Quick, easy, and extremely cheesy. This high-protein cheesy chicken and rice crockpot recipe is bound to become one of your family's favorite staples.
Cheesy chicken and rice
Chicken and rice are found in countries all over the world as staples in many different cultures. There is a reason for all of that popularity! This combination is the perfect blank slate for endless combinations of spices, flavors, and consistencies.
This cheesy chicken and rice crockpot recipe takes your favorite queso and turns it into a full-on meal. It is so easy to throw it together, add some broth and green salsa to reach the perfect texture, and you're on your way to dinner (and lunches/dinners for the week, if you meal prep)!
Cheesy chicken and rice crockpot recipe
This recipe is amazing because you can throw it all in the crockpot and forget about it until dinner time. If you are super busy with kids, work, just life in general—this is especially for you! Most kids tend to like food that is super cheesy, and this recipe definitely fits that bill. This recipe is super high in protein and will leave you feeling full. For this reason, it's a perfect dish to add into your meal prep plans for the week.
This recipe works as the main course of your dinner, or an accessory in a larger idea like a taco night. You could easily add a side vegetable or eat this on top of lettuce to add some green into your meal!
Cheesy chicken and rice ingredients
Simple ingredients you probably already have around your house:
- chicken breast
- green salsa
- green chiles
- queso
- low sodium chicken broth
- instant rice
- serve with: cilantro chips, cheese, tortillas, avocado, etc.
Cheesy chicken and rice substitution ideas
- Salsa: You don't have to use a green salsa. You could use whatever you already have at home, or your family's favorite salsa.
- Green chiles: Green chilies are definitely going to add some spice and flavor, but if you aren't one for a little heat, you can opt to leave these out.
- Queso: I used medium queso blanco from my local grocery store, but you could use whatever queso you like best.
How to make crockpot cheesy chicken and rice
Here are the simple steps to follow:
- Gather ingredients.
- Add chicken breast, salsa, and chicken broth to a slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 4 hours.
- Shred chicken and place back into the slow cooker. Cut the heat of the slow cooker to warm.
- Add instant rice to slow cooker and cook for about 10 mins.
- Stir in queso and let warm for about 10 more minutes.
- Serve with tortillas, cilantro, chips, cheese, avocado, or whatever you want!
What's the difference between a slow cooker and a crockpot?
Believe or not there are differences between a slow cooker and a crockpot! A crockpot is a type of slow cooker and is actually the brand name of a type of slow cooker that came out in the 1970s. So, all crockpots are slow cookers but not all slow cookers are crockpots.
Think of it like a Kleenex or Band-Aid type situation. Both of those are brand names that have become so popular, we use it to describe an entire category of item - tissues and bandages.
How to store cheesy chicken and rice
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This is a great recipe to use for meal prep due to the fact it makes such a large batch and is easy to divide.
See these other great recipes to consider adding to your meal prep rotation:
How to reheat this recipe
You can reheat the cheesy chicken and rice in the microwave for 1-2 minutes depending on how hot you'd like your leftovers.
This recipe is so quick and easy to make, and reheats very well. Eating this as leftovers is not going to change the taste or texture of the meal.
How to serve cheesy chicken and rice
There are quite a few ways to serve and top this recipe. We enjoy eating with tortillas and refried beans. You could also serve it with a side of chips and salsa. This recipe stands well on its own too if you'd prefer that.
As far as toppings go, I recommend avocado or cilantro. You can't go wrong with extra shredded cheese, salsa, or sour cream.
How to meal prep this recipe
Make the cheesy chicken and rice according to instructions. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can split into 6 containers (one serving each) or store in a big container and serve as needed.
I can't overemphasize how perfect this recipe is for meal prep. It's high protein, so quick and easy, and delicious after reheating.
How do I shred a chicken breast?
This depends on how much chicken you're making. For small recipes, I'll pull the chicken out onto a baking sheet or into a large bowl and shred it with forks.
If you're making a larger batch of chicken, it's possible to shred it using your stand mixer. Yes, I'm serious—I do it all the time! You still might want to go in stages so as not to overwhelm your KitchenAid.
If you love slow cooking
Try out these other quick, easy, and high protein recipes:
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Crockpot
Equipment
- crockpot
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken breast boneless skinless
- 16 oz green salsa whatever spice level
- 4 oz green chiles
- 1 jar queso
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups instant rice
- serve with: cilantro, chips, cheese, tortillas, avocado, etc.
Instructions
- Gather ingredients.
- Add chicken breast, salsa, green chiles, and chicken broth to a slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 4 hours.
- Shred chicken and place back into the slow cooker. Cut the heat of the slow cooker to warm.
- Add instant rice to slow cooker and cook for about 10 mins.
- Stir in queso and let warm for about 10 more minutes.
- Serve with tortillas, cilantro, chips, cheese, avocado, or whatever you want!
Katie says
This isn't the most interesting things to look at, but dang does it taste delicious. Love it make it for meal prep!