Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe for Lazy Weeknights

Cooking weeknight meals becomes effortless with this delightful slow cooker chicken and rice casserole that promises comfort without complexity.

Tender poultry nestles perfectly alongside fluffy grains, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Minimal prep work means maximum satisfaction for busy households seeking delicious dinner solutions.

Classic ingredients combine in surprising ways, delivering a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Aromatic spices weave through each bite, ensuring everyone at the table will ask for seconds.

Simple techniques transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Let’s uncover how this uncomplicated recipe can become your new go-to dinner strategy.

Irresistible Perks Of Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, creating a hearty meal with minimal hands-on preparation that saves precious evening time.
• Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables, adjust seasonings, or use different protein types to match family preferences without changing the basic cooking method.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Packed with classic flavors kids love, this one-pot wonder delivers tender chicken and fluffy rice that satisfies everyone at the dinner table.
• Nutritious and Balanced: Combines lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and vitamins from vegetables for a well-rounded, wholesome meal.

Ingredients List For Chicken And Rice Magic

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that forms the protein base of this comforting slow cooker meal.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and rich chicken flavor to the dish.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess and deepens the overall savory taste.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a robust and flavorful foundation for the recipe.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and mild smoky undertone to the chicken and rice.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Rice: Creates a hearty and filling base that absorbs the delicious cooking liquid.

• Frozen Peas, Frozen Carrots: Colorful and nutritious vegetables that add freshness and texture to the final dish.

Chicken And Rice: Step-By-Step Prep

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Base

Layer chicken breasts directly on the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even foundation for the dish.

Step 2: Create Flavor Mixture

• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour this aromatic blend evenly over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 3: Incorporate Rice

Sprinkle rice across the chicken and liquid mixture, gently stirring to distribute ingredients and prevent clumping.

Step 4: Slow Cook

• Low setting: 5-6 hours
• High setting: 2-3 hours

Cooking allows chicken to become tender and rice to absorb rich flavors.

Step 5: Add Vegetable Boost

• Frozen peas
• Frozen carrots

These vegetables will warm through and add color and nutrition.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

• Shred chicken into smaller pieces
• Keep chicken breasts whole

Fluff rice with a fork and serve immediately while warm for maximum deliciousness.

Chicken And Rice – Savvy Kitchen Tips

• Use long-grain white rice for better texture and avoid overcooking by checking moisture levels during the last hour of cooking.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth, or sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese just before serving to enhance the taste.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size to guarantee even cooking and prevent dryness.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian alternative or use gluten-free soup for celiac-friendly version.
• Replace frozen peas and carrots with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for variety and added nutrition.

Chicken And Rice Twists To Explore

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream soup or cornstarch-thickened broth. Use gluten-free rice and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based cream of mushroom soup for similar texture and flavor.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth, omit added salt, and replace cream soup with a homemade version using fresh ingredients. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor complexity.
• One-Pot Mexican Style: Add diced green chilies, swap paprika for cumin, include black beans, and top with fresh cilantro. Use brown rice for additional nutritional boost and southwestern flair.

Serving Chicken And Rice At Its Best

• Family Feast Delight: Pair this hearty chicken and rice dish with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
• Comfort Side Kick: Serve alongside roasted broccoli or steamed green beans to add extra vegetables and nutrition to your plate.
• Creamy Topping Magic: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and added fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Bread Companion: Warm crusty bread or soft dinner rolls make perfect sides to soak up the delicious creamy sauce from the chicken and rice.

Storing Chicken And Rice For Later Enjoyment

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Pour leftovers into skillet, add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Heat over medium-low, stirring gently until warmed completely and reaches 165°F internal temperature.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but adjust cooking time and liquid ratio. Brown rice needs more liquid and longer cooking time, typically 1-2 hours extra in the slow cooker.

• Is it okay to use frozen chicken breasts directly?

Absolutely! Just ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety. You might need to add 1-2 extra hours of cooking time when starting with frozen chicken.

• How can I make this recipe more flavorful?

Add herbs like thyme or rosemary, use seasoned chicken broth, or sprinkle some dried herbs before cooking. You can also replace plain salt with seasoned salt for extra taste.

Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting slow cooker chicken and rice brings warm Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Tender chicken nestles with fragrant rice, creating a delightful one-pot meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2.5 cups (590 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer at the base of the slow cooker, creating an even foundation for the dish.
2. Whisk together chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, diced onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Gently pour the seasoned liquid mixture over the chicken, ensuring even coverage and distribution of flavors.
4. Sprinkle uncooked rice across the top of the liquid, carefully stirring to allow rice to settle and absorb the surrounding moisture.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to LOW temperature, allowing the meal to simmer and develop rich flavors for 5-6 hours, or alternatively use HIGH setting for 2-3 hours.
6. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, fold in frozen peas and carrots, which will gently warm and retain their vibrant color and nutritional value.
7. Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken or keep pieces whole, depending on personal preference. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate grains and create a light, airy texture.
8. Transfer to serving dishes immediately, ensuring each portion receives an equal mix of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables. Serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and easy shredding in the slow cooker.
• Choose long-grain white rice for the best texture, as it holds up well during slow cooking without becoming mushy.
• Elevate flavor by using homemade chicken broth or low-sodium store-bought version to control salt content.
• For a gluten-free adaptation, replace cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce or gluten-free alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg