If you are craving a comforting and creamy meal that practically makes itself, then you are going to love this Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken & Rice Recipe. It’s a perfect combination of tender chicken infused with savory onion soup, creamy Velveeta cheese, and a luscious blend of sour cream and rice. Whether you’re busy with your day or simply want dinner ready when you walk in the door, this dish offers effortless preparation paired with mouthwatering results that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple yet essential the ingredients are. Each item plays a key role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistibly creamy consistency that Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken & Rice Recipe is famous for.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, they absorb all the delicious flavors while staying juicy during slow cooking.
- Lipton’s onion soup mix: Adds a savory, herbaceous punch that seasons the chicken beautifully.
- Unsalted cream of chicken soup: Creates a creamy base that keeps the dish rich and smooth.
- Uncle Ben’s long grain & wild rice: Offers a nutty texture and wholesome heartiness that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Sour cream: Brings a tangy richness that lightens and deepens the cheesy flavor.
- Velveeta cheese: Melts perfectly into a silky, cheesy sauce that ties all the ingredients together.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken & Rice Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Soups
Start by placing the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken—this seasoning is what infuses the meat with that signature savory flavor. Then, dollop the cream of chicken soup on top to add richness and moisture during cooking.
Step 2: Let it Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook it on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This slow and steady process allows the chicken to become perfectly tender and soak up all those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Shred and Stir in Creamy Ingredients
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, shred it right in the slow cooker using two forks—it’s wonderfully easy and keeps all the juices inside. Mix in the sour cream and cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring gently until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy and luscious.
Step 4: Add the Rice and Finish Cooking
Prepare the long grain and wild rice according to the package directions while the chicken is cooking. Once ready, stir the rice into the shredded chicken mixture. Let everything cook together just until the cheese is fully melted and the flavors have combined beautifully.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken & Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives over the finished dish adds a pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness. For a little extra zing, a few dashes of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can awaken the flavors in a delightful way.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, which offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture. A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the dish nicely without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cheesy chicken and rice inside hollowed-out bell peppers or over a bed of sautéed greens. If you want to make it extra cozy, ladle the mixture into individual ramekins, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, place any leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinner the next day without losing its creamy goodness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, ideally without the rice to maintain texture. Frozen leftovers will keep for up to 2 months and thaw beautifully when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to revive that creamy texture. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. You can also microwave it covered; just be sure to stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of the long grain and wild rice mix?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be a nutritious swap, though it will take longer to cook. To avoid overcooking the chicken, prepare the brown rice separately and add it when mixing in the cheese, just as with the wild rice blend.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the Velveeta cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like plant-based cheese and vegan sour cream. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy texture with a dairy-free twist.
What if I don’t have onion soup mix on hand?
You can make a simple homemade version using dried onion flakes, beef or vegetable bouillon powder, and a pinch of herbs like thyme and parsley to replicate that savory flavor boost.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved?
It’s easy to adjust the recipe size based on your needs. Just keep in mind the size of your slow cooker so everything cooks evenly. Halving the recipe works well for smaller households, and doubling can feed a crowd or provide plenty of leftovers.
Should I use fresh or frozen chicken breasts?
Fresh chicken breasts work best in this recipe for even cooking and flavor absorption, but frozen chicken can be used if you extend the cooking time. Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed by the end of the cooking period to shred easily.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken & Rice Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because of how effortlessly it comes together and how deeply satisfying it tastes. From the creamy, cheesy sauce to the tender chicken and hearty rice, every bite feels like a comforting hug. If you want a dish that’s both simple and special, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken & Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken & Rice is an easy all-in-one meal perfect for busy days. Tender shredded chicken cooked slowly with rich cream of chicken soup, onion soup mix, and Velveeta cheese is mixed with creamy sour cream and a flavorful wild rice blend. The result is a creamy, cheesy dish with wonderful aromas and a satisfying taste that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 or 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 package Lipton’s onion soup mix
Soup and Dairy
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 (8-oz) container sour cream
- 4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
Rice
- 1 (6.2-oz) box Uncle Ben’s Long Grain & Wild Rice
Instructions
- Place Chicken and Seasonings: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the package of Lipton’s onion soup mix over the chicken, then spoon the can of unsalted cream of chicken soup on top, coating the chicken.
- Slow Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and infused with flavor.
- Shred Chicken and Add Dairy: Once cooked, use two forks inside the slow cooker to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Stir in the sour cream and cubed Velveeta cheese until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy.
- Prepare Rice: Meanwhile, prepare the Uncle Ben’s Long Grain & Wild Rice according to the package directions separately on the stovetop.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked rice into the shredded chicken mixture in the slow cooker and cook briefly until all the cheese has melted and the dish is combined thoroughly. Serve warm.
Notes
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium or homemade chicken soup alternatives and check the sodium content of the onion soup mix.
- For creamier texture, you can add a little milk or chicken broth when mixing the shredded chicken and cheese.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- Adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker model, as some cook faster than others.
- You can substitute Velveeta with other mild melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor.
