Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Name: Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Enjoy a warm and comforting meal with this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe. Perfectly tender chicken combined with creamy rice creates a dish that's sure to please the entire family.

Created by

Marley Quinn

Last updated on 2025-12-28T18:34:08.683Z

This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice dish is a family favorite that combines simple ingredients with the convenience of slow cooking. The rich flavors develop beautifully over hours, making it the perfect meal for busy days.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and creamy texture that's incredibly satisfying
Hands-off cooking with minimal prep needed
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners

      

A Perfect Family Meal

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is more than just a dish; it's a family tradition waiting to happen. This wholesome meal brings everyone together around the dinner table, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household.

The combination of tender chicken thighs and creamy rice creates a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Plus, with the addition of peas and carrots, you're not only enhancing the flavor but also adding a pop of color and nutrition. It's a dish that nourishes both the body and soul.

Slow Cooking Made Easy

One of the greatest advantages of the slow cooker is its ability to transform simple ingredients into a hearty meal with minimal effort. You can set it and forget it while you go about your day. This recipe requires only a few minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy individuals or families.

With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can focus on spending quality time with your loved ones. Just toss everything in and let the magic happen. By the time you're ready to eat, your home will be filled with the comforting aroma of a delicious home-cooked meal.

Versatile and Adaptable

This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe is not only delicious but also highly versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. If you prefer a little heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

You can also swap out chicken thighs for chicken breast, although the thighs provide more flavor and moisture. If you're looking to make it lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even a dairy-free alternative. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this dish uniquely yours.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker for a delicious meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker

In the slow cooker, add the chopped onion and minced garlic as the base layer.

Add the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic mixture.

Mix in the Remaining Ingredients

Add rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, frozen peas and carrots, and all seasonings. Stir well to combine.

Cook on Low

Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to combine with the rice. Serve warm.

Enjoy your creamy chicken and rice dish!

Helpful Tips for Success

For the best texture, ensure that you rinse the rice before adding it to the slow cooker. This removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming gummy. Additionally, make sure to cut the chicken into similar sizes for even cooking, ensuring every bite is perfectly tender.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the rice has absorbed too much liquid.

Pairing Suggestions

This creamy chicken and rice dish pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or steamed vegetables. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a nice contrast to the richness of the main dish. Alternatively, roasted broccoli or asparagus can add a nutritious touch.

For drinks, consider serving a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing sparkling water with a slice of lemon. These options will complement the flavors of the chicken without overpowering them.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish is hearty on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may dry out more than thighs, so keep an eye on the cooking time.