Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to prevent clumping. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Assemble in Crockpot: Lightly grease the slow cooker with non-stick spray or butter. Add the rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir to combine.
Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) on top of the rice mixture. Dot the top with butter cubes.
Cook: Low setting: 5–6 hours ,High setting: 3–4 hours
(Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your crockpot model.)
Add Vegetables: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen vegetables and shredded cheese (if using).
Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the rice is tender.
Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and stir it back into the mixture.
Serve Hot: Mix well and serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or chopped parsley if desired.