The Easiest Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe for Cozy Dinners

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

Hearty ingredients combine effortlessly in one magical appliance.

Families adore this simple meal that requires minimal preparation.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among fluffy rice grains.

Aromatic spices infuse each bite with warmth and depth.

Weeknight dinners become stress-free when you can toss everything into the slow cooker.

Prepare to savor a meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Tips To Boost Chicken And Rice Flavor

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and easy shredding.
• Select long-grain white rice for the best texture and absorption of flavors in the slow cooker.
• Enhance the dish's depth by using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought for richer taste.
• Add frozen vegetables during the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking and maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
• Check chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

New Versions Of Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice

• Protein Switch: Replace chicken breasts with boneless turkey thighs or lean pork loin for a different meat flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for complete meat-free preparation.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute regular rice with quinoa or brown rice to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to the rice mixture for those craving extra heat and bold flavor dimensions.

Serving Suggestions For Chicken And Rice

• Comfort Plate Paradise: Serve this hearty dish over a bed of fresh green salad for added crunch and nutrition.
• Creamy Chicken Remix: Shred the cooked chicken and mix it back into the rice for a richer, more integrated meal experience.
• Family-Style Feast: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and fresh herb flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chicken and rice into quick lunch wraps by adding some extra seasonings and rolling in a soft tortilla.

Best Storage For Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the chicken and rice separately from any additional vegetables to keep the texture intact.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent condensation.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase cooking time by 1-2 hours and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• What if I don't have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and milk.

• Is it okay to use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time, so adjust broth by 1/4 cup and increase cooking time by 1-2 hours.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake in a covered casserole dish at 375°F for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice Done Right

• Customize with Ease: Personalize this one-pot wonder by adding your favorite veggies or swapping chicken for turkey, making it a versatile meal that adapts to your taste preferences.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Dump ingredients into the slow cooker without complicated chopping or mixing, creating a delicious meal with minimal effort and maximum taste satisfaction.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Deliver a hearty, nutritious dinner that pleases both kids and adults, with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice that everyone will love.
• Stress-Free Cooking Solution: Transform busy weeknights into relaxed dining experiences by letting the slow cooker do all the hard work while you focus on family time.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that forms the base of this hearty slow cooker dish.

• White Rice: The classic grain that absorbs flavors and creates a comforting texture.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and rich flavor to the rice and chicken.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess and enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.

• Onion, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Contribute depth and traditional savory notes to the recipe.
• Paprika: Offers a subtle warmth and mild smokiness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Frozen Peas, Frozen Carrots: Add color, nutrition, and a sweet, fresh element to the completed dish.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray or Slow Cooker Liner: Ensures easy preparation and clean-up of the slow cooker.

How To Prepare Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents any stubborn sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

If you prefer, you can also use a slow cooker liner for even easier cleanup.

Step 2: Layer Chicken Base

Arrange chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.

These will create a delicious protein foundation for your meal.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Rice Mixture

• Rice
• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup
• Chopped onion
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until well blended, creating a creamy and aromatic mixture.

Step 4: Cover Chicken With Rice Mixture

Pour the prepared rice mixture directly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is completely covered for even cooking and maximum flavor infusion.

Step 5: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook for 4-6 hours.

You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked and the rice reaches a tender, fluffy consistency.

Step 6: Add Colorful Vegetables

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir in peas and carrots.

These veggies will add a pop of color and extra nutrition to your meal.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Once cooking is complete, serve the chicken and rice warm.

Get ready to enjoy a comforting, hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Best Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting slow cooker chicken and rice brings hearty flavors from classic home cooking traditions. Families will enjoy this simple one-pot meal that delivers tender chicken and fluffy rice you can savor with minimal preparation effort.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains and Starches:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup

Seasonings and Vegetables:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by lightly coating with nonstick spray or inserting a protective liner to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer across the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring even placement.
3. Create a flavorful mixture by combining rice with aromatic seasonings, broth, and creamy soup in a separate mixing bowl, whisking until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
4. Gently pour the seasoned rice mixture over the chicken, making sure to distribute evenly and cover the meat completely.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature, allowing the dish to simmer and develop rich flavors for 4-6 hours.
6. Check chicken’s internal temperature and rice tenderness, ensuring both are perfectly cooked through.
7. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, fold in vibrant peas and carrots to introduce additional texture and nutritional value.
8. Once cooking is complete, let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to settle and juices to redistribute.
9. Serve piping hot, garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional seasoning if desired.

Notes

• Always use fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor in your slow cooker meal.
• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content and customize the seasoning to your taste.
• Swap white rice with brown rice for added nutrition, but increase cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure proper tenderness.
• Consider using frozen mixed vegetables instead of just peas and carrots to add more variety and color to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (or 6 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg