This post is sponsored by Mahatma® Rice, but all opinions are my own.
Chicken and Rice in Slow Cooker
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As a busy mom of 3, there’s something so comforting about the simplicity of an easy slow cooker meal that will feed my entire family. That’s why I’ve been making this healthy Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe on repeat lately! This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it weeknight dinner.
There’s nothing like being able to add ingredients into a slow cooker and have dinner completely ready to go just a couple of hours later. It’s hands-off and perfect for busy families!
I’ve been making my healthier Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe for years, and I can honestly say I never get tired of it. It’s higher in protein, full of cheesy goodness, and so comforting! My kids always ask for seconds (or thirds), and the leftovers are just as delicious. And since the entire thing is made in a crock pot, clean up is a breeze!
RELATED: Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

WATCH: Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:

Jasmine Rice with Red & Wild Rice – This Jasmine Rice with Red & Wild Rice blend from Mahatma® Rice has the perfect texture and flavor for crockpot recipes like this one! It’s hearty, chewy, lightly crunchy, and delicious. We’re also loving that this Mahatma® Rice is free of MSG and added preservatives!
Seasoning – Garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Feel free to sub any of these ingredients with fresh!
Chicken breasts – Or thighs, or drumsticks. Any type of chicken will work in this recipe!
Chicken broth – Another option would be to use vegetable broth.
Broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen. Either option works great!
Greek yogurt – Plain greek or whole milk yogurt add a creamy, delicious texture and flavor to this Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe. So yummy!
Shredded cheese – Feel free to add more (or less) cheese to taste!


How to Make Chicken and Rice in Crockpot
This recipe takes about 2 1/2 hours to make in the slow cooker on high. Here’s how to make the BEST healthy Crockpot Chicken and Rice in 4 easy steps:
1. Cook the chicken and seasoning on high for about 1 hour.
2. Add in the rice and broth, then cook for another 30 minutes.
3. Cut the chicken into cubes and add in the broccoli, yogurt, and 1/2 of the cheese. Cook for another 45 minutes.
4. Add in the remaining cheese and cook for another 15 minutes!


Healthy Chicken and Rice Crockpot Recipe Variations
- Extra Cheese
- Creamier: Replace the Greek yogurt with 1 cup cream cheese or sour cream.
- More Veggies: Add 1 cup of diced carrots or bell peppers.
- Protein Addition: Add 1 cup of cooked bacon bits or diced ham.
- Spice Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Rice Variation: Use brown rice or quinoa instead of Jasmine Rice. If you use quinoa, add it in a little bit later in the process, as it cooks faster than rice!
- Greens: Stir in 2 cups of freshly chopped spinach or kale at the end.
- Mushroom Mix: Add 2 cups of sliced mushrooms.
- Herb Twist: Replace dried oregano and parsley with 1 Tablespoon of fresh herbs.
- Garlic Lovers: Add 2 minced garlic cloves.
How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
This recipe can last for about a week in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container after it has cooled a bit!
Want to freeze this recipe? Simply let it sit in the refrigerator in an airtight container without the lid until it is completely cool (about an hour). Next, add the airtight lid and store in the freezer for up to 3 months!

Chicken and Rice Crockpot Recipe FAQs
The short answer: yes!
In this recipe, we’re cooking the chicken for a bit first before adding the rice to the slow cooker. However, you can add the rice and broth in at the same time as the chicken as long as the ingredients are layered correctly. Place the chicken at the bottom, then add the rice and broth on top.
Absolutely! Uncooked rice can cook to perfection in a crockpot. As long as the cooking time is correct and you have the right liquid ration, you’ll get perfectly fluffy rice every time!
More healthy slow cooker recipes
- Slow Cooker Skinny Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Veggie-Loaded Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
- Slow Cooker Pork Chops & Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos

More easy, healthy dinners you’ll love
- Easy Quinoa Chili
- Creamy Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet
- Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole
- Healthy Turkey Swedish Meatballs
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Chicken and Rice in Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts (about 2-3)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1 cup Jasmine Rice with Red & Wild Rice from Mahatma® Rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups frozen broccoli florets
- 3/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Set the crockpot on high for 1 hour.
- Add in the rice and broth.
- Cook on high for another 30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and cut into small cubes.
- Place the chicken back into the slow cooker and add in the broccoli, yogurt, and 1/2 of the cheese.
- Mix everything together and cook on high for another 45 minutes.
- Add in the remaining cheese, stir, and cook on high for another 15 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Feel free to use fresh herbs instead!
- Both frozen and fresh broccoli florets work great in this recipe.
- To store: This recipe can last for about a week in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container after it has cooled a bit.
- To freeze: Let it sit in the refrigerator in an airtight container without the lid until it is completely cool (about an hour). Next, add the airtight lid and store in the freezer for up to 3 months!

Alyssa says:
Can I use this without Greek yogurt?
Christine McMichael replied:
I probably would not just omit it, since that’s a crucial part of the creamy flavor. However, you could substitute it with light sour cream or even light cream cheese!
Gourmet Vegetarians says:
This sounds super comforting! Love creamy cheesy sauces. Will have to try this replacing the chicken for vegetables 🙂
Kari says:
This was such an interesting combination of flavours and textures that work so well together for bowl that is healthy!
Gail Montero says:
This is my kind of comfort food. Love that it comes together so easily! Need to try this.
Kushigalu says:
How cheesy and delicious pot meal. So comforting. My kind of dish. I will be making this for dinner tonight
Emily says:
This crockpot chicken and rice is so simple to make and full of flavor! We’ll be making this on repeat this season as I’m trying to use my crockpot more!
Ramona says:
This recipe looks stunning and super easy to make as it is all made in one pot! this would definitely be on my list of a recipe to make on a nice weekend night. The combinations look amazing! thank you for sharing this recipe.
Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey says:
This is such a fabulous recipe, delicious and filling recipe that can be done in a crockpot without much fuss.
Farrukh Aziz says:
When I saw this crockpot chicken and rice yesterday on Pinterest, it looked so creamy and delicious that I couldn’t resist my self making it at home. It turned so good, we all loved it very much, Sunday well spent with this comfort dinner meal. I shall make it again next week. Love the detail post and tips here. Thanks for sharing this lovely recipe Leslie! 🙂
Mirlene says:
I need to make this dish asap. This is the type of meal i need for a midweek meal. Love that everything is done in one pot.