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Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Recipe
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Chicken And Rice Slow Cooker Recipe

I still remember standing in my mother's kitchen on rainy afternoons, watching her transform simple ingredients into meals that made everyone sit a little longer at the table. She'd say, "Good food doesn't need to be complicated—it just needs to come from a place of love." That's exactly what this slow cooker chicken and rice recipe is. It's the kind of dish that does all the work while you live your life, and delivers the kind of comfort that fills more than just your stomach. Ready in under three hours with just one pot, this recipe has become my go-to on days when everything feels rushed. If you're looking for a baked chicken honey recipe alternative that requires zero fuss, this one belongs in your regular rotation.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 317kcal
Author Glennis Annis

Ingredients

  • 1½ cup long grain white rice basmati works beautifully and cooks evenly
  • 3 cup low sodium chicken broth homemade is wonderful, but store-bought saves time
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts fresh or thawed
  • 2 large carrots peeled and cut into small dice for even cooking
  • ¼ cup onion finely diced to distribute flavor throughout
  • ½ cup roasted red peppers store-bought saves you 20 minutes of prep
  • 1 cup frozen peas (no thawing needed
  • 2 clove garlic minced fresh, not from a jar if you have it
  • 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning dried works just fine here
  • ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese freshly grated melts more smoothly
  • ½ cup half and half or heavy cream for a richer version
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste at the end
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground tastes better

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker and Rice

  • Lightly coat the inside of your 4 to 5-quart slow cooker with a bit of cooking spray or butter. While that's done, place your rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water for about 30 seconds, swirling gently with your fingers. This removes excess starch and keeps the rice from becoming gummy. Drain completely and set aside.
    Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Recipe step 1

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

  • Into your prepared slow cooker, add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, diced carrots, chopped onion, roasted red peppers, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a gentle stir with a wooden spoon, making sure the rice is distributed evenly throughout the liquid. This step takes about two minutes and ensures even cooking.
    Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Recipe step 2

Step 3: Add the Chicken

  • Place both chicken breasts directly on top of the rice mixture—you don't need to bury them. Sprinkle with your salt and pepper. The chicken will cook perfectly sitting right on the surface, and this positioning makes it easier to remove later. Cover and cook on high for 1½ to 2½ hours.
    Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Recipe step 3

Step 4: Check and Test for Doneness

  • At the 1½ hour mark, carefully lift the slow cooker lid and check the rice texture. Here's what I've learned from years of slow cooking: every slow cooker heats differently. If yours runs hot, you might be done at 1½ hours. If it cooks slower, give it the full 2½ hours. The rice should be tender but not mushy, and the chicken should reach 165°F on a meat thermometer. If the rice still seems a bit firm and has absorbed most of the liquid, add a splash of broth, cover again, and check every 15 to 20 minutes.
    Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Recipe step 4

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

  • Once the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, remove both chicken breasts to a clean cutting board. Let them cool for just one minute, then either chop them into bite-sized pieces or shred them with two forks. Both work beautifully here—it's just about your preference.
    Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Recipe step 5

Step 6: Finish with Creaminess and Cheese

  • Return the chopped chicken to the slow cooker, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, frozen peas, and half and half. Give everything a good stir to combine, cover, and let it warm through for just 3 to 5 minutes. Taste a spoonful, and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. This final step is where the magic happens—the cheese melts, the peas become tender, and everything becomes creamy and cohesive.
    Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Recipe step 6

Notes

- Prep your vegetables the night before and save 10 minutes tomorrow - dice your carrots, onion, and garlic, and store them together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In the morning, it's just rice, broth, vegetables, and spices into the slow cooker
- Freeze half for a second dinner and have a backup plan - this recipe makes about 6 servings, so you can freeze half in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth