Description
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty slow cooker chicken and rice recipe, promising rich, tender flavors that simmer to perfection. Families will savor each spoonful of this easy, one-pot meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Grains and Liquid:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups (24 fluid ounces) chicken broth
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by lightly coating the interior with non-stick spray or a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Create a flavorful base in the slow cooker by combining rice, chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Nestle chicken breasts or thighs into the rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid for optimal moisture and flavor absorption.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature, allowing the dish to simmer for 4-5 hours. Alternatively, use high temperature for 2-3 hours until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F/74°C and rice becomes perfectly tender.
- Thirty minutes before cooking completion, gently fold in frozen peas and carrots, integrating them carefully into the rice mixture to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
- Once cooking is finished, use a fork to fluff the rice, creating a light and airy texture. Transfer chicken pieces onto the rice bed.
- Enhance the presentation by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese as a final garnish, adding a burst of color and complementary flavor to the comforting one-pot meal.
Notes
- Swap chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh to create a delightful vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s hearty texture and flavor profile.
- Experiment with different rice varieties like brown rice or quinoa for added nutritional boost and unique taste dimensions, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and prevent the dish from becoming overly salty, especially for those monitoring their sodium consumption.
- Customize seasonings by incorporating herbs like rosemary or sage, or adding a splash of white wine for deeper, more complex flavor undertones that elevate the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg