Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Recipe Introduction: Unlocking Comfort Food with Your Crockpot

Fancy a bit of comfort food chicken and rice without the faff? You know, one of those dishes that hugs you from the inside out? Honestly, sometimes I just crave something super easy.

This recipe is the answer.

Quick Hook: Effortless Flavor in Every Bite

Ever wondered how to make a seriously delicious meal with practically zero effort? This Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A recipe is your shortcut to creamy, flavorful chicken and rice, perfect for a chilly evening.

It delivers big flavor with little work.

Brief Overview: From Southern Kitchens to Your Crockpot

This type of dish has roots in classic Southern Comfort Food Chicken and Rice . Our modern twist is all about convenience without sacrificing taste.

This Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe is super simple. Prep time is quick. Slow cooking takes around 4- 8 hours plus 30- 40 minutes for rice.

It feeds about six hungry souls.

Main Benefits: Nutritious, Easy, and Oh-So-Good!

Chicken and rice offer a good dose of protein. It's a great Weeknight Chicken and Rice Dinner option. What makes this recipe special? It is that hands off approach, plus the rich, savory flavor you get from slow cooking.

Seriously, who doesn't love coming home to a ready-made dinner?

And Now, About Ingredients...

Let's talk ingredients, what you'll need for this One-Pot Chicken and Rice wonder! Think tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce.

It's basically a warm hug in a bowl, and it's all thanks to your trusty slow cooker. I find it so simple yet it is a perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner Recipes .

I love Chicken and Rice Soup Crockpot , it is a great thing!

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A Culinary Adventure

Alright, so you're ready to dive into this Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A comfort food extravaganza? Excellent choice! Before we get started, let's round up everything you'll need.

Honestly, the beauty of this Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe is that it uses pretty basic stuff. Think of this section as your treasure map to a delicious Weeknight Chicken and Rice Dinner .

Main Ingredients Let's Get Precise

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs OR breasts. I prefer thighs for a Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice because they stay super moist, but breasts work too, just watch you don't dry them out, alright? Good quality chicken makes all the difference!
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) – for that initial sear. It adds a lovely depth.
• Onion: 1 medium , chopped about a cup, give or take. Yellow onions work best.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Because garlic is always a good idea, you know?
• Thyme: 1 tsp dried.
• Rosemary: 1/2 tsp dried.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp . Freshly ground is always best, if you've got it.
• Salt: 1/2 tsp . Adjust to taste later.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) low sodium. Because we can always add more salt, but we can't take it away.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.75 oz/305g) can condensed. Low sodium is your friend here too! This adds a lovely creaminess to the Crock Pot Chicken Rice Casserole .
• Long Grain White Rice: 1 cup (approx 170g) rinsed ! Seriously, don’t skip the rinsing. It stops it from getting all mushy, like when my grandma used to make it.
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) (optional). For extra indulgence go on, treat yourself!
• Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish. Makes it look all fancy, doesn't it?

Seasoning Notes The Flavour Boosters

The thyme and rosemary are your essential spice buddies here. They give that classic Comfort Food Chicken and Rice vibe.

A little goes a long way. Honestly, play around with it! You could sub in some dried oregano or a pinch of paprika for a twist.

A bay leaf (remove before serving!) adds a bit more depth too. A splash of lemon juice at the end can also brighten the whole thing up.

For a simple Chicken and Rice Soup Crockpot , just add an extra cup or two of broth!

Equipment Needed Keep It Simple

• A 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker/Crockpot . Essential, obviously! This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice needs a home.
• A large skillet. For searing the chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A cutting board and knife.
• A spoon, for stirring don't use your hands, silly!

Don't have a skillet? Honestly, you could skip the searing, but I wouldn't recommend it. It adds so much flavour! If you really have to, maybe just brown the chicken in the crockpot on high for a bit before adding the other ingredients for your Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner Recipes .

I want to share a funny story. I once tried making Crock Pot Chicken And Carrots in a rice cooker because I had no crockpot! Not recommended.

Alright, let's dive into Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A hug in a bowl, especially now that the evenings are getting a bit nippy.

This recipe is so simple, it’s practically foolproof! Think of it as a super easy Comfort Food Chicken and Rice , and a tasty version of Crock Pot Chicken Rice Casserole .

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First up, mise en place . Fancy, right? It just means getting everything ready before you start cooking. Chop your onion, mince your garlic you know the drill.

For this Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe , it’s all about saving time later. Got all your ingredients measured out? Boom.

You're basically a pro already. Now, quickly rinse your rice.

Crockpot Chicken and Rice: The Slow Cooker Magic

1. Sear the chicken in a pan with olive oil. Seriously, don't skip this. A quick sear on all sides builds major flavour.
2. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in the same pan. Get them nice and soft.
3. Chuck everything into the crockpot: Onions, garlic, seared chicken, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup. Give it a stir.
4. Slow cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours , until the chicken is tender. This is the perfect Weeknight Chicken and Rice Dinner .
5. Shred the chicken . It should practically fall apart.
6. Stir in rinsed rice. Make sure it's submerged. Cook on high for 30- 40 minutes , until the rice is cooked.
7. (Optional) Stir in the cream! Add some cream if you feel like being fancy.
8. Serve ! Garnish with parsley.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Slow Cooker Game

Here's a secret: searing the chicken before slow cooking makes all the difference. Seriously. It's the difference between "meh" and " Oh my gosh , this is amazing!".

Avoid mushy rice by rinsing it first. A properly rinsed Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is a joy. Taste as you go! Don’t be afraid to add more seasoning.

Leftovers? This tastes even better the next day. Hello Chicken and Rice Soup Crockpot ! For a healthy alternative try Crock Pot Chicken And Carrots !.

Honestly, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It smells amazing, it tastes incredible, and it's so easy to throw together.

You know you want to make this One-Pot Chicken and Rice . Enjoy this recipe for Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice .

It's one of the best Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner Recipes .

Recipe Notes for Your Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A Masterpiece!

Right, so you're about to dive into making this ridiculously easy Crock Pot Chicken Rice Casserole . Before you do, let's chat about a few things that'll make it even better.

Honestly, this Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe is pretty foolproof, but a few insider tips never hurt, eh? I want you to enjoy this Comfort Food Chicken and Rice !

Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy (Sort Of)

Okay, so plating doesn't have to be a Michelin star affair. But a little effort goes a long way. Think about scooping a generous portion into a nice bowl.

A sprinkle of that fresh parsley we talked about? Chef's kiss! And you can add green! Steamed broccoli or green beans are dead easy and add a pop of colour.

Or, you know, a nice side salad with a vinaigrette is a proper winner. Crusty bread is amazing for mopping up all that creamy, chicken-y sauce.

A cold glass of lemonade? Lovely. Or if you're feeling a bit boujee, a crisp white wine works wonders.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Right, so you've made a batch of this Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice , and, like, there's leftovers. No worries.

Let it cool down properly, and then whack it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for three to four days .

When you want to reheat, just microwave it until piping hot. Make sure it's at least 165° F ( 74° C) .

Now, about freezing. While you can freeze it, I'm not a massive fan. The rice can get a bit mushy.

But, if you have to, portion it out into freezer safe containers, and it should be alright for up to three months .

Defrost thoroughly before reheating.

Variations: Putting Your Spin On It

Fancy a bit of a twist? Easy peasy. For a dairy-free version, swap out the cream of chicken soup for a plant based alternative, and skip the heavy cream.

If you want to try something different, use brown rice instead of white. It'll take longer to cook, so keep an eye on it.

Another thought is to add Crock Pot Chicken And Carrots , or mushrooms to make mushroom chicken.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, I'm not a nutritionist, so don't quote me on this, but this One-Pot Chicken and Rice is packed with protein from the chicken.

Plus, you get some carbs from the rice for energy. It can easily be a Weeknight Chicken and Rice Dinner recipe.

It will vary by serving size, but you're looking at roughly 350-450 calories per serving, with a good dose of protein.

Look, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice dish is all about comfort. Don't stress too much about making it perfect.

Just have a go, experiment, and, most importantly, enjoy it. You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine. However, chicken breasts tend to dry out quicker than thighs in the slow cooker, so keep an eye on them. You might want to reduce the initial cooking time slightly (by about an hour) to prevent them from becoming too dry.

Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

My rice always turns to mush in the slow cooker. What am I doing wrong with this Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A recipe?

Ah, the dreaded mushy rice! There are a few culprits here. First, make sure you're using long grain white rice and rinsing it thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker. This removes excess starch. Secondly, don't add the rice at the beginning; follow the recipe and add it only in the last 30-40 minutes of cooking.

Finally, keep a close eye on it, and don't overcook it. Overcooking = mushy rice, plain and simple.

Is there anything I can substitute for the cream of chicken soup in this Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A? I'm trying to avoid processed foods.

Good on you for trying to keep it healthy! You can definitely make a substitute. Try making a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in chicken broth until it thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried thyme. Alternatively, you can use a can of cream of mushroom or celery soup.

It will give it a slight different flavour!

Can I freeze leftover Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A?

You can, but the texture of the rice might change a bit after freezing and thawing, potentially becoming slightly softer. To minimize this, cool the leftovers completely before transferring them to an airtight container and freezing. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help rehydrate the rice.

It will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

What are some tasty variations I can try with this Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A recipe to jazz it up a bit?

Fancy a bit of a twist? Why not throw in some sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for a creamy mushroom version, or add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese in the last 15 minutes for a cheesy delight? If you're feeling brave, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will give it a spicy kick.

You can also try using cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for a richer flavour.

How can I make this Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A recipe healthier?

There are a few simple swaps you can make! Use low-sodium chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Consider using brown rice for added fibre, but be aware that brown rice will require a longer cooking time. You can also load up on veggies by adding chopped broccoli, peas, or carrots during the last hour of cooking.

Also feel free to add cauliflower rice instead!