This creamy chicken and rice recipe makes everyone in our household happy

Matt Jenner

Contributing Writer

Sometimes we need to be a little creative in the kitchen to keep our kids — or kid-like adults — happy! This creamy chicken and rice recipe is simple, delicious, and the ideal meal to serve your kids on a busy weeknight. Big chunks of tender chicken thigh are cooked down with steamed rice and veggies for a healthy meal, while a little cream cheese makes the whole thing rich and creamy.

There are countless ways to make chicken and rice, but the recipe below utilizes the Crock-Pot or slow cooker, so you can "set it and forget it" for a few hours during the day and come back to an intensely fragrant kitchen at night. This meal is always a hit and can be used to serve many people at a birthday party or outdoor picnic.

Cooktop Cove

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Rice

4-6

15 mins

4 hrs

4 hrs 15 mins

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1½ cups long grain white or brown rice

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme

3 cups low-sodium chicken stock

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces

One 10-ounce bag frozen peas and carrots

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Grease the bottom of the slow cooker with vegetable oil or nonstick cooking spray.

Add the rice, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt and pepper to the slow cooker, and stir to combine.

Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice in an even layer.

In a mixing bowl, add the chicken stock and Dijon mustard. Stir until well-combined, and add the mixture to the slow cooker.

Cover the slow cooker and turn on high power for about 4 hours. Avoid opening the lid while cooking.

After about 3 1/2 hours, remove the lid, and add the cream cheese and the peas-and-carrot blend. Stir together until the cream cheese has softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Replace the lid and allow the dish to cook fully through, about another 20 minutes.

Once finished cooking, remove the lid, stir, and serve individually on plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh, chopped parsley, if desired.

Pro-tip: For an extra cheesy bite, add one cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.

Pro-tip: For a healthier version, use brown rice and ½ the amount of low-fat cream cheese.

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