Slow Cooker Cream of Mushroom Chicken and Rice (Hearty Comfort in One Pot)

Creamy Mushroom Chicken & Rice

Need a warm, cozy dinner that cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Cream of Mushroom Chicken and Rice is rich, savory, and full of flavor from seared chicken, sautéed onions, garlic, and melty Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy, dump-and-go weeknight meal but with a flavor that tastes like you cooked all day. Bonus: it makes amazing leftovers! Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving comfort food, this dish hits the spot.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 3–4 hours (on HIGH)
Total Time: ~4 hrs 15 min

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups chicken broth (or Better Than Bouillon + water)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 stick butter (divided: 4 tbsp + 4 tbsp)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups extra long-grain white rice, rinsed
• ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season & Sear Chicken: Rinse and pat the chicken dry. Trim off any remaining fat and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. In a large sauté pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–5 minutes per side, just until golden brown. This step adds incredible flavor, don’t skip it if you have time. Transfer chicken to your slow cooker.
2. Sauté Veggies: In the same pan, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until onions turn translucent and fragrant. Scrape up the browned bits left from searing the chicken to build deep, roasted flavor. Add this mixture to your slow cooker.
3. Prepare the Sauce: Add your chicken broth or bouillon and water to the same pan and bring to a boil. Once heated, whisk in the cream of mushroom soup until smooth and completely blended. This creamy mushroom broth is the heart of the dish.
4. Layer the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. This removes extra starch to prevent it from getting gummy during cooking. Add the rice to the slow cooker. Place the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter on top of the rice.
5. Assemble and Cook: Pour the soup mixture into the slow cooker over the rice, veggies, and chicken. Ensure everything is evenly layered. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your slow cooker model and the size of your chicken breasts.
6. Shred and Combine: Once fully cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything together well. The remaining liquid will be absorbed as it cools slightly and blends into the rice.
7. Garnish and Serve: Taste for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the rice and chicken mixture. Garnish with chopped parsley for a touch of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why This Recipe Works

There’s a reason slow cooker meals are beloved — they’re easy, stress-free, and produce comforting, satisfying meals. This one-pot wonder combines creamy soup, juicy chicken, savory aromatics, and tender rice all in one cozy dish. The seared chicken creates deep flavor, the sautéed garlic and onions infuse every bite, and the slow cooking process melds everything together perfectly.

It’s a great recipe for anyone new to slow cooking or looking to upgrade their usual chicken and rice. Plus, it’s flexible. Add in mushrooms, peas, or spinach for a veggie boost. Swap the cream of mushroom for cream of chicken or celery to suit your taste.

And let’s not forget — it makes a LOT. Leftovers are a dream and taste just as amazing reheated. This dish also freezes well, making it a smart choice for batch cooking and meal prep.

Pro Tips

• Use a sauté pan: Doing the sear and sauté steps in the same pan saves dishes and boosts flavor.
• Go low-sodium: Choose low-sodium broth and unsalted butter if you’re watching salt intake.
• Broth substitute: No broth? Dissolve bouillon cubes or base in hot water, adjust salt accordingly.
• Add-ins: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or frozen veggies to bulk it up.
• Meal prep: Portion leftovers into containers for grab-and-go lunches.

Nutrition Info Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 bowl	373	33g	42g	7g	1g	1g

Disclaimer:
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on brands and preparation methods. Please consult a nutritionist for specific dietary needs.

Print