Crockpot Chicken and Rice is an easy, all-in-one slow cooker dinner featuring crispy chicken thighs and perfectly seasoned rice.
![Crockpot Chicken and Rice Rice and crispy chicken thighs plated on platter and topped with parsley.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Crockpot-Chicken-and-Rice.jpg)
Chicken and rice is a magical combination loved by the masses, as my recipes for Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole and Instant Pot Chicken and Rice prove. But when you can come home after a long day to a cozy chicken and rice dinner waiting for you, that is magical! And when that meal is as flavorful and comforting as this Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice, what more could you ask for?
Reasons to Make Crockpot Chicken & Rice
- Inexpensive, Easy Family-Friendly Dinner. Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep, this Slow Cooker Chicken Thigh is easy on the wallet and easy on your time!
- No Canned Soups. Most chicken and rice recipes rely on condensed chicken or mushroom soup. This recipe delivers a flavorful chicken and rice dinner WITHOUT the canned soup!
- Easy Chicken Thigh Recipe. Just like my recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Thighs, Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs, and Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs, this chicken thigh recipe delivers flavor with ease!
- Perfectly Cooked Rice. Rice can be difficult to cook perfectly, as I have attested to in my recipe for Instant Pot Jasmine Rice, but this recipe results in rice that is creamy, fluffy, and richly seasoned.
- Allergy-Friendly. Crockpot Chicken and Rice is a gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, and dairy-free recipe.
- Crispy Skin! That's right, even when slow cooked, this recipe yields chicken thighs with crispy skin and juicy meat.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken and Rice
This slow cooker recipe uses rather humble ingredients, but between the garlic, thyme and lemon, the flavor is anything but boring. For best results, keep a few things in mind when selecting your ingredients.
- Chicken Thighs: It is best to use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe, as the timing will be similar to that of the rice. You can use either skin-on chicken thighs or skinless chicken thighs.
- Rice: It is CRUCIAL to use LONG-GRAIN white rice. Short-grain rice and minute rice will become mushy and brown rice will not cook through. I prefer long-grain basmati rice for this slow cooker chicken and rice recipe.
![Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Ingredients for slow cooker chicken and rice labeled on counter.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Chicken-and-Rice-Crockpot-Recipe.jpg)
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Rice
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Sear the Chicken Thighs
Unless you are preparing this recipe with skinless chicken thighs, it is crucial to sear your chicken prior to adding it to the slow cooker, or you will have soggy chicken thighs and no one likes that. Simply sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down in a large skillet in a bit of oil.
![Chicken and Rice Slow Cooker Seared chicken thighs in large saute pan.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Chicken-and-Rice-Slow-Cooker.jpg)
Rinse the Rice Before Adding to Slow Cooker
Rinsing the uncooked rice helps to remove the excess starch that can make your rice gummy as it cooks, so it is crucial to place your rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it well under running tap water prior to adding it to the crockpot. After adding the rice to the crockpot, add the chicken stock, salt, garlic cloves, thyme, bay leaf, and Italian seasoning.
![Easy Chicken and Rice Slow Cooker Rice, bay leaf, garlic, thyme, and Italian seasoning all combined in crockpot with chicken broth.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Chicken-and-Rice-Crockpot.jpg)
Place Chicken on Top of Rice
Placing the chicken thighs on top of the rice, skin-side up will not only help prevent the chicken thighs from becoming soggy, but as the chicken cooks, the dripping will flavor the rice.
![Crockpot Chicken thighs with rice Seared chicken thighs on top of rice, garlic and broth inside slow cooker.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Garlic-Chicken-and-Rice-Slow-Cooker.jpg)
Cook on High Heat
While most slow cooker recipes can be cooked on low or high heat, this recipe has proven to be the exception. I recommend cooking on high heat for the best results.
Finish with Lemon Juice
Adding fresh lemon juice to the chicken and rice after it has slow cooked, brings the whole dish to life and makes it sing with flavor.
![Easy Chicken and rice for slow cooker Crockpot with cooked rice and seared chicken thighs.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Slow-Cooker-Chicken-and-Rice.jpg)
Serving Suggestions
This crock pot chicken and rice is a meal on its own! However, I love adding a side of veggies, like a Tossed Greek salad, green beans almondine, roasted broccoli, or roasted carrots, to round out dinner.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Leftover chicken and rice and be cooled slightly and then stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat: To reheat, I recommend heating the rice and chicken separately for best results. Reheat the chicken thighs by broiling them under high heat to keep the skin crispy. Reheat the rice in the microwave with a splash of water or broth in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Freeze: Allow the dish to cool completely and then transfer the chicken and rice to an airtight freezer container or bag and store in freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed, adding a splash of water to the rice if it appears dried out.
More Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes
- Crockpot BBQ Chicken Legs
- Crockpot Chicken Chili
- Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Crockpot Salsa Chicken
- Crockpot Healthy White Chicken Chili
- Crockpot Steak Fajitas
- Easy Crockpot Chili
Need more inspiration for planning meals that your family will love? Sign up for my FREE Meal Plans and each week you will get a meal plan with a shopping list.
If you tried this recipe Crockpot Chicken and Rice, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
![Rice and crispy chicken thighs plated on platter and topped with parsley.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Recipe-Slow-Cooker-Chicken-Rice-360x360.jpg)
Crockpot Chicken and Rice - No Canned Soup
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil
- 2 cups uncooked basmati long-grain white rice rinsed well
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 8 cloves garlic peeled and crushed
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme thymes or ½ teaspoon of dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1 small lemon
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Season the chicken liberally with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is glistening, add the seasoned chicken, skin side down into the oil. Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until the skin is browned and the fat has rendered. Flip the chicken over and continue to brown for 3-4 minutes more.
- In the slow cooker, combine the rice, chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, garlic cloves, thyme, bay leaf, and Italian seasoning.
- Place the browned chicken skin side up on top of the rice mixture.
- Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until chicken has reached 165 degrees F and the rice is tender. I find 3 hours to be perfect for most standard slow cooker models, but some newer, all-clad models cook in 2-2-½ hours. Check after 1-½ hours and add more chicken stock if you notice your rice is drying out.
- Once the rice and chicken are fully cooked, remove the chicken to a serving platter and add the juice of the fresh lemon to the rice. Fluff with a fork and serve with fresh parsley.
KJ
Ohhh, my. This didn't work at ALL! Just being honest, not mean. 2c of broth is definitely a no-go. I added at least 5 and it STILL didn't work. Nasty rice. Won't try again.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi KJ! Adding 5 cups of liquid would result in disgusting rice that is mushy and not cooked well.
Cardwell Vanessa
Hi can I freeze this meal
Kristen Chidsey
Hi there! Yes, you can freeze the leftover after it has been slow cooked and cooled fully. To do so, place the chicken and rice in an airtight freezer container or bag and store in freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and then add a splash of water to reheat if dried out.