SLOW COOKER CHEESY CHICKEN AND RICE
Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice is a comforting and hearty meal that you can make with minimal effort. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and delicious melted cheese. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm, filling dinner waiting for you when you get home.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for many reasons. First, it cooks in a slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it. This means you have more time for yourself or other tasks. Second, the flavors blend together beautifully while it cooks, making it a tasty meal for the whole family. It’s also a budget-friendly choice, using simple ingredients that you might already have at home. Plus, who doesn’t love cheesy comfort food?
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Allow the cheese to melt before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice
Serve this dish hot, straight from the slow cooker. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color and flavor. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Everyone will love the cheesy goodness and tender chicken!
How to Store Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until it’s warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice
- Cut the chicken into smaller pieces for faster cooking.
- Use brown rice instead of white for a healthier option. Just remember that the cooking time may change.
- Experiment by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe. Try adding different types of cheese or using other types of soup for varied flavors. You can also swap out chicken for turkey or even make a vegetarian version by using beans instead of chicken.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just extend the cooking time by about 1-2 hours.
Q: Is it possible to make this dish on the stovetop?
A: Yes, you can cook it in a pot over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to low and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: Add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mixture for an extra kick of heat!
