If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then the Slow Cooker Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with creamy, cheesy rice infused with savory herbs, all cooked low and slow so the flavors meld perfectly. It’s comforting, effortless, and absolutely delicious — a true go-to meal for busy days when you want home-cooked goodness without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe is simple yet important, coming together to create a dish that’s full of flavor, texture, and satisfying creaminess. Let’s break down what you need:
- Chicken breasts (4 to 6 skinless boneless): The star protein, providing juicy, tender bites after slow cooking.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup (2 cans): A creamy base that envelops the rice and chicken with rich, comforting flavor.
- Lipton Savory Herb with Garlic Soup & Dip Mix (1 package): Adds a perfect punch of herbs and garlic that deepen the taste.
- Milk (1¾ cups): Helps create a creamy texture and tender rice during cooking.
- Regular long-grain rice (1 cup): Absorbs all the delicious flavors from the mixture, becoming fluffy and flavorful.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing the richness.
- Grated Parmesan (¼ cup): Sprinkled over the top to add nutty, cheesy goodness that melts into the rice.
How to Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker and Chicken
Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker insert with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Then, place the chicken breasts evenly on the bottom. This sets the stage for tender, juicy chicken perfectly cooked in the flavors to come.
Step 2: Mix and Pour the Creamy Rice Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, Lipton Savory Herb with Garlic Soup & Dip Mix, milk, and uncooked rice. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking — this blend is what gives the dish its signature comforting flavor. Pour this luscious mixture right over the chicken in the slow cooker, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top. This layering ensures the cheese melts into the rice, giving each bite a savory boost.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Seal the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This slow and steady cooking melts the Parmesan, cooks the rice perfectly, and turns the chicken tender enough to shred easily. The aroma alone will have you eager to dig in!
Step 4: Chop and Combine the Chicken
Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot and stir everything to combine. This step distributes the chicken evenly throughout the creamy rice mixture, so every forkful is balanced and flavorful.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency as Needed
If you find the rice mixture a bit too thick after stirring, simply thin it out by adding a splash of water, chicken broth, or extra milk. Stir well, and it will reach the perfect creamy consistency that clings nicely to the rice and chicken.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Slow Cooker Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe, add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil on top. A dash of cracked black pepper and a light drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the flavors beautifully. These simple garnishes add freshness and a pop of color that make the dish extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the creaminess. Roasted asparagus or garlicky green beans add a brightness that complements the savory Parmesan and chicken. For bread lovers, a slice of crusty garlic bread is pure comfort food bliss alongside this meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Slow Cooker Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe stuffed inside a hollowed bell pepper or scoop it into individual ramekins for an elegant presentation. You can even top it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and broil for a minute or two to create a golden crust that adds texture and extra cheesiness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal that reheats well. Consume within 3 to 4 days for best taste and quality.
Freezing
The Slow Cooker Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for an easy, ready-made meal anytime you need comfort food in a hurry.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore that creamy texture and keep the rice moist. Stir occasionally while warming to ensure even heating and avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?
Brown rice has a longer cooking time, so using it in this recipe may result in undercooked rice after 3 to 4 hours. If you want to try brown rice, consider cooking the dish longer on low or pre-cooking the rice slightly before adding it to the slow cooker.
Is it necessary to use the Lipton Savory Herb with Garlic Soup & Dip Mix?
This mix adds a fantastic herb and garlic flavor that complements the cream of chicken soup perfectly, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to mimic a similar flavor profile.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this recipe, offering an even juicier and richer result. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly if your thighs are bone-in.
What if the rice turns out too mushy?
If the rice gets too soft, try reducing the cooking time next time or lowering the heat to LOW instead of HIGH. Every slow cooker heats a bit differently, so some experimentation might be needed to get your perfect texture.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped mushrooms, peas, or diced carrots fold in nicely and add extra nutrition and color. Add firmer vegetables about halfway through cooking to prevent over-softening.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe is a stellar example of how simple ingredients and minimal effort can create a soul-satisfying meal that feels special every time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, and you’ll love how versatile it is for leftovers and new twists. Give it a try—you’re going to wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Slow Cooker Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with creamy Parmesan-infused rice. This one-pot dish combines cream of chicken soup, savory herb mix, and parmesan cheese for a flavorful and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 to 6 skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
Sauce and Rice Mixture
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 package Lipton Savory Herb with Garlic Soup & Dip Mix
- 1¾ cups milk
- 1 cup regular long-grain rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the insert of the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the skinless, boneless chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of the insert.
- Mix Sauce and Rice: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, Lipton Savory Herb with Garlic Soup & Dip Mix, milk, and uncooked long-grain rice. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the rice mixture for added flavor.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and chop or shred them into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and gently stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Adjust Consistency: If the rice mixture appears too thick or dry, add water, chicken broth, or more milk to reach your desired consistency. Stir well before serving.
Notes
- Using skinless, boneless chicken breasts helps ensure even cooking and a tender texture.
- To make this recipe easier, spray the slow cooker insert to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- If you prefer a lower sodium option, choose low-sodium soups or reduce added salt accordingly.
- For a creamier texture, add a little extra milk at the end of cooking when adjusting consistency.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
