Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food that comes together effortlessly. The slow-cooked chicken is tender and juicy, while the rice absorbs all the savory flavors from the broth and seasonings. Whether served with a side of veggies or on its own, this dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and warm you up from the inside out. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity and versatility. You can easily make it your own by adding in different vegetables, such as carrots or corn, or by experimenting with different herbs and spices. Plus, it’s a great meal for busy families because it requires minimal prep and does most of the work while you go about your day.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Directions:
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the rice mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it back into the rice.
- Stir in frozen peas, if desired, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4-5 hours | Total Time: 4-5 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Comforting Magic of Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is one of those classic dishes that never goes out of style. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that combines the goodness of chicken with fluffy rice, seasoned to perfection. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a few ingredients, all tossed into the slow cooker, and you’re left with a delicious, home-cooked meal after hours of cooking. But beyond its ease, it’s also a dish that brings comfort and warmth, perfect for any time of the year, especially when you need something hearty and soul-soothing.
Why Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is the Best
- Minimal Prep Work: One of the major appeals of this recipe is that it requires almost no effort. With just a few basic ingredients—chicken breasts, rice, cream of chicken soup, broth, and seasonings—all you need to do is combine everything in the slow cooker and let the magic happen. It’s the perfect meal for those busy days when you just don’t have time to cook a complicated dinner.
- Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the hard work. Set it, forget it, and come back to a delicious, fully cooked meal. Whether you’re working, running errands, or spending time with the family, the crock pot handles the cooking so you can focus on other things.
- Affordable Ingredients: Another reason why this recipe is a go-to is its affordability. It uses budget-friendly ingredients, making it perfect for families or anyone looking to save money without sacrificing flavor. Chicken breasts are often on sale, and rice is a pantry staple that you likely already have on hand.
- Comfort Food That’s Filling: This dish offers a sense of comfort that can only come from slow-cooked meals. The rice becomes infused with all the savory flavors from the chicken and broth, while the chicken remains incredibly moist and tender. It’s a filling dish that will keep everyone satisfied, whether served with a side of vegetables or on its own.
- Customizable and Versatile: One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes. Feel free to throw in some extra vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or corn, to add more flavor and nutrients. You can also adjust the seasonings to match your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re avoiding gluten, looking to make it low-sodium, or just experimenting with different flavors, this recipe is highly adaptable.
- Family-Friendly: Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is a hit with both adults and kids alike. It’s simple and mild enough for younger palates but flavorful enough to satisfy adults. It’s also great for meal prepping, so you can have leftovers for lunch the next day or make a large batch for a family gathering.
- Healthy and Nutritious: While this recipe is incredibly simple, it also offers some nutritional benefits. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, making it an excellent choice for those who want a healthy, low-fat meal. Rice provides a good source of carbohydrates, giving you the energy you need to get through the day. If you add vegetables like peas or carrots, you’re incorporating even more fiber and nutrients into the dish. To make it even healthier, consider swapping out the cream of chicken soup for a homemade version or a lower-fat alternative.
The Benefits of Cooking with a Slow Cooker
The slow cooker is a kitchen tool that continues to be loved by home cooks everywhere—and for good reason. Not only does it make cooking easy, but it also comes with several additional benefits:
- Retains Nutrients: Slow cooking at low temperatures helps retain nutrients that can be lost during faster cooking methods. For example, the chicken stays moist and tender, while the rice absorbs all the flavorful broth, making each bite rich and satisfying.
- Flavor Development: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together more deeply. The chicken releases its juices into the broth, which infuses the rice with savory flavor. As the ingredients cook together over time, the dish becomes more flavorful, often tasting even better as leftovers the next day.
- Energy Efficient: Slow cookers are much more energy-efficient compared to cooking on the stove or in the oven. They use a lower temperature over a longer period, which means less energy consumption, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
- Great for Meal Prep: A slow cooker is a time-saver for meal prepping. You can prepare this dish in bulk, and it can easily be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. The leftovers can be reheated for lunch or dinner the following day, saving you even more time and effort.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy gathering, Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is the ideal dish. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and sure to please a crowd. Plus, it can be served on its own or paired with various sides, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
How to Elevate the Dish
While the base recipe is simple and delicious, there are a few ways you can elevate this dish for different tastes or occasions:
- Add Fresh Herbs: Top the dish with fresh parsley, cilantro, or thyme right before serving to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a kick of heat by sprinkling in some chili flakes, paprika, or even a small chopped jalapeño for some spice.
- Swap the Meat: If you’re not a fan of chicken, this recipe can easily be adapted to use other meats such as turkey, pork, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat you’re using.
- Add a Crunch: For a fun twist, top the dish with some crispy fried onions or crushed crackers for an added texture contrast.
- Make It a Casserole: If you want to give the dish more of a casserole feel, you can add cheese on top and bake it for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, comforting, affordable, and adaptable to various tastes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal that can feed the whole family, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. By utilizing the power of the slow cooker, you can create a delicious meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. If you’re in need of a meal that’s both satisfying and low-maintenance, Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is the way to go. Try it out for your next dinner and watch how it becomes a family favorite in no time!
