Cook: 150 Common Questions
Can you cook raw chicken and rice in a crockpot at the same time?
The short answer: yes!
In this recipe, we’re cooking the chicken for a bit first before adding the rice to the slow cooker. However, you can add the rice and broth in at the same time as the chicken as long as the ingredients are layered correctly. Place the chicken at the bottom, then add the rice and broth on top.
Can you put uncooked rice in a crock pot?
Absolutely! Uncooked rice can cook to perfection in a crockpot. As long as the cooking time is correct and you have the right liquid ration, you’ll get perfectly fluffy rice every time!
As a busy mom of 3, there’s something so comforting about the simplicity of an easy slow cooker meal that will feed my entire family. That’s why I’ve been making this healthy Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe on repeat lately! This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it weeknight dinner.
There’s nothing like being able to add ingredients into a slow cooker and have dinner completely ready to go just a couple of hours later. It’s hands-off and perfect for busy families!
I’ve been making my healthier Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe for years, and I can honestly say I never get tired of it. It’s higher in protein, full of cheesy goodness, and so comforting! My kids always ask for seconds (or thirds), and the leftovers are just as delicious. And since the entire thing is made in a crock pot, clean up is a breeze!
RELATED: Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
WATCH: Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”4mnp5BfX” upload-date=”2020-10-19T08:00:00.000Z” name=”Crockpot Chicken and Rice” description=”The BEST Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe that’s perfect for dinner tonight! Lightened up, comforting, cheesy, and delicious. Not to mention incredibly easy to make! This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it weeknight dinner recipe!” player-type=”default” override-embed=”default”]Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:
Jasmine Rice with Red & Wild Rice – This Jasmine Rice with Red & Wild Rice blend from Mahatma® Rice has the perfect texture and flavor for crockpot recipes like this one! It’s hearty, chewy, lightly crunchy, and delicious. We’re also loving that this Mahatma® Rice is free of MSG and added preservatives!
Seasoning – Garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Feel free to sub any of these ingredients with fresh!
Chicken breasts – Or thighs, or drumsticks. Any type of chicken will work in this recipe!
Chicken broth – Another option would be to use vegetable broth.
Broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen. Either option works great!
Greek yogurt – Plain greek or whole milk yogurt add a creamy, delicious texture and flavor to this Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe. So yummy!
Shredded cheese – Feel free to add more (or less) cheese to taste!
How to Make Chicken and Rice in Crockpot
This recipe takes about 2 1/2 hours to make in the slow cooker on high. Here’s how to make the BEST healthy Crockpot Chicken and Rice in 4 easy steps:
1. Cook the chicken and seasoning on high for about 1 hour.
2. Add in the rice and broth, then cook for another 30 minutes.
3. Cut the chicken into cubes and add in the broccoli, yogurt, and 1/2 of the cheese. Cook for another 45 minutes.
4. Add in the remaining cheese and cook for another 15 minutes!
Healthy Chicken and Rice Crockpot Recipe Variations
- Extra Cheese
- Creamier: Replace the Greek yogurt with 1 cup cream cheese or sour cream.
- More Veggies: Add 1 cup of diced carrots or bell peppers.
- Protein Addition: Add 1 cup of cooked bacon bits or diced ham.
- Spice Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Rice Variation: Use brown rice or quinoa instead of Jasmine Rice. If you use quinoa, add it in a little bit later in the process, as it cooks faster than rice!
- Greens: Stir in 2 cups of freshly chopped spinach or kale at the end.
- Mushroom Mix: Add 2 cups of sliced mushrooms.
- Herb Twist: Replace dried oregano and parsley with 1 Tablespoon of fresh herbs.
- Garlic Lovers: Add 2 minced garlic cloves.
How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
This recipe can last for about a week in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container after it has cooled a bit!
Want to freeze this recipe? Simply let it sit in the refrigerator in an airtight container without the lid until it is completely cool (about an hour). Next, add the airtight lid and store in the freezer for up to 3 months!
Chicken and Rice Crockpot Recipe FAQs
More healthy slow cooker recipes
- Slow Cooker Skinny Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Veggie-Loaded Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
- Slow Cooker Pork Chops & Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos
More easy, healthy dinners you’ll love
- Easy Quinoa Chili
- Creamy Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet
- Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole
- Healthy Turkey Swedish Meatballs
Want more delicious, easy recipes delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter and get our FREE 25 Simple, Wholesome Recipes ebook!
Chicken and Rice in Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts (opens in a new tab) (about 2-3)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1 cup Jasmine Rice with Red & Wild Rice from Mahatma® Rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups frozen broccoli florets
- 3/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Set the crockpot on high for 1 hour.
- Add in the rice and broth.
- Cook on high for another 30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and cut into small cubes.
- Place the chicken back into the slow cooker and add in the broccoli, yogurt, and 1/2 of the cheese.
- Mix everything together and cook on high for another 45 minutes.
- Add in the remaining cheese, stir, and cook on high for another 15 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Watch Me Make This
Notes
- Feel free to use fresh herbs instead!
- Both frozen and fresh broccoli florets work great in this recipe.
- To store: This recipe can last for about a week in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container after it has cooled a bit.
- To freeze: Let it sit in the refrigerator in an airtight container without the lid until it is completely cool (about an hour). Next, add the airtight lid and store in the freezer for up to 3 months!
Nutrition
Did you make this? I’d love to see!
Tag me on socials at @JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab) or #JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab)
Can I use this without Greek yogurt?
I probably would not just omit it, since that’s a crucial part of the creamy flavor. However, you could substitute it with light sour cream or even light cream cheese!
This sounds super comforting! Love creamy cheesy sauces. Will have to try this replacing the chicken for vegetables 🙂
This was such an interesting combination of flavours and textures that work so well together for bowl that is healthy!
This is my kind of comfort food. Love that it comes together so easily! Need to try this.
How cheesy and delicious pot meal. So comforting. My kind of dish. I will be making this for dinner tonight