Imagine a warm, comforting meal that practically cooks itself. This classic Crockpot Chicken Casserole delivers just that. It’s the ultimate one-pot wonder, combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. You’ll love the minimal cleanup and incredible flavor of this family-favorite, hands-off recipe.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Casserole
- Ultimate Convenience: This is truly a dump-and-go meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Prep your slow cooker chicken casserole in minutes and let it work its magic.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Enjoy a complete meal with creamy chicken, tender rice, and nutritious vegetables all in one dish.
- Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to fit your family’s tastes and what you have on hand.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the mild, comforting flavors of this easy slow cooker chicken and rice.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common, affordable ingredients, this recipe stretches your dollar further.
- Nostalgic Comfort: Every spoonful tastes like a warm hug, reminiscent of classic homemade goodness.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Casserole
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Crockpot Chicken Casserole:
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup uncooked white long-grain rice (not instant)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more, to taste)
- 1 pinch salt and pepper, to taste
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adjust this recipe. For chicken, boneless, skinless thighs work well; if using frozen chicken, add 30-60 minutes to the cooking time. Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery, or use a homemade cream soup alternative for a richer flavor. Feel free to use fresh veggies like chopped carrots, peas, or corn instead of frozen. Stick with non-instant white rice for best results; other rice types may require different cooking times and liquid. Experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for your cheesy chicken casserole. Adjust garlic salt and pepper, and consider adding dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth. Chicken broth enhances flavor more than water.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker: Essential for cooking your meal.
- Large mixing bowl: Used for whisking the sauce.
- Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Casserole
Get ready to create an incredibly easy and delicious Crockpot Chicken Casserole with minimal effort.
- Prepare vegetables & rice: Add the uncooked white long-grain rice, frozen mixed vegetables, diced onion, and garlic salt directly into the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Spread them evenly.
- Make the sauce: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and the condensed cream of chicken soup until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free.
- Add chicken: Pour the whisked sauce over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir everything together gently to ensure the rice and vegetables are coated. Then, place the cubed raw chicken breasts on top of the mixture. Sprinkle the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook: Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook the Crockpot Chicken Casserole on the high setting for 3.5-4 hours, or on the low setting for 6-7 hours. Cook until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Finish & serve: Once cooked, give the casserole a good stir. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the slow cooker again for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese melts into a gooey, delicious layer. Serve this comforting slow cooker chicken dish warm.
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Casserole
- Low and slow: Cooking on the low setting for a longer time often results in more tender chicken and better-developed flavors.
- Prevent dry chicken: Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes for even cooking. Avoid overcooking, which can dry out the meat in your chicken and rice casserole.
- Don’t overcook rice: Rice can become mushy if cooked too long. Check for tenderness during the last hour of cooking to prevent this.
- Internal temperature: Always check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety. The USDA provides comprehensive guidelines for ensuring the safe minimum internal temperature for poultry.
- Grease pot: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray for super easy cleanup.
- Taste test: Always taste the casserole before serving and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or garlic salt as needed.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve your creamy Crockpot Chicken Casserole hot, straight from the slow cooker for maximum warmth and flavor. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions for a touch of freshness and color. Complement this hearty meal with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or a simple crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, transfer the cooled casserole into airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, simply microwave individual servings on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, or warm larger portions in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Recipe Variations
- Noodle Casserole: Substitute the rice with 3-4 cups of uncooked egg noodles. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high, or the last hour on low, to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Cheesy Broccoli Chicken: Swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for a similar amount of fresh or frozen broccoli florets.
- Spicy Kick: Give your Crockpot Chicken Casserole a little heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Different Proteins: This versatile recipe works wonderfully with other proteins. Try cubed turkey breast or even cooked, shredded pork for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Information
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an approximation based on the ingredients and serving size. Values may vary based on exact products used and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 3 oz |
| Calories | 347 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 72 mg |
| Sodium | 1258 mg |
| Potassium | 498 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 1844 IU |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Calcium | 170 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put raw chicken directly into the slow cooker?
Yes, you absolutely can! Placing raw chicken directly in the slow cooker is safe and convenient for recipes like this Crockpot Chicken Casserole.
Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in a Crockpot?
Cooking on low for a longer duration often yields more tender and flavorful chicken. High heat is faster but requires closer monitoring.
How do I keep chicken from drying out in the Crockpot?
Cut your chicken into even pieces and ensure it’s submerged in liquid or sauce to keep it moist. Avoid overcooking by checking for doneness.
How long can Crockpot chicken casserole stay in the fridge?
You can safely store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use brown rice in this casserole?
Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time than white rice, so it’s not a direct substitution without adjusting the recipe.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with cream of mushroom or celery soup, or make a homemade cream of chicken soup alternative.
Conclusion
This easy and creamy Crockpot Chicken Casserole truly delivers a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a hands-off approach to a hearty dinner that everyone will love. Give this simple slow cooker chicken recipe a try, and enjoy more time with your family. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see how you make this comforting dish your own!
Easy & Creamy Crockpot Chicken Casserole with Rice & Veggies
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Bowl
- whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium chicken breasts boneless, skinless, cubed
- 1 can cream of chicken condensed soup
- 1 cup vegetables frozen, mixed
- 1 cup white rice uncooked, not instant rice
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 small onion diced
- 2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cheese or more, shredded
- 1 pinch salt
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- Combine uncooked rice, frozen vegetables, diced onion, and garlic salt in the slow cooker.
- Whisk chicken broth and cream of chicken soup in a separate bowl until smooth, then pour into the slow cooker and stir all ingredients together.
- Place cubed chicken on top of the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on high for 3.5-4 hours, or low for 6-7 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the rice is tender. Once done, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and allow it to melt.