Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker chicken and rice dish promises pure comfort on busy weeknights.

Busy families deserve simple yet delicious meals that practically cook themselves.

Tender chicken mingles with fluffy rice, creating a one-pot wonder that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Minimal prep work means you can focus on enjoying time with loved ones instead of standing over a hot stove.

Pantry staples combine effortlessly to produce a hearty meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Let’s uncover how just a few simple steps can turn dinner into a delightful culinary adventure you’ll want to make again and again.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Essentials

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker without complex chopping or advanced cooking skills, creating a hands-off dinner solution perfect for busy households.
• Nutrient-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Combine protein-rich chicken, wholesome rice, and colorful vegetables in a single dish that delivers balanced nutrition with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap seasonings or vegetables to match family preferences, making this recipe adaptable for picky eaters or those wanting to experiment with different taste profiles.
• Stress-Free Cooking Method: Slow cooking transforms basic ingredients into a tender, flavorful meal with zero constant monitoring, allowing you to focus on other tasks while dinner practically makes itself.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked with seasonings.

• Salt, Pepper, Thyme, Paprika: Classic spices that enhance the chicken's natural flavor and add depth to the dish.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a rich, savory base for the slow-cooked meal.

• White Rice: Fluffy grain that absorbs the chicken broth and becomes a delicious base for the dish.
• Frozen Peas, Frozen Carrots: Colorful vegetables that add nutrition, sweetness, and texture to the final meal.

• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and keeps the chicken moist during slow cooking.

• Cooking Spray: Prevents ingredients from sticking to the slow cooker and makes cleanup easier.

How to Cook Slow Cooker Chicken Rice

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Surface

Generously coat the interior of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Season Chicken Perfectly

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme
• Paprika

Massage the seasonings gently into the chicken for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 3: Add Aromatic Vegetables

Distribute finely chopped onions and freshly minced garlic evenly over the seasoned chicken to create a flavor foundation.

Step 4: Create Rice Base

Thoroughly rinse the rice under cool water to remove excess starch, then spread it uniformly around and between the chicken pieces.

Step 5: Pour Liquid Foundation

Slowly pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, making sure all rice is completely submerged and chicken is partially covered.

Step 6: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat.

Allow the dish to cook for 4-5 hours until chicken is completely tender and rice is soft and fluffy.

Step 7: Introduce Colorful Vegetables

• Frozen peas
• Frozen carrots

These vegetables will add vibrant color and extra nutrition.

Step 8: Finish And Serve

Use a fork to fluff the rice, creating a light and airy texture. Transfer to serving plates while still warm and enjoy your comforting meal.

Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Rice

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easier preparation.
• Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent clumping during slow cooking.
• Add frozen vegetables in the last 30 minutes to maintain their bright color and crisp texture.
• Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano to customize the flavor profile.
• Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to lock in moisture and improve tenderness.

Variations for Chicken and Rice Dish

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Rice: Swap thyme for oregano and add diced bell peppers. Replace chicken broth with white wine for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Rice: Use chili powder and cumin instead of thyme and paprika. Add black beans and corn for extra southwestern flair. Top with fresh cilantro before serving.
• Gluten-Free Quinoa Version: Replace rice with quinoa for a protein-packed alternative. Keep cooking times similar and use gluten-free chicken broth to maintain dietary restrictions.
• Dairy-Free Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce salt. Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley for additional seasoning without extra sodium.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Rice

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty chicken and rice dish as a comforting main course for busy weeknight meals.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in containers for easy grab-and-go lunches that stay moist and flavorful throughout the week.
• Garden Fresh Side Kick: Top with extra fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions to add a bright, crisp contrast to the rich, tender chicken and rice.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform the dish by adding sliced avocado, a soft-boiled egg, or a sprinkle of toasted seeds for extra nutrition and texture.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice requires more liquid and takes longer to cook, so increase chicken broth by 1/2 cup and extend cooking time by 1-2 hours.

• Is it safe to cook chicken directly in the slow cooker?

Absolutely. Slow cookers reach a safe temperature to cook chicken thoroughly. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

• Can I substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re often more flavorful and stay more tender during slow cooking. Just trim excess fat before adding to the slow cooker.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting slow cooker chicken and rice delivers hearty Mediterranean flavors that home cooks adore. Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this dish a weeknight dinner champion you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup (240 ml) long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas and carrots mix

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by coating the interior with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even layer.
3. Generously coat chicken with a blend of salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika for robust flavor.
4. Scatter finely chopped onions and minced garlic over the seasoned chicken to infuse additional aromatics.
5. Carefully rinse rice under cold water to remove excess starch, then distribute evenly around and between the chicken pieces.
6. Gently pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring rice is completely submerged and chicken is partially covered.
7. Secure the lid and set slow cooker to low temperature, allowing contents to simmer for 4-5 hours until chicken reaches perfect tenderness and rice becomes soft and fluffy.
8. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, introduce frozen peas and carrots, stirring gently to integrate vegetables throughout the dish.
9. Once cooking is complete, use a fork to delicately separate and fluff the rice, creating a light and airy texture.
10. Serve immediately while warm, allowing the rich, comforting flavors to be fully appreciated.

Notes

• Customize seasoning by experimenting with different herb blends like Italian or Cajun for varied flavor profiles.
• Opt for brown rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty texture, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly.
• Prevent dry chicken by using bone-in chicken thighs or checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for guaranteed moisture.
• Transform into a gluten-free and dairy-free meal by ensuring broth and seasonings meet dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (or 5 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg