If you’ve ever wished dinner could cook itself, this Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Creamy Garlic Rice is exactly the kind of recipe you need. It’s simple, cozy, budget-friendly, and requires almost zero effort—just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The result? Perfectly tender, buttery, creamy rice that tastes like something you’d get in a restaurant.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight side dish, a comforting bowl of rice for lunch, or a no-fuss recipe to share on Facebook or your website, this one-pot wonder always delivers. It’s one of those recipes people try once and then make over and over again.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Rice
This recipe has become a social-media favorite for a reason:
It practically cooks itself
Just add uncooked rice, broth, soup, and butter to your slow cooker and walk away. No boiling, no stirring, no watching the pot.
4 ingredients, big flavor
With only a handful of simple ingredients, you get rich, creamy, garlicky rice that tastes like a comforting hug.
Perfect for meal prep
You can double or triple the batch and store it easily for busy weekdays.
Affordable and family-friendly
Everything in this dish is inexpensive and accessible—ideal for families or large gatherings.
Pairs with everything
Serve it with chicken, beef, fish, roasted veggies, or enjoy it as a bowl of comfort on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup (adds the creamy, garlicky flavor)
- 2 tablespoons butter or garlic butter
Optional additions:
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley
- A sprinkle of parmesan
How to Make Creamy Garlic Rice in the Slow Cooker
1. Rinse the Rice
Rinse the uncooked rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
This helps prevent clumping and keeps the texture fluffy and smooth.
2. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Pour the rice into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and butter.
3. Mix Thoroughly
Stir until everything is evenly combined and all the rice is fully submerged in liquid.
4. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook:
- LOW for 2.5–3 hours, or
- HIGH for 1.5 hours
Try not to open the lid while cooking—this keeps the steam and moisture in.
5. Fluff & Serve
Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and season with pepper or herbs.
It should be soft, creamy, and perfectly cooked.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Rice
- Do not use instant rice—it becomes mushy.
- Keep the lid closed to maintain proper moisture.
- For thicker rice, reduce broth slightly.
- For extra garlic flavor, use garlic butter or add a pinch of garlic powder.
- For a richer texture, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Rice
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Slow cooker chicken
- Grilled or baked fish
- Roasted vegetables
- Steak or beef tips
- Meatloaf
- Stir-fries
- Soups and stews
Or simply enjoy a warm bowl all on its own—comfort food at its best.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat
Warm in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.
Freeze
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.