’s ready to go. - Layer in the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the diced carrots, celery, and any other vegetables you’re using. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the liquid fully covers the chicken and veggies. - Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. About 45 minutes before the cooking time ends, stir in the rice. This ensures the rice cooks to the perfect texture without overcooking. - Fluff and Serve
Once the rice is tender and the chicken is fall-apart juicy, use a fork to fluff the rice and mix everything together. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if you like.
Expect a hands-off total time of around 6-7 hours, but the delicious aroma will make every second worth it!
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice stores beautifully.
- Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
- Freeze: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion it into individual servings for an easy grab-and-reheat meal. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Whether reheating from the fridge or freezer, add a little liquid to prevent the rice from drying out. Microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring between each, until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Make It Creamy: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a handful of shredded cheese before serving for an indulgent twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat. You can also use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Switch the Protein: Substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even turkey. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Add More Veggies: Stir in spinach, broccoli florets, or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Go Whole Grain: Swap white rice for brown rice, but note that it will require more cooking time and liquid. Add it in earlier to ensure it cooks through.
Experiment and have fun—this recipe is versatile enough to handle almost any tweak you throw its way!
There you have it—an easy, flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With its comforting flavors, minimal effort, and endless possibilities, this dish is a true lifesaver for busy days. Give it a try, and let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the delicious results!
PrintSlow Cooker Chicken And Rice Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect one-pot meal, featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a medley of savory flavors. Easy to prepare, this comforting dish is ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on low) or 3 hours (on high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (or 3 hours 10 minutes)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional garnish)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add rice, chicken broth, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and rice is fully cooked.
- Remove chicken, shred or slice as desired, and return to the slow cooker. Mix everything well.
- Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For creamier rice, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
- Add other veggies like peas or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
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