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Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken & Rice Recipe Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

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A comforting and creamy slow cooker chicken and rice dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. The rice cooks in a velvety sauce with tender chicken thighs and flavorful herbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (can use boneless)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (190 grams)
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth (600 ml), low sodium recommended
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (115 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter (28 grams)
  • ½ cup frozen peas (optional, 75 grams)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
  3. Place chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour uncooked rice around and on top of the chicken, then add chicken broth.
  4. Dollop the cream cheese mixture evenly over the rice and chicken. Scatter butter pieces on top.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Check doneness after 4 hours; if rice is still firm, cook an additional 15-30 minutes.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas if using.
  7. Gently stir to combine the creamy sauce and rice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear chicken thighs in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side before slow cooking. If sauce is too thick after cooking, stir in a splash of chicken broth to loosen. Do not rinse rice to keep starch for thickening. Add peas only near the end to avoid mushiness. Use low heat setting to prevent dry chicken and overcooked rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, creamy chicken and rice, easy dinner, weeknight meal, crockpot recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/easy-creamy-slow-cooker-chicken-and-rice-recipe-perfect-for-weeknight-dinners/