Crock Pot Chicken and Rice – This slow cooker chicken and rice is the combination of tender chicken, creamy rice, and aromatic spices simmered to perfection, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Free Cooking: The slow cooker does all the hard work.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with adults and kids alike.
- Customizable: Adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Minimal Cleanup: Fewer dishes make it even better for busy days.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While breasts work well, thighs stay moist longer in the slow cooker.
- Rinse the Rice: This removes excess starch and prevents the dish from becoming overly sticky.
- Layer Strategically: Keep the chicken on the bottom for even cooking, and avoid stirring during the process.
- Don’t Skip the Broth: It adds depth of flavor to the rice, elevating the overall taste.
- Adjust Cooking Time Based on Rice Type: Brown rice may require slightly longer cooking than white rice.
Variations to Try
- Cheesy Chicken and Rice: Stir in extra cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a comfort-food twist.
- Mexican-Inspired Version: Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and a dash of cumin for a Tex-Mex flair.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice. Add it toward the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Herb Lovers’ Delight: Toss in thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a fragrant herbal infusion.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese and cream and use coconut milk for a creamy texture without dairy.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
This dish is versatile and pairs well with:
- A crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
- Warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any remaining juices.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked rice?
A: Yes, but add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid mushiness.
Q: What’s the best type of rice for this recipe?
A: Long-grain white rice is ideal, but brown rice works if you adjust the cooking time.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Peas, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are excellent additions.
Q: Can I cook this on high the entire time?
A: You can, but low heat is recommended for more even cooking and tender chicken.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: It’s best to thaw chicken before adding it to the Crock Pot for food safety reasons and even cooking.
Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
Crock Pot Chicken and Rice - This slow cooker chicken and rice is the combination of tender chicken, creamy rice, and aromatic spices simmered to perfection, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups uncooked brown rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ onion, chopped
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Toss the chicken, garlic, salt, pepper, onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and brown rice into your Crock Pot. Stir well to mix everything together.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3.5–4 hours, until the rice has soaked up all the flavorful broth.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cover for another 5–7 minutes to let it melt into creamy perfection.
- Serve: Dish up while it’s warm, and enjoy the cozy deliciousness!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 422Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 75mgSodium 1275mgCarbohydrates 41gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 26g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
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