Slow Cooker Chicken & Rice

Recipe Introduction: Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Magic!

Fancy a proper hug in a bowl? this chicken rice slow cooker recipe is just that. it is dead easy and tastes like your grandma spent all day in the kitchen.

But honestly, you just bung it all in the slow cooker and walk away.

Quick Hook: From Zero to Hero with One Pot

Ever wondered if you could make comfort food slow cooker recipes that actually taste good with minimal effort? this chicken rice slow cooker recipe is your answer.

Think tender chicken and fluffy rice simmered in a flavourful broth. it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, trust me.

A Little Bit About Chicken Rice

This dish is like a distant cousin to the classic chicken noodle soup. originating from the heart of home-cooked goodness, it's been adapted for the modern kitchen using the glorious slow cooker.

This version is super easy, needs about 15 minutes prep, and cooks for 4- 6 hours. it makes about 6 servings.

So there's loads to go around.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly? this easy slow cooker chicken rice is good for the soul. the chicken teriyaki recipe version, which we will get to later, with a lighter twist can have great health benefits.

This one is perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want something warm and comforting. what makes it special is the simplicity.

Set it and forget it.

The Stuff You'll Need

Right, let's get down to brass tacks. For this one pot chicken and rice crockpot wonder, you'll need:

• 1. 5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts.
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil.
• 1 large onion, chopped.
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• 6 cups (1.4 litres) chicken broth.
• 1 tsp dried thyme.
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary.
• 1 bay leaf.
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste.
• 1 cup (185g) long-grain white rice.
• 1/4 cup (loosely packed) fresh parsley, chopped. This is definitely a family friendly slow cooker meal . Now, onto the method, which is even easier!

Slow Cooker Chicken & Rice Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:240 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups (1.4 litres) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• 1 cup (185g) long-grain white rice
• 1/4 cup (loosely packed) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

• Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until lightly browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). This step adds flavour but can be skipped for convenience.
• Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker. Stir in minced garlic.
• Place seared (or un-seared) chicken on top of the vegetables. Pour in chicken broth.
• Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
• Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
• Stir in rice into the slow cooker, ensuring it's submerged in the broth. Cover and cook on high for 30-45 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Check periodically to ensure rice isn’t sticking or burning.
• Remove bay leaf. Stir in fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350

Fat:10g

Fiber:2g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment for the Easiest Chicken Rice Slow Cooker Ever!

Right, let's get down to brass tacks. this chicken rice slow cooker recipe is proper simple, so the ingredients list ain't gonna scare ya! we're aiming for maximum flavour with minimal fuss.

Honestly, it's the best of the comfort food slow cooker recipes out there.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Here's what you'll need, laid out nice and clear. we're doing both us and metric, because, you know, being helpful is our bag.

This is for a family friendly slow cooker meals , so adjust quantities if you're cooking for a crowd or just for yourself.

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. I prefer thighs, they stay lovely and moist.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml)
• Onion: 1 large , chopped. Get that chopping board out!
• Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped. Adds a bit of sweetness, innit?
• Celery: 2 stalks , chopped. Don't skimp on the celery, it's important.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Because garlic makes everything better.
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups (1.4 litres) low sodium preferred. Trust me, go for the low sodium stuff.
• Dried Thyme: 1 tsp (5 ml)
• Dried Rosemary: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml)
• Bay Leaf: 1
• Salt: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) or to taste. Seasoning is key, remember!
• Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) or to taste. Freshly ground if you have it.
• Long-Grain White Rice: 1 cup (185g) .
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (5 g) , chopped. For a bit of freshness.

Chicken quality is key . Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale or grey.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town, Population: You!

Now, listen up. the right spices can make or break a dish. this ain't just about chucking stuff in. think of thyme and rosemary as your base.

They're the unsung heroes of easy slow cooker chicken rice . the bay leaf? it's a flavour enhancer, trust me. if you don't have thyme and rosemary, italian seasoning will do in a pinch.

This is an easy way to make crockpot teriyaki chicken recipe for your family.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You really don't need a kitchen full of fancy gadgets for this. Just the bare essentials:

• Slow Cooker: 6-quart or larger . Obviously!
• Large Skillet: Optional, for searing the chicken.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: To keep things accurate.

If you haven't got a skillet, don't worry. you can skip the searing. the slow cooker will still do its magic.

It will be a delicious meal to be considered healthy crockpot .

This one pot chicken and rice crockpot meal will become a family favourite, honestly! So simple and so delicious.

Slow Cooker Chicken Rice: The Easiest Comfort Food EVER!

Honestly, who doesn't love a comfort food slow cooker recipes that practically cooks itself? i know i do! we're talking about slow cooker chicken rice , the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal.

Imagine coming home after a long day to a kitchen filled with the amazing aroma of tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.

It's like a warm hug in a bowl, seriously! this easy slow cooker chicken rice recipe is so simple, even my nan could make it! (love you nan!).

It's the perfect antidote to a hectic week. it truly is family friendly slow cooker meals.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Essential mise en place is fancy talk for "get your ingredients ready". chop 1 large onion, peel and chop 2 carrots, and chop 2 celery stalks.

Mince 2 cloves of garlic. measure out your spices: 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste!), and 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste!).

Have your 1.5 lbs (680g) of chicken ready to go!

Time-saving organization tips? I'm all about them! Chop your veggies the night before. Seriously, game changer! Also, measure out all your spices and pop them into a little bowl. Boom, done.

How to Nail the Chicken Rice Slow Cooker

1. (Optional but Recommended): Sear the Chicken. Season your chicken with salt and pepper. Get a skillet hot with 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown each side for about 2- 3 minutes . This adds so much flavour, trust me!
2. Create the Veggie Base: Chuck your chopped onion, carrots, and celery into your slow cooker. Stir in that minced garlic.
3. Chicken & Broth Time: Place the seared chicken on top of the veggies. Pour in 6 cups (1.4 litres) of chicken broth (low sodium is best, innit?).
4. Flavour Bomb: Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
5. Slow Cook Magic: Cover and cook on low for 4- 6 hours or on high for 2- 3 hours . The chicken should shred easily with a fork.
6. Shred It!: Take the chicken out and shred it. Then, put it back in the slow cooker.
7. Rice Time: Stir in 1 cup (185g) long-grain white rice. Make sure it's submerged. Cook on high for 30- 45 minutes , until the rice is cooked and the liquid's absorbed. Keep an eye on it, you don't want it sticking!
8. Final Flourish: Take out the bay leaf. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot! This can easily become your favourite one pot chicken and rice crockpot recipe.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken Rice

Want that extra "oomph"? Try searing the chicken. Honestly, it's worth the extra five minutes. It adds such a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.

Common mistake? overcooking the rice! keep a close eye on it during that last 30- 45 minutes . mushy rice is a no-no.

Remember: crockpot teriyaki chicken is nice, but mushy rice isn't!

Feeling fancy? Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream at the end for a creamy version. You could also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bit of zing!

This slow cooker chicken and rice recipe is a game changer for busy families and anyone looking for healthy crockpot options. Enjoy!

Right, so you’ve nailed the recipe. ace! but what about those little extras? here are some recipe notes for your chicken rice slow cooker masterpiece.

These will turn your easy slow cooker chicken rice into a real showstopper.

Recipe Notes: Bits and Bobs That Make All the Difference

Plating and Presentation: Make it Look the Business

Honestly, presentation matters, doesn't it? a simple way to elevate your chicken rice slow cooker is by using a nice bowl.

Garnish with extra parsley. a lemon wedge adds a pop of colour and flavour. a dollop of natural yogurt or crème fraîche on top makes it restaurant-worthy.

Serve alongside some perfectly steamed broccoli or a fresh side salad for a balanced and colourful meal. the family friendly slow cooker meals just got an upgrade.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh, Mate

Got leftovers? no worries. once cooled, stash your comfort food slow cooker recipes in an airtight container. it'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freezing is your best bet. portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags. it will last for up to 2 months.

Reheating is a doddle. microwave it until piping hot or gently reheat on the hob. just add a splash of water if it seems a bit dry.

Variations: Let's Get Creative

Want to shake things up? for a gluten-free version, just make sure you are using gluten-free chicken broth. you can also swap the rice for quinoa.

For a vegetarian twist, use firm tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken. this works beautifully! or if you want a crockpot teriyaki chicken style dinner? you can use teriyaki sauce in place of the chicken broth.

Seasonal ingredient swaps are where it gets interesting, though. in the summer, add some chopped courgette or bell peppers to the slow cooker.

In winter, butternut squash or parsnips would be lovely.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bowl

Okay, let’s talk about the good stuff! this slow cooker chicken rice vegetables recipe is packed with protein from the chicken.

It's got carbs for energy from the rice. plus, loads of vitamins and minerals from the veggies. it's a proper balanced meal, that will fill you up.

Using low-sodium broth helps keep the salt content in check. it also makes it a healthy crockpot choice.

So there you have it! some extra tips and tricks to take your chicken rice slow cooker game to the next level.

Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. now, go on, get cooking! i'm sure this one pot chicken and rice crockpot recipe will be a winner.