Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Rice (Crock Pot)
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Rice is an indulgent and comforting dish that transforms your basic chicken breasts into a creamy, flavor-packed meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this crock pot recipe allows you to set it and forget it, while the magical combination of rich cream soups, creamy Parmesan, and a wholesome base of rice melds perfectly. Simply layer the ingredients, season them to taste, and let your slow cooker work its magic. Serve it with a fresh salad or your favorite vegetables for a complete, delightful dinner that the whole family will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted Butter
6 tablespoons (cut into pieces)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
6 (whole)
Dry Onion Soup Mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (dry)
Converted Long Grain Rice
1 cup (uncooked)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (for topping)
Milk
1 1/2 cups (whole or low-fat)
Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Celery Soup
2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans (canned)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom or celery soup, milk, and converted long grain rice. Stir until well mixed.
2
Lightly grease the crock pot with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
3
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the crock pot.
4
Distribute 1 tablespoon of butter evenly on top of each chicken breast.
5
Pour the soup and rice mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are covered.
6
Lightly season the top with salt and black pepper to taste.
7
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the entire mixture.
8
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
9
Once done, serve hot and enjoy your creamy, savory chicken dish with a sprinkle of parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook this Creamy Parmesan Chicken on Low?
The chicken should be cooked on the Low setting for 8 to 10 hours until it is tender and fully cooked through.
Can I cook this recipe on High instead of Low?
Yes, you can cook it on the High setting for 4 to 6 hours if you are short on time.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for converted long grain rice for the best texture and consistent results in the slow cooker.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for breasts, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Do I need to grease the crock pot?
Yes, it is recommended to lightly grease the crock pot with cooking spray or butter to prevent the rice and chicken from sticking.
Which condensed soup works best for this recipe?
You can use either Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Celery soup, depending on your personal preference.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
For food safety reasons, it is best to thaw chicken breasts completely before placing them in the slow cooker.
Is it necessary to add the butter on top of the chicken?
Adding a tablespoon of butter to each breast adds richness and helps keep the meat moist during the long cooking process.
What can I serve as a side dish with this chicken?
This dish goes well with a fresh garden salad, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or honey-glazed carrots.
How much milk is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of milk, which can be either whole or low-fat.
Can I use brown rice instead of converted white rice?
Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time; using it in this specific recipe without adjustments may result in undercooked rice.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not naturally gluten-free because the dry onion soup mix and canned soups often contain wheat or thickeners; check labels for gluten-free alternatives.
Should I stir the chicken and rice during cooking?
It is best to leave the lid closed and avoid stirring to ensure the heat remains consistent and the rice cooks evenly.
Can I use fresh onions instead of dry onion soup mix?
You can use fresh onions, but the dry soup mix provides a specific concentrated flavor and seasoning profile that defines the dish.
What kind of Parmesan cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, which is sprinkled over the top before cooking.
Can I use instant (minute) rice?
No, instant rice will become too mushy in the crock pot over several hours. Converted rice is required for this duration.
How many chicken breasts does this recipe accommodate?
This recipe is designed for 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, the recipe specifies 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, which allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish.
Is it okay to use low-fat milk?
Yes, low-fat milk works well, though whole milk will result in a slightly creamier sauce.
How do I prevent the rice from being crunchy?
Ensure the soup and milk mixture completely covers the rice and that the lid of the crock pot fits tightly to trap steam.
Can I add vegetables directly into the crock pot?
Yes, you can add peas or green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a one-pot meal.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this dish after it is cooked?
Yes, but be aware that the texture of the rice and the creamy sauce may change slightly once thawed and reheated.
How should I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the crock pot?
No, you do not need to brown the chicken; it will cook fully and stay tender directly in the slow cooker.
Can I use more Parmesan cheese?
Absolutely, feel free to sprinkle extra Parmesan or even shredded mozzarella on top during the last 15 minutes for a cheesier finish.
What size crock pot should I use?
A 6-quart slow cooker is generally the best size to fit 6 chicken breasts and the rice mixture in a single layer.
Does the rice cook in the sauce or do I cook it beforehand?
The rice is added uncooked to the mixture and cooks slowly in the milk and soup liquid inside the crock pot.
Can I add garnish to this dish?
Yes, a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top before serving adds a nice pop of color and freshness.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as it makes several servings that can be easily portioned for the week.