Prep the crockpot. Lightly grease the insert or use a liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Add the rice and liquids. Pour the uncooked rice into the crockpot. Stir in the chicken broth and condensed cream of chicken soup until smooth.
Season the base. Add garlic, onion powder, dried parsley, paprika, a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of pepper.
Stir to evenly distribute.
Nestle in the chicken. Place chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle with a little extra salt and pepper. Dot with butter if using.
Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2.5–3.5 hours, until the chicken is tender and the rice is soft.
Shred and finish. Remove the chicken to a plate and shred with two forks.
Stir the cream (if using) into the rice to loosen it. Add the frozen peas and carrots, then return the chicken and stir. Cook covered for 10–15 minutes more, just until the veggies are hot.
Cheesy option. Stir in shredded cheese or sprinkle on top and let it melt for a minute before serving.
Taste and adjust. Add more salt, pepper, or a splash of broth if needed.
The texture should be creamy, not soupy.