Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Bowl: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner

December 12, 2025

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Slow cooker chicken rice bowl, a symphony of flavors and textures cooked low and slow, is the perfect comfort food for a busy weeknight. This dish is more than just a meal it's a reminder of cozy Sunday dinners with my family. My grandmother, the inspiration behind gotastyrecipes.com, always had a pot of something delicious simmering away. This slow cooker chicken rice bowl recipe pays homage to those moments, bringing warmth and nourishment to your table with minimal effort. It is a family favorite I'm so happy to share with you.

Why You Will Love This slow cooker chicken rice bowl Recipe

This slow cooker chicken rice bowl recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. Imagine tender, flavorful chicken nestled in a bed of fluffy rice, topped with your favorite garnishes. Because everything cooks together in the slow cooker, the chicken becomes incredibly moist and absorbs all the delicious flavors. It’s a hands off meal perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade. Plus, the leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day. And if you are looking for another easy bowl you may enjoy these Salmon Quinoa Bowls

Ingredients Needed for This slow cooker chicken rice bowl Recipe

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 2 pounds
Chicken broth: 4 cups
Long grain rice: 1 cup, rinsed
Soy sauce: 1/4 cup
Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
Green onions: 2, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon (for garnish)
Optional Toppings: Sriracha, chopped peanuts, shredded carrots

How to Make This slow cooker chicken rice bowl Recipe

Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Add the rinsed rice to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 68 hours, or on high for 34 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Note: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker.
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks directly in the slow cooker.
Stir the shredded chicken and rice together to combine.
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Serve the slow cooker chicken rice bowl hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

How to Serve This slow cooker chicken rice bowl Recipe

This slow cooker chicken rice bowl is delicious on its own. For a more complete meal, consider serving it with a side of steamed broccoli or a vibrant Asian slaw. You can also add toppings like a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick, chopped peanuts for added texture, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and sweetness. Get creative and customize your bowl to your liking!

How to Store This slow cooker chicken rice bowl Recipe

Store any leftover slow cooker chicken rice bowl in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 34 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. For best results, freeze in individual portions. To reheat, thaw the frozen chicken rice bowl in the refrigerator overnight and then microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Tips to Make This slow cooker chicken rice bowl Recipe

For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken in the sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Do not open the slow cooker frequently. This releases heat and can increase the cooking time.

Helpful Notes for This slow cooker chicken rice bowl Recipe

Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures the chicken remains incredibly moist and flavorful throughout the slow cooking process. If you prefer chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent them from drying out. Be sure to rinse the rice before adding it to the slow cooker, as this removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.

Interested in further exploring easy recipes? Check out this delicious Hamachi Crudo recipe! Also, to stay in the loop with my latest recipe updates, Follow us on Pinterest where I share all my creations.

Variation of This slow cooker chicken rice bowl Recipe

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
You can also add vegetables like diced bell peppers, chopped onions, or sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for added flavor and texture.
For a different flavor profile, try using coconut milk instead of chicken broth for a creamy and slightly sweet dish. You might also try making this Protein Cookie Recipe if you are wanting more flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken in a slow cooker chicken rice bowl?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, it’s generally recommended to thaw it first for more even cooking and to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature. Cooking frozen chicken may also affect the overall texture of the dish.

What kind of rice is best for a slow cooker chicken rice bowl?

White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are all excellent choices, but cook the rice separately from the chicken. Adding uncooked rice into the slow cooker with the chicken ingredients will make the rice mushy instead of fluffy. Prepare the rice according to its package instructions and serve on top of the chicken.

How long does it take to cook chicken in a slow cooker?

The cooking time depends on the slow cooker setting. On low, it usually takes 6-8 hours, while on high, it takes 3-4 hours. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

What are some variations to add to my slow cooker chicken rice bowl?

You can customize your bowl with different vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or edamame. Adding a splash of soy sauce, sesame oil, or a squeeze of lime juice can also enhance the flavor. Top with desired toppings like chopped green onions, sesame seeds or a drizzle of sriracha mayo.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious slow cooker chicken rice bowl recipe as much as my family does. It's a simple way to bring some comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Let me know in the comments below if you try it and what toppings you add. I love hearing from you! Happy cooking, and may your slow cooker chicken rice bowl bring you as much joy as it brings me.