Creamy Slow-Cooked Chicken Rice

This creamy crockpot chicken and rice dish transforms humble ingredients into a comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day, resulting in tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce.

I first made this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something that would cook itself while I tackled my to-do list. My family demolished it so quickly that it's now in our regular rotation when we need a comforting meal without the fuss.

Ingredients

• Long grain brown rice: Provides the hearty base and holds up beautifully in the slow cooker
• Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that the rice absorbs
• Fresh carrots: Add natural sweetness and a pop of color
• Shallots: Offer a milder more delicate flavor than regular onions
• Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tanginess that balances the creaminess
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Stay tender and juicy when cooked properly
• Garlic powder and dried thyme: Create a fragrant herb base
• Frozen peas: Added at the end maintain their bright color and texture
• Greek yogurt: Creates creaminess without heavy cream or condensed soup
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy pull

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Rice:

Thoroughly rinse your brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This critical step prevents gummy rice. Then parcook it in boiling broth for exactly 10 minutes. This head start ensures your rice will be perfectly tender by the end of the slow cooking process.

Layer the Ingredients:

Add your parcooked rice to the slow cooker followed by the diced carrots, chopped shallot, and Dijon mustard. Stir these base ingredients well to distribute the mustard. Then place your chicken breasts on top like a second layer. The chicken will release its juices down into the rice as it cooks, infusing everything with flavor.

Season and Begin Cooking:

Generously sprinkle your chicken with the garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper. Pour the chicken broth around the edges rather than directly on the chicken to avoid washing off the seasonings. Cover and cook on HIGH for about 2 hours until the chicken is just cooked through.

Finish the Rice:

Once you remove the cooked chicken, give the rice mixture a thorough stir. The rice will need additional cooking time without the chicken to achieve that perfect tender consistency. The extra cooking allows the rice to absorb more liquid and develop deeper flavor.

Create the Creamy Finish:

After the rice is tender, stir in the frozen peas. Their residual heat will warm the peas without overcooking them. Then immediately fold in the Greek yogurt while the mixture is hot but not boiling. This creates a creamy sauce without using heavy cream. Return the diced chicken to the pot along with half the cheese, stirring gently to incorporate.

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My absolute favorite part of this dish is how the Dijon mustard adds an unexpected depth that most people cant quite identify but absolutely love. My grandmother used to add a spoonful to her chicken and rice casserole, and carrying on that tradition makes this recipe extra special for me.

Why Parcooking the Rice Matters

Brown rice typically takes much longer to cook than chicken, creating a cooking time mismatch in the slow cooker. By parcooking the rice first, you give it a head start so everything finishes perfectly together. Without this step, youd likely end up with either overcooked chicken or undercooked crunchy rice. The parcooking also helps the rice grains maintain their distinct texture rather than becoming mushy in the slow cooker environment.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes customization based on what you have available. Swap the carrots for sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a different flavor profile. Not a fan of peas? Try corn or edamame instead. For herbs, rosemary or sage can replace the thyme for a completely different aromatic experience. You can even add a splash of white wine with the broth for an elevated flavor. The foundation remains the same, allowing for endless variations.

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Storage and Reheating

This chicken and rice actually improves overnight as the flavors meld together in the refrigerator. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water as the rice will continue absorbing liquid even after cooking. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, to prevent overheating the yogurt which can separate. For freezing, portion into individual containers before the rice absorbs all the liquid for best texture upon thawing.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

The recipe specifically notes not to substitute white rice, as it cooks differently than brown rice and would become mushy in the slow cooker. The par-cooking and longer cooking time are designed specifically for brown rice's texture and cooking properties.

→ How do I prevent the rice from being crunchy?

Par-cooking the rice for 10 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker is key to avoiding crunchy rice. Also, make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, and use the recommended amount of broth. Older rice may need additional cooking time or liquid.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! The recipe indicates you can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs (1½ pounds). Thighs may provide more moisture and flavor, but either option works well in this dish.

→ What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you don't have Greek yogurt, you could substitute sour cream for a similar creamy tanginess. For a dairy-free option, you might try a plain dairy-free yogurt alternative, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly from the original recipe.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish reheats well and can be made ahead. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems dry, as the rice will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.

→ How do I adjust if my rice isn't cooking properly?

If your rice isn't tender after the recommended cooking time, first try adding more of the reserved chicken broth and extending the cooking time. Make sure your slow cooker is heating properly and that you're using the HIGH setting as directed. Different slow cooker models may require slight adjustments to cooking times.