Description
This Best Crockpot Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chunks of chicken simmer in a creamy blend of chicken soup, broth, and spices, combined with instant rice and melted cheddar cheese. Cooked low and slow in the crockpot, this casserole delivers a flavorful, cheesy, and hearty dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1.75 lb chicken, cut into 1-inch chunks
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Liquids and Soup
- 21 oz cream of chicken soup (Campbell’s recommended)
- 1¼ cups chicken broth
Grains and Cheese
- 2 cups instant rice (Minute Rice preferred)
- 1.75 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch chunks, ensuring the pieces are uniform for even cooking. Season the chicken with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to build the base flavors of the dish.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Stir together until smooth to create a creamy sauce that will cook the rice and chicken perfectly in the crockpot.
- Assemble in Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken chunks in the crockpot. Pour the soup and broth mixture over the chicken. Add the instant rice on top but avoid stirring to prevent mushy rice.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to become tender without drying out.
- Add Cheese: About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Recover and let it melt in the residual heat for a rich and cheesy finish.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, gently stir the casserole to combine all ingredients, then serve hot.
Notes
- Use instant rice to ensure quick absorption and proper texture in the crockpot.
- Campbell’s cream of chicken soup is preferred for consistent creaminess and flavor.
- Do not stir the rice into the liquid before cooking to prevent mushy rice.
- You can customize the seasoning according to taste by adding herbs like thyme or parsley.
- For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat cheddar and low-fat chicken broth.
