Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Rice (Crockpot Recipe)

Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen!  There's something so comforting about a hearty plate of chicken and rice, especially when it's inspired by Cracker Barrel's homestyle cooking.  If you love their chicken and rice, you're going to adore this easy, set-it-and-forget-it crockpot version that uses just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand,

Whether you're whipping this up for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Rice recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.  I know you're going to love it so...

Let's get started!








WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

• Easy and Convenient:  With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this crockpot meal is as simple as it gets.  Perfect for busy weeknights!  
• Rich and Creamy:  The cream of mushroom soup creates a rich, savory sauce that makes the chicken melt-in-your-mouth tender and the rice is irresistibly creamy!  
• Family Friendly:  This dish is a kid-approved and picky eater-friendly, making it a go-to option for family dinners.  
• Minimal Cleanup:  Everything cooks in one pot, which means less dishes and more time to relax.  

INGREDIENTS:

For this Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Rice Recipe you will need to gather a few simple ingredients.

• 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• Rice of Your Choice, prepared
• 1 (10.5 oz) Can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 1 Tbsp Dried Minced Onion
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Paprika
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Crockpot:  Spray your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or use a liner for easy cleanup.  
2. Add Ingredients:  Place the chicken breast at the bottom of the crockpot.  In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, broth, and spices.  Pour the mixture over the chicken.  
3. Cook:  Cover and cook on LOW 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Prepare the Rice:  The kind of rice you use is not really that important.  I like preparing my outside of the crockpot because getting rice cooked well in the slow cooker is tricky.  Just prepare the rice according to the directions on the package.  
5. Garnish and Serve:  Place the prepared rice on your plate.  You can either shred the chicken in the sauce, or serve it whole.  Place the chicken over the rice and ladle a little extra sauce over top.  Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy!  

STEP-BY-STEPS PHOTOGRAPHS:

TIPS AND TRICKS:

• Use Instant Rice:  If you want to simplify things, you can add a cup of instant rice to the crockpot 30 minutes before you are ready to eat.  
• Chicken Variations:  For additional flavor, you can use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.  They become fall-apart tender in the crockpot. 
• Vegetable Add-Ins:  For a more complete meal, add some diced carrots, peas, or green beans in the last hour of cooking. 

FAQs:

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.  To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or heat in a pan with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist.  

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes!  This dish freezes well.  Place the chicken and rice mixture in a freezer-safe container and store up to 3 months.  Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I use other types of cream soup?  

Absolutely!  While cream of mushroom work well, you can substitute with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even cheddar cheese soup for a different flavor.  

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food made right in your crockpot.  With tender chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, and perfectly cooked rice, it's a dish that will have your family coming back for seconds.  Plus, with minimal effort and easy cleanup, its a weeknight win for busy cooks.  

Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below.  Don't forget to share your variations and any tips you might have.  

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!
~The Kitchen Wife~