Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice

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Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that will quickly become a staple in your household. This recipe combines tender chicken breast, fluffy rice, and creamy cheddar cheese for an easy weeknight meal that practically cooks itself. With a rich, cheesy flavor profile and the wholesome goodness of chicken, veggies, and rice, this dish not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your heart. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to creating this mouthwatering dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe is perfect for busy families and those looking for an effortless yet delicious meal. The prep time is minimal; simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can customize the vegetables according to your family’s preferences, making this a family-friendly dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters. Not to mention, the creamy, cheesy goodness makes it a hit with kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas or broccoli (optional)

This delicious Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice features the tender, juicy chicken breasts that soak up the flavor of the broth while the rice absorbs the rich, cheesy essence, creating a wonderfully satisfying meal. The cream cheese adds a level of creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the sharp cheddar, while the optional frozen peas or broccoli provide a pop of color and nutrition that makes the meal even more appealing.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Grease the slow cooker: Start by greasing the slow cooker with a non-stick spray to prevent the ingredients from sticking.

2. Add chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Ensure they’re laid out side by side for even cooking.

3. Add rice and broth: Pour the uncooked long-grain white rice over the chicken. Then, carefully pour in the low-sodium chicken broth until the chicken and rice are fully submerged.

4. Season the mixture: Sprinkle the garlic powder evenly over the contents. Add salt and pepper to taste, stirring slightly to distribute the seasonings.

5. Top with cream cheese: Add chunks of cream cheese on top of everything in the slow cooker. It’s important not to mix it in yet, as it will melt and blend beautifully during cooking.

6. Cover and cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule.

7. Shred the chicken: Once the cooking time is up, carefully shred the chicken in the pot using two forks. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring that the rice, chicken, and cheese are fully incorporated.

8. Serve hot: Serve your Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice hot, garnished with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired.

Tips & Tricks

• Extra Creaminess: If you want an even creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or additional cream cheese.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, oregano, or bay leaves for added depth of flavor.
• Veggie Boost: For a nutritional boost, you can toss in other frozen vegetables, such as corn or mixed veggies, right before serving.
• Cheese Varieties: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a different flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or homemade biscuits to soak up the rich, cheesy goodness. To elevate your meal, try adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutritional Information

While the exact nutritional content can vary based on the specific brands and amounts used, a serving of Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice typically contains:

• Calories: 450-500
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g

This dish offers a good balance of protein and carbs, making it a fulfilling meal choice.

Storing Tips & Variations for Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice

• Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits, making it even tastier the next day!
• Freezing: This dish freezes quite well! Simply allow it to cool completely, then transfer the portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Enjoy within 2-3 months for the best quality.
• Variations: You can easily alter the recipe to include other proteins such as turkey, pork, or even cooked shrimp. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with hearty vegetables or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead.

Conclusion for Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice is a must-try recipe that brings flavor, comfort, and convenience all in one pot. Perfect for busy nights or as a cozy family meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your hunger and delight your taste buds. So why not give it a try today? You won’t regret it!

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

   • Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice requires a longer cooking duration. Consider cooking it on low for 7-8 hours.

2. What can I substitute for cream cheese?

   • You can use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a dairy-free cream alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option.

3. Can I add other vegetables?

   • Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables. Just be mindful of the cooking time for different veggies.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

   • Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and ensure the rice is gluten-free, this recipe can be suitable for a gluten-free diet.

5. Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

   • Yes! You can cook it in a pot on the stovetop. Just be sure to adjust the water levels and cooking time accordingly, stirring frequently.

Enjoy your culinary adventure with the comforting, cheesy goodness of this dish!

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breast, fluffy rice, and creamy cheddar cheese, perfect for busy families.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 360 minutes
• Total Time: 375 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas or broccoli (optional)

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Instructions

1. Grease the slow cooker with a non-stick spray.
2. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Pour the uncooked rice over the chicken, then pour in the chicken broth.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder and add salt and pepper, stirring slightly.
5. Add chunks of cream cheese on top of the mixture.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
7. Shred the chicken in the pot and stir everything together until well combined.
8. Serve hot, garnished with herbs or extra cheese if desired.

Notes

For added creaminess, add milk or extra cream cheese. You can also experiment with herbs for more flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

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