Picture yourself coming home after a long, hectic day to be greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of tender chicken and fluffy rice, a magical concoction that has been simmering in your crockpot. Your evening just can’t get better than this!
The tantalizing taste of this heartwarming Chicken and Rice Crockpot Recipe, coupled with its simplicity, has made it a personal favorite and a go-to comfort meal for me, my family, and my friends.
I still remember the first time I prepared this slow cooker recipe – the heavenly melding of savory flavors was simply unforgettable. As someone who appreciates the importance of a delicious, home-cooked meal that is also undemanding to prepare, it’s safe to say that this delightful dish has become a staple in my culinary journey.
This cover and cook recipe is an amalgam of wholesome, flavorful ingredients that truly embodies the essence of comfort food. More importantly, it boasts undeniable versatility as you can easily personalize the dish to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Whether you’re experimenting with different cuts of chicken, opting for the delicacy of jasmine rice, making use of skinless chicken, or trying vegan protein substitutes, this easy recipe can be transformed into an enthralling masterpiece.
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed sharing this recipe with friends and family, witnessing the joy on their faces as they dig in, savoring every morsel of bliss. I take particular pride in the way my mother, an exceptional cook in her own right, wholeheartedly endorsed and adopted this recipe, making it a recurring star of our family get-togethers.
As I share this comforting best crock pot recipe with all of you, I hope it brings as much warmth and happiness to your homes as it has to mine.
So let’s embark on this flavorful slow cooker adventure together and dive into a world of comfort food that will leave you craving more.
Recipe Details
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Calories: Approximately 500 per serving (less if you opt for a chicken breast over thighs)
Servings: 4 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Equipment Needed: A slow cooker or Crock-Pot
Ingredients
I have developed my own recipe card for this slow cooker meal. Try his recipe and make crockpot chicken like no one else.
For my all-time favorite chicken and rice crock pot recipe, you’ll need the following:
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts: I’ve found that this cut lends a particularly tender result, but feel free to replace it with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
• 1 cup of rice: I usually opt for long-grain brown rice or white rice, depending on my mood.
• 2 cups chicken broth or stock: This gives this slow cooker dish a rich depth of flavor, creating a savory foundation. I love using homemade broth when I have it on hand, but store-bought works perfectly fine. Use bone-in chicken breasts for more flavor.
• 1 can cream of chicken soup: This ingredient, in particular, gives this easy crock pot dish its signature creaminess. However, don’t worry if you’re out, you can make your own with some butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Just a hint of this brings a lovely flavor boost to this crock pot chicken recipe.
• Shredded cheese (optional): Whenever I make this recipe, I want to indulge a little, I add a generous sprinkle of cheese on top. Cheesy chicken and rice, there’s nothing like it.
Always keep in mind, a great chef isn’t afraid to alter recipes to their liking. Be creative and flexible – after all, cooking is an art.
Instructions
Prep: First things first, make sure your chicken breasts are cleaned, and if you’re using brown rice, remember to rinse it under cool water thoroughly.
Layering: Begin by adding the rice to the bottom of your instant pot. Then lovingly add the chicken breasts on top. Adding chicken on top ensures proper heat distribution for an even cook even if you make this meal cook on high.
Making the sauce: Combine the onion powder, chicken stock, and cream soup in a separate bowl to create a luscious, flavorful sauce.
You must have some extra chicken broth on side in case there are issues with the rice tenderizing. Rice works best when rice has absorbed all the flavors from chicken stock.
Pro tip: take a moment to savor the lovely aroma!
Cooking: Pour the sauce mixture over the rice and chicken in the crockpot ensuring an even distribution. Now comes the best part – cover and set your crockpot on high. Let the tempting aromas fill your kitchen as everything simmers together beautifully.
Finish and Serve: After about 3 to 4 hours, when rice is tender, your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible smell and the chicken and rice will be cooked to perfection. If you opted for the cheesy rice version, sprinkle your preferred type of shredded cheese on top of your dish during the last half hour of cooking.
Variations and Personalization
One of the reasons this easy chicken recipe is a personal favorite is its incredible adaptability. Depending on your dietary preferences, tastes, or even the ingredients you have at hand, this crockpot chicken and rice recipe can be beautifully customized.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to create a dish that reflects your tastes and represents your culinary journey.
Here are some alluring variations and personalization options:
Chicken cuts: Tender, juicy chicken thighs or legs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a more robust, rich flavor.
Rice variations: Feeling adventurous? Why not try jasmine rice, wild rice, or basmati rice? Instead of white rice, you can use different varieties of rice for this recipe. Remember, different varieties of rice may require different cooking times and liquid ratios, so get ready to experiment!
Veggie additions: Add your favorite vegetables like carrots, peas, or sweetcorn for a pop of color and extra nutrition. If you have a soft spot for leafy greens, consider adding fresh spinach or kale a few minutes before the dish is ready.
Creamy alternatives: Instead of creamy chicken soup, experiment with cream of mushroom soup or your favorite creamy soup for a unique twist.
Herbs and spices: Personalize easy crock pot recipes by adding your favorite herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, paprika, or even saffron, to lend depth and character to your meal.
Nutritional Information
This cover and cook on high meal is hearty and scrumptious while managing to hit a nutritional sweet spot. With proteins from the chicken and carbohydrates from the rice, you are guaranteed a meal that satisfies both your palate and nutritional needs.
Here’s an estimate of the nutritional content of a single serving of this comforting chicken and rice dinner dish:
Calories: Approximately 400-500 (a lower calorie count if you opt for chicken breasts)
Protein: Around 35-40 grams
Carbohydrates: Around 55-60 grams
Fat: Around 10-15 grams
However, keep in mind that the nutritional content may vary based on specific ingredient choices, portion sizes, and any additional elements or variations you incorporate into the recipe. Use chicken and rice accordingly. If you’re tracking calories or following particular dietary requirements, remember to adjust the components accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken in this crock pot chicken and rice recipe?
Sure, but remember that frozen raw chicken will release more water, which might make mushy rice. Put frozen chicken on the countertop for about an hour before adding to slow cooker.
2. My rice isn’t tender yet, even after the suggested cook time, what should I do?
Don’t fret on non tender rice! Each crockpot chicken and rice can vary. Just add more chicken broth or liquid in the slow cooker and continue cooking.
3. I don’t have cream of chicken soup, can I substitute it with something else?
Absolutely! You can make your own with some butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk, or use cream of mushroom soup instead.
4. Can I add vegetables to this crockpot recipe?
Definitely! Fresh or frozen vegetables would add a lovely pop of color and nutrients to the recipe.
5. What can I do with the leftover crockpot chicken and rice?
Leftovers make a great base for a chicken and rice casserole, chicken and rice soup, or even a creamy chicken and rice skillet dish.
Takeaway
Every time I prepare this slow cooker chicken and rice recipe, it brings back a flood of sweet memories. From the joy of sharing it with close friends to the comfort of enjoying it on a particularly cold evening, this dish has seen me through many seasons of life. There’s something extraordinarily delightful about knowing that a reliable, deliciously comforting dish is simmering away in my crockpot. And every time that familiar aroma wafts through my kitchen, I’m reminded why this recipe holds such a special place in my heart.
This crockpot chicken recipe, with its tantalizing blend of creamy, delicious rice and tender chicken, is truly the epitome of comfort food. The combination of convenience, nutrition, and rich flavors works as a charm, every single time. Whether you choose to stick to the outlined recipe or embark on a culinary adventure by experimenting with variations, this dish is sure to warm your heart and soul.
As you prepare this amazing recipe in your kitchen, I hope it brings a dose of warmth and homeliness to your meals.
Happy cooking and enjoy the undeniable comfort of this chicken and rice crockpot recipe.