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Southern Style Crockpot Chicken & Rice

A warm, creamy, Southern comfort classic made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and rich, savory flavors simmer together for a cozy, home-cooked bowl of goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep.
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Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs 900g boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice uncooked, rinsed
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Add Vegetables:
  1. Place onions, celery, and carrots at the bottom of the crockpot to form a soft, flavorful base.
Season & Add Chicken:
  1. Lay chicken breasts on top and season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add Broth & Butter:
  1. Pour in chicken broth and place the butter on top. Ensure chicken is mostly submerged.
Cook (Phase 1):
  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours until chicken shreds easily.
Shred Chicken:
  1. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the crockpot. Stir gently.
Add Rice & Cream:
  1. Mix in rinsed rice, cream of chicken soup, and heavy cream. Ensure rice is fully submerged.
Cook (Phase 2):
  1. Continue cooking on LOW for 1–1.5 hours, stirring once halfway through.
Finish:
  1. Stir in cheddar (optional), taste for seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Always rinse rice to prevent gummy texture.
  • Add rice only near the end—never at the beginning.
  • For richer flavor, use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  • Stir halfway through rice cooking to prevent clumping.
  • Add extra broth if the dish thickens too much during cooling or reheating.
  • For a casserole-style finish, stir in extra cheddar at the end.