Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
A comforting one-pot meal combining tender seasoned chicken breasts with creamy mushroom and chicken soups, fluffy white rice, and melted cheese. This hearty casserole delivers rich, savory flavors with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender while the flavors meld together beautifully. The addition of fresh mushrooms and cheese creates a satisfying texture contrast that appeals to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 5 chicken breasts, thin sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 2 cups white rice, cooked
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 10 ½ ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 10 ½ ounces cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounce sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- parsley
Instructions
- 1
Cook white rice and set aside
- 2
Spray crock pot with non stick cooking spray
- 3
Add chicken breast and season with garlic salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika
- 4
Add diced onion and minced garlic on top of chicken
- 5
Pour in chicken stock, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup
- 6
Cover and cook on LOW 5-6 hours, or HIGH 3-4 hours
- 7
Add in sliced mushrooms 30 minutes before done and finish cooking
- 8
Add in cooked rice and cheese once cooking is complete
- 9
Cover and let sit 5 minutes for cheese to melt
- 10
Stir and garnish with parsley
- 11
Serve warm
Tips
Cut cheese into uniform cubes for even melting, or substitute with 2 cups shredded cheese for quicker incorporation.
For extra flavor, brown the seasoned chicken breasts in a skillet before adding to the crock pot.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after stirring in cheese to ensure complete melting and better texture.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in covered container. Reheat in microwave with splash of chicken stock if needed.
Can assemble raw ingredients in crock pot insert the night before. Refrigerate overnight, then cook as directed.
Serve warm directly from crock pot with crusty bread or steamed vegetables.
Common Mistakes
Don't add rice too early to avoid mushy texture
Let cheese melt completely before stirring to avoid clumping
Substitutions
lighter version but tangier flavor
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 1-2 hours on LOW setting and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F before adding rice and cheese.
What if I don't have cream soups?
Mix 1 cup each heavy cream and chicken broth with 2 tablespoons flour and mushroom seasoning for homemade substitute.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat gently with extra broth if mixture seems dry.