Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Casserole
A creamy, comforting slow cooker casserole featuring tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, made effortlessly with simple ingredients for a cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, soften 4 ounces of cream cheese until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream until fully combined and creamy.
- Trim any excess fat from chicken. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
- Add uncooked rice to the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth evenly over the rice.
- Place seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice in a single layer.
- Spoon dollops of the cream cheese and sour cream mixture over the chicken and rice. Do not stir.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Check gently after about 3 hours.
- Once chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), shred it in the crockpot with two forks and stir gently to combine with rice and creamy mixture.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use long grain white rice for best texture; avoid quick-cooking or instant rice. Soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps. Layer ingredients without stirring initially to prevent sogginess. Check cooking progress after 3-4 hours to avoid overcooking. Shred chicken directly in the crockpot to keep it juicy. For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth. Add vegetables like spinach or peas in the last hour for extra nutrients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 30
Keywords: creamy chicken casserole, crockpot chicken and rice, slow cooker dinner, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, creamy casserole