If you love cozy, comforting meals that feel like a warm hug on a plate, then you absolutely have to try this Slow Cooker Crack Chicken and Rice. It’s the ultimate combination of tender chicken, creamy cheesy rice, and crispy bacon that meld together beautifully in the slow cooker. This recipe is not only incredibly satisfying but also incredibly effortless, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Every spoonful delivers rich flavors with a touch of ranch seasoning that keeps you coming back for more. Trust me, once you make this Slow Cooker Crack Chicken and Rice, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, creating layers of flavor and a perfect balance of texture, color, and creaminess. Grab these easy-to-find staples and get ready for a kitchen win.

2 lbs skinless boneless chicken breasts: The star protein that stays juicy and tender after slow cooking.
1 pound bacon (cooked and chopped): Adds irresistible smoky crunch and depth of flavor.
2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates the creamy base that ties the dish together.
1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix: Brings the zesty, herby kick that’s signature to crack chicken dishes.
1¾ cups milk: Keeps the dish rich and creamy, helping the rice cook perfectly.
1 cup regular long-grain rice: Absorbs all the delicious flavors and makes the meal wonderfully filling.
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Provides gooey, melty goodness topped on and stirred through the dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Crack Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker and Chicken

Start by spraying the slow cooker insert with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then place your beautiful boneless chicken breasts right in the bottom. This ensures the chicken stays moist and cooks evenly as the other ingredients work their magic on top.

Step 2: Combine the Creamy Mixture

In a bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, cooked bacon, ranch dressing mix, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and uncooked rice. This mixture is your flavor-packed base that will cook with the chicken and soak up every bit of savory goodness.

Step 3: Layer and Cook Away

Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top to add a gorgeous melty finish. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know the magic is happening when your house fills with mouthwatering aromas!

Step 4: Chop and Stir

Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Return the chopped chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything together. This step melds all the flavors and ensures every spoonful has a perfect balance of chicken, cheese, and rice.

Step 5: Adjust the Consistency

If you find your rice mixture a little too thick, no worries—simply add a splash of water, chicken broth, or extra milk to loosen it up to your preferred creaminess. This flexibility lets you tailor the dish exactly how you love it.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Crack Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or extra shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving for a splash of color and an extra burst of flavor that makes the dish pop beautifully on the plate.

Side Dishes

This hearty meal stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad, steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans, or even roasted carrots adds freshness and balance that your taste buds will thank you for.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Slow Cooker Crack Chicken and Rice in individual ramekins topped with crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions for texture contrast. Or, turn it into a hearty stuffed bell pepper filling for a vibrant, family-friendly presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Crack Chicken and Rice stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner option that’s quick to reheat.

Freezing

If you want to make this dish ahead for busy days, freeze fully cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and the flavors will be just as delightful.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the rice seems dry. This keeps everything creamy and lush — just like the first day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice can be used but will require longer cooking time and more liquid. To keep things simple and ensure perfect texture, stick with regular long-grain rice unless you want to experiment.

Is it possible to make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can adapt the recipe for the Instant Pot by using the sauté function for bacon, then pressure cooking the combined ingredients for about 15 minutes, followed by a quick release. Just make sure the rice is fully submerged in liquid.

Can I substitute the ranch dressing mix?

Absolutely. You can use homemade ranch seasoning or other spice blends like Italian dressing mix. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile a bit, but it can still be delicious!

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap out the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative and use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup or make your own base with broth and non-dairy milk. The creaminess might differ but it’s still tasty.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and add even more richness. Just note they might cook a bit faster, so check tenderness around the 3-hour mark to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the rich, creamy, and utterly comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Crack Chicken and Rice to brighten up your meal times. It’s easy, satisfying, and packed with a perfect blend of textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish truly hits the spot and stays on repeat in my kitchen. Go ahead and give it a try — I promise it will become one of your favorites too!

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken and Rice Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken and Rice recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with bacon, cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, and rice, resulting in a rich and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

2 lbs skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 4 chicken breasts)
1 pound bacon, cooked and chopped

Dairy

1¾ cups milk
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Canned Goods and Mixes

2 (10.5-oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix (or to taste)

Grains

1 cup regular long-grain rice

Other

Cooking spray

Instructions

Prepare slow cooker: Spray the insert of the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
Mix soup and ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cooked and chopped bacon, ranch dressing mix, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and uncooked long-grain rice. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Combine and cook: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the rice and soup mixture. Cover with the lid.
Cook on high: Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
Chop chicken and mix: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Return the chopped chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to combine everything evenly.
Adjust consistency: If the rice mixture is too thick, add a bit of water, chicken broth, or additional milk to thin it out to your desired consistency. Stir and serve warm.

Notes

Use unsalted cream of chicken soup to control the sodium content.
You can substitute long-grain rice with jasmine or basmati rice for a different texture.
For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving adds a bright flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American