This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is a warm and comforting meal. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful seasonings, it practically cooks itself!
I love tossing everything in the pot and just letting it go. There’s something magical about the smell that fills the house, and it’s a hug in a bowl! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness. You can substitute with thighs if you prefer a richer flavor or use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this dish. You could swap it for brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice usually takes longer to cook.
Broth: Chicken broth adds great flavor, but vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian version. Homemade broth can enhance the taste even more.
Mixed Vegetables: Frozen mixed veggies save time, but fresh ones like bell peppers or zucchini can add color and crunch. Make sure to adjust cooking times slightly for fresh veggies.
Spices: Feel free to experiment! Adding a bit of cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs can change the flavor profile. I love trying new spices!
How Do I Ensure the Rice Cooks Perfectly?
Cooking rice in a crock pot can be tricky, but there’s a simple trick to get it just right. Make sure to keep the ratio of liquid to rice correct. For long-grain rice, a 1:1.5 ratio of rice to broth/water is ideal.
- Layer the rice at the bottom to absorb flavors and moisture from the chicken.
- Stir gently after cooking to fluff and mix the rice without mashing it.
- If rice seems undercooked, add a splash of water and cook a bit longer.
Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then you can let your crock pot do the work! Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. In total, you’re looking at around 4 to 5 hours until you’re ready to enjoy a cozy meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crock Pot:
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray or a little butter. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Layer the Rice:
Evenly spread the uncooked long-grain rice at the bottom of the crock pot. This will serve as the base for your delicious dish.
3. Mix the Liquid Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, water, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed!
4. Pour It In:
Carefully pour the broth mixture over the rice in the crock pot. This will help the rice cook to fluffy perfection!
5. Add Vegetables:
Now, add the frozen mixed vegetables right on top of the rice. Don’t worry about mixing them in; they will cook nicely as the chicken simmers.
6. Prepare the Chicken:
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil or butter and sprinkle them with a bit of salt and pepper. This adds flavor to the chicken and keeps it juicy.
7. Assemble It All:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts right on top of the rice and vegetables in the crock pot.
8. Cook:
Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
9. Final Touch:
Once done, gently stir the rice and vegetables to combine all the flavors together.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh taste. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting meal!
Enjoy your warm, easy, and delicious crock pot chicken and rice! 😊
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! If you prefer brown rice, just keep in mind that it needs a little more cooking time. You’ll want to add an extra hour to the cooking time on low or 30 minutes on high. The total liquid may also need to be increased slightly, so you could use 2 cups of broth instead!
Can I Substitute Fresh Vegetables for Frozen Ones?
Yes, you can! If using fresh vegetables, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from getting mushy. Good options include fresh carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Definitely! This recipe is already dairy-free as no dairy products are used. Just ensure the chicken broth is from a dairy-free source. Enjoy it worry-free!
