Crockpot Chicken and Rice : This slow cooker chicken and rice consists of tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a blend of savory spices, all melded together in a creamy, flavorful dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Prep: Just add the ingredients to your Crockpot and let it work its magic.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults for its creamy, comforting flavors.
- Versatile: A base recipe with endless variations to suit different tastes.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Chicken and Rice
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your Crockpot as rice can turn mushy if overcooked. Checking around the 4-hour mark on low is ideal.
- Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess: Stir in a cup of shredded cheese after cooking for a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Broth to Rice Ratio: Long-grain rice generally requires more liquid, so don’t skimp on the broth.
- Avoid Pre-cooking Ingredients: The magic of this recipe is in the slow cooking process, allowing the flavors to meld together over time.
- Prevent Sticky Rice: Rinse your rice thoroughly before adding it to the Crockpot. This will help reduce starch and prevent clumping.
Delicious Variations to Try
Mexican-Inspired: Add a teaspoon of chili powder and cumin, black beans, and corn for a Mexican-inspired chicken and rice dish. Top with cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice: Substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup, and add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, comforting twist.
Italian Style: Use Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese to bring an Italian flair. Garnish with fresh basil or oregano for added aroma.
Healthier Option: Skip the cream of chicken soup and replace it with Greek yogurt or cashew cream at the end of cooking. It will still be creamy, but with less processed ingredients.
Spicy Chicken and Rice: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bit of heat, or garnish with sliced jalapeños if you like it hot!
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Rice
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various sides. Here are some ideas to make it a complete meal:
- With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or dinner rolls to mop up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or brussels sprouts make great vegetable side options.
- Top with Toppings: Fresh herbs, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice can bring the flavors to life.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Chicken and Rice
- Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers. The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency. Avoid overcooking when reheating to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time. Add an extra 1-2 hours to the low setting and check periodically.
Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead of a Crockpot?
Certainly! Simply follow the same steps in a large pot, simmering on low heat. Stir occasionally and check rice doneness after about 20-25 minutes.
What’s the best way to make this dish dairy-free?
Swap out the cream of chicken soup with a non-dairy alternative, such as coconut milk or cashew cream. Be sure to use a non-dairy butter substitute or omit it altogether.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
It’s generally safer to use thawed chicken in slow cooker recipes to ensure even cooking. Frozen chicken might result in a longer cooking time, affecting the rice texture.
Why did my rice turn mushy?
Overcooking or using a short-grain rice can result in mushy rice. Stick to long-grain rice, rinse it beforehand, and cook on low to retain the best texture.
Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Crockpot Chicken and Rice : This slow cooker chicken and rice consists of tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a blend of savory spices, all melded together in a creamy, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice – Important to use brown rice for proper texture.
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 small shallot – Finely chopped, or substitute with ½ small onion.
- 4 ½ to 5 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups diced carrots – About 4 medium carrots.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – Adds a touch of tang!
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese – White cheddar is perfect here.
- ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess.
- Fresh parsley – Optional for a bright finish.
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch. This helps it cook evenly.
- Bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil, add the rinsed rice, and cook for 10 minutes. Drain well.
- Lightly coat your Crockpot (5-quart or larger) with nonstick spray. Add the par-cooked rice, carrots, shallot, and Dijon mustard. Stir to mix.
- Arrange chicken on top of the rice mixture, and season with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in 2 ½ cups of the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 ½ to 2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Take the chicken out and keep it warm. Stir the rice mixture, adding a little extra broth if needed.
- Re-cover and continue cooking on HIGH for another 1 to 1 ½ hours until the rice is tender.
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in the peas and Greek yogurt. Dice the chicken, return it to the Crockpot, and mix in ¼ cup of cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and let it melt.
- Serve warm, sprinkled with fresh parsley for a bright, herby finish. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 918Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 223mgSodium: 1219mgCarbohydrates: 55gFiber: 7gSugar: 10gProtein: 107g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken and Rice is a dish that effortlessly combines simplicity with soul-warming flavors. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or just craving a cozy meal, this recipe delivers every time. And with so many delicious variations, you can make it different each time to keep things exciting!
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