Slow Cooker Queso Chicken and Rice

Name: Slow Cooker Queso Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 2 5.4oz packs Knorr Taco or Mexican Rice; 14.5 oz regular or low-sodium chicken broth; 16 oz Pace Picante Sauce (or other smooth salsa); 1 cup water; 2-3 tsp taco seasoning; 2 1/2-3 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes); 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; 1/2-3/4 cup queso blanco dip (warmed); cilantro for garnish (if desired)

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This Slow Cooker Queso Chicken and Rice is the easiest dinner recipe for feeding a crowd any night of the week. WIth seasoned rice, tender chicken, and creamy queso, it’s easy to prep in 10 minutes before the crock pot does the rest of the cooking for you.

If you follow me on social media, you know my classic Queso Chicken and Rice casserole was a viral recipe sensation. So naturally, I had to make a Slow Cooker Queso Chicken and Rice to make the prep even easier.

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With just 7 ingredients that are all easy to find and can be kept in your pantry, dinner comes together in the blink of an eye thanks to the slow cooker. This recipe has become so popular with my family, we have it couple times a month, and the leftovers are even more delicious too!

For more delicious slow cooker meals, my Slow Cooker Pot Roast and Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken are two others to try.

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this recipe

Less than 10 ingredients. No hassle here and easy to shop for. I almost always have these ingredients already in my kitchen.
Flavors kids and adults love. I can fully attest that slow cooker queso chicken and rice is a hit with picky eaters too!
Great for beginner cooks. Grab your slow cooker and start cooking, it’s a foolproof dinner recipe.
No mess. I like to mix all of the ingredients in the slow cooker so there are no dishes to clean up!

ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

Knorr Taco or Mexican Rice: The base to the casserole that already has the delicious seasonings inside.
Regular or low-sodium chicken broth: Adds richness and cooks the rice perfectly.
Pace Picante Sauce or other smooth salsa: Gives a nice tomato flavor and a bit of spice.
Water: More cooking liquid to cook the rice perfectly.
Taco seasoning: Use your favorite to season the casserole.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-inch cubes: Use whichever cut you like, just be sure to cut them all the same size.
Shredded Mexican cheese blend: Adds that gooey, cheesy flavor we all love in Mexican food.
Queso blanco dip: Gives richness and a creamy texture that is signature to this recipe.

Ingredients for crockpot rice and chicken.

Tools You’ll Need

how to make slow cooker queso chicken and rice

Whisk together both rice packets, broth, salsa, water and chicken in the crockpot.

Cover and cook on low 3-4 hours or high 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until chicken reaches 165°F and rice is tender.
Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese. Stir the mixture inside the crockpot to gently to combine with the rice. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.

Cover another 5-10 minutes just to melt the cheese.
Drizzle warmed queso blanco dip over the top before serving.

expert tips

Cut the chicken pieces all the same size so they cook evenly. This is key to tender chicken that is moist and delicious.
Make it with cooked chicken. Simply add shredded chicken when you add the shredded cheese.
Make it vegetarian. Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Add more veggies like bell peppers, fire roasted corn, and even cauliflower or broccoli if you desire.
Add the cheese last. You want to avoid sprinkling over the cheese too early or else it will clump and not melt evenly.
Use your favorite queso. This is the cherry on top, drizzle it over warm for the most decadent bite.

storage

Store any leftover slow cooker queso chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

You can easily freeze the leftovers too, just place in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat according to the instructions above.

It’s a great weeknight dinner to prepare ahead of time. The hands-on prep time is about 10 minutes and then let the crock pot do the work for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another protein besides chicken?

Of course! If you use beef or pork, cut the meat all the same size as well. You can also use ground meat too, just cook it in a skillet before adding into the slow cooker.

How do I make it spicy?

Add hot canned green chilies, chopped jalapenos, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.

What are other ways to serve slow cooker queso chicken and rice?

We’ve even turned it into burritos or tacos! Serve with tortillas on the side for a taco bar option.

more Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

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