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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by coating the interior with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even layer.
- Generously coat chicken with a blend of salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika for robust flavor.
- Scatter finely chopped onions and minced garlic over the seasoned chicken to infuse additional aromatics.
- Carefully rinse rice under cold water to remove excess starch, then distribute evenly around and between the chicken pieces.
- Gently pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring rice is completely submerged and chicken is partially covered.
- 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.
- During the final 30 minutes of cooking, introduce frozen peas and carrots, stirring gently to integrate vegetables throughout the dish.
- Once cooking is complete, use a fork to delicately separate and fluff the rice, creating a light and airy texture.
- 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