Ingredients:

  • 5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, trimmed
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth (low sodium)
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
  • 4 oz Full-Fat Cream Cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice, rinsed well
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar or Parmesan Cheese (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Base: In the slow cooker insert, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until thoroughly combined.
  2. Add the Chicken: Nestle the trimmed chicken thighs into the liquid mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.
  3. Add the Cream Cheese: Distribute the cubes of cream cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and liquid. Do not stir it in yet.
  4. Set and Cook: Cover the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 3.5–4 hours (or LOW for 6–8 hours).
  5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is easily shreddable, carefully remove the thighs and use two forks to shred the meat. Stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker base. Stir well to integrate the melted cream cheese into a smooth, creamy sauce.
  6. Rinse the Rice: Place the 1 cup of long-grain rice into a fine-mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
  7. Cook the Rice: Stir the rinsed rice and the 1/2 cup of extra water into the slow cooker mixture. Distribute the rice evenly.
  8. The Final Countdown: Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking on HIGH for another 45–60 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender and the liquid has been absorbed into a thick, creamy sauce.
  9. Rest and Serve: Turn the slow cooker off. Stir in the optional shredded cheese until melted. Let the mixture rest, uncovered, for 5 minutes to fully thicken. Garnish generously with fresh parsley before serving.