This Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can set it and forget it, and come home to a delicious, cheesy dinner. Let’s dive into the steps to make this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of milk
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps ensure even cooking and makes it easier to eat.
- Measure out your rice and chicken broth, and have your can of cream of chicken soup ready.
- Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot:
- In your crockpot, add the uncooked rice, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Pour in the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Stir these together to combine them with the rice.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir again to mix the seasonings evenly.
- Add the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Spread them out evenly so they cook properly.
- Cook:
- Set your crockpot to cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your crockpot, so start checking for doneness around the lower end of the cooking time range.
- Add the Cheese:
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and rice mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk with additional cheese if desired, and pour this cheesy mixture over the top.
- Finish Cooking:
- Cover the crockpot again and let it cook for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Once the cooking time is up, give everything a good stir to mix the melted cheese throughout the chicken and rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Step-by-Step Detailed Guide:
- Preparing the Chicken:
- Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. This size ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and is easy to eat.
- Setting Up the Crockpot:
- Place the crockpot on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Add the uncooked rice to the bottom of the crockpot, spreading it out evenly.
- Mixing the Broth and Soup:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken broth and the can of cream of chicken soup. Whisk them together until they are well blended.
- Pour this mixture over the rice in the crockpot, ensuring that the rice is fully submerged.
- Seasoning:
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the rice and broth mixture. Stir gently to incorporate the seasonings.
- Adding the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Spread them out evenly so that each piece has contact with the liquid.
- Cooking:
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The exact time will depend on your crockpot model and the size of the chicken pieces.
- Cheese Addition:
- About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and rice.
- In a small bowl, mix the milk with an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheese until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the top of the cheese layer in the crockpot.
- Finishing Up:
- Cover the crockpot again and continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Once done, turn off the crockpot and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serving:
- Stir the mixture gently to distribute the melted cheese throughout the chicken and rice.
- Spoon the cheesy chicken and rice onto plates or into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a touch of freshness and color.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend would work well in this recipe.
- Add Vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding vegetables like broccoli, peas, or bell peppers. Simply stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the mixture before cooking.
This Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The convenience of the crockpot means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other activities. Enjoy this hearty meal on a cozy evening with your loved ones.
