If you’re looking for a meal that’s as simple as it is delicious, then this crockpot chicken and rice recipe is just what you need! Perfect for those busy days when you’re running around, it allows you to throw everything into your trusty crockpot and let it do all the work. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of savory chicken mingling with fluffy rice and veggies.
The beauty of using a crockpot is how it frees up your time. You can prepare this meal in just 15 minutes, and then go about your day knowing dinner is cooking itself. You won’t have to slave over the stove or keep a close eye on the clock. Just set it, forget it, and let the magic happen! Plus, this recipe is so versatile; you can easily tweak it to fit your family’s tastes. So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this flavorful dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this crockpot chicken and rice recipe a success! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of uncooked rice: I love using long-grain white rice, but feel free to experiment with brown rice if you prefer a healthier option! Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: You can also swap these out for chicken thighs if you like dark meat. Just remember, the cooking time might be a bit different, but it’s still delicious!
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup: This is the magic ingredient that adds creaminess and flavor. You can use the low-fat version if you want to cut back on calories.
- 1 cup of chicken broth: I usually go for low-sodium broth to keep things healthier, but any chicken broth will do. It adds depth to the dish!
- 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables: This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition without any fuss. You don’t even need to thaw them first!
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: This adds a lovely savory flavor. If you have fresh garlic on hand, feel free to use that instead!
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder: Just a pinch of this helps enhance the overall taste. Don’t skip it!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season according to your preference. Remember, you can always add more later, but you can’t take it out, so start with a little!
Having all these ingredients ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to whip up this delicious crockpot chicken and rice recipe! I promise it’s as easy as it sounds. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Place the chicken in the crockpot: Start by laying those beautiful boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Don’t worry about them being perfectly spaced—just get them in there. They’ll soak up all those flavors as they cook!
- Add the rice: Next, sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the chicken. This is where the magic starts to happen, as the rice will absorb all the tasty juices from the chicken and soup.
- Mix the soup and broth: In a separate bowl, combine the can of cream of chicken soup with the chicken broth. Stir it well until it’s nice and smooth, then pour this luscious mixture over the rice. Make sure to cover all the rice; it needs that moisture to cook perfectly!
- Layer in the vegetables: Now it’s time to add the frozen mixed vegetables. Just sprinkle them on top of everything else. No need to thaw them first! They’ll heat up nicely while everything cooks.
- Season it up: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the top. Seasoning is key for flavor, so taste as you go! You can always add more later if needed.
- Cover and cook: Put the lid on your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better, as the flavors really meld together. Just make sure not to lift the lid too often—this can let heat escape!
- Shred the chicken: When the cooking time is up, take off the lid and check that the chicken is cooked through. It should shred easily with a fork. Mix everything together in the crockpot, ensuring the rice and veggies are well combined with the chicken. And there you have it—your comforting crockpot chicken and rice is ready to serve!
Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to your taste before serving. You might want to sprinkle on a little more salt or pepper, depending on your preference. Enjoy this simple, flavorful meal with your family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 15 minutes to prep! Once you set it in the crockpot, you can forget about it and go about your day.
- Flavorful Comfort Food: With tender chicken, creamy soup, and seasoned rice, every bite is packed with flavor that warms your soul.
- Healthy Ingredients: Using whole ingredients like chicken, rice, and veggies means you’re serving up a nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy.
- One-Pot Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pot. Less mess means more time to relax!
- Versatile: You can easily tweak the recipe to include your favorite vegetables or spices, making it a customizable dish for everyone.
Tips for Success
To make sure your crockpot chicken and rice recipe turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips that will help you avoid common pitfalls!
- Use uncooked rice: This is crucial! If you use cooked rice, it can turn mushy and ruin the dish. Trust me, uncooked rice absorbs all those delicious flavors as it cooks.
- Don’t skip the layering: Make sure to layer your ingredients as instructed. The chicken should be at the bottom, followed by rice, then the soup mixture, and finally the veggies. This ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Check the cooking time: Every crockpot is a bit different. If you notice your chicken isn’t shredding easily after the suggested cooking time, give it an extra 30 minutes to an hour on low. It should be tender and fall apart with a fork!
- Season gradually: It’s easy to over-season at first. Start with the suggested amounts of garlic and onion powder, and adjust to your taste at the end. You can always add more, but it’s tough to take it out!
- Let it rest: Once you finish cooking, let the dish sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to mix everything together.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll create a comforting meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can be super helpful, especially when you’re trying to eat healthier or meet specific dietary goals. While I always recommend checking the labels on your ingredients for the most accurate information, here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values for this crockpot chicken and rice recipe:
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. For example, using low-sodium broth can reduce the sodium content, while opting for brown rice might add a bit more fiber. Always feel free to adjust and make this recipe your own while keeping an eye on the nutritional aspects that matter most to you!
FAQ Section
Common Questions About Cooking
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice! Just keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time. If you decide to go this route, I recommend adding an extra hour to the cooking time on low or about 30 minutes on high. Brown rice tends to absorb more liquid, so you may need to add a bit more chicken broth as well.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check is to use a fork to see if the chicken shreds easily. If it’s still tough or hard to shred, it needs more time in the crockpot. Also, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Can I add different vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies. Just remember that denser vegetables like carrots or potatoes might need to be chopped smaller and added early on, while softer veggies, like spinach, can be tossed in during the last hour of cooking.
Storage and Reheating
How should I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the chicken and rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What’s the best way to reheat the chicken and rice?
Reheating in the microwave is quick and easy! Just place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until it’s heated through. If you have leftovers in the freezer, you can reheat them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep everything moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
This crockpot chicken and rice recipe makes for a hearty main dish, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to complete your meal! Consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad tossed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. You might also enjoy some steamed broccoli or green beans, which add a nice crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
If you’re feeling indulgent, a slice of warm, crusty bread or some buttery dinner rolls can soak up all that delicious sauce. And don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, on top for a burst of flavor and a pop of color!
For more information on the benefits of using a crockpot, check out this Healthline article.
Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe: 7 Easy Steps to Success
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This crockpot chicken and rice recipe is a simple, flavorful meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of uncooked rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Spread the uncooked rice over the chicken.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the rice.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables on top.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once done, shred the chicken with a fork and mix everything together before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to use uncooked rice for best results.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken and rice recipe, easy chicken recipe, slow cooker chicken
