The aroma of Crockpot Chicken and Rice wafts through your home, wrapping you in a comforting embrace that promises both flavor and warmth. Each bite bursts with tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a symphony of textures that dance on your palate while soothing your soul. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
Picture this: a chilly evening, the perfect backdrop for a cozy dinner, when you unveil this delightful dish. With no soup in sight, just pure goodness, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Crockpot Chicken and Rice is incredibly easy to prepare; simply toss everything into the slow cooker
- The flavors meld beautifully while you go about your day
- Its visual appeal as a creamy, dreamy dish makes it an instant hit at any table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to add your favorite veggies or spices to personalize it!
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family; their delighted faces were priceless as they devoured every last bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Long-Grain Rice: Choose long-grain rice for the best texture; it stays fluffy and absorbs flavors beautifully.
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for a balanced flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
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Fresh Vegetables: Carrots and peas are great choices; they add color and nutrition to the dish.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have for enhancing flavor without any fuss; skip fresh garlic here!
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Onion Powder: It adds depth; don’t underestimate its power in this recipe. Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits.
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Paprika: Smoked paprika works wonders for flavor complexity; trust me on this one.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.
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Dried Herbs (Thyme or Oregano): These will elevate your dish with earthy notes and fresh aromas.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. Loaded Greek Pita Nachos.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop any vegetables you want to include. Trust me, having everything ready makes cooking smoother!
Add Chicken to the Crockpot: Place your boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. They’ll soak up all that delicious broth during cooking.
Add Rice and Seasoning: Pour uncooked long-grain rice over the chicken. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and dried herbs evenly on top.
Pour in Broth: Carefully add chicken broth over everything. Make sure all rice is submerged—this helps it cook evenly.
Add Vegetables: Toss in your chopped carrots and peas on top of everything else. You want those vibrant colors shining through!
Crock it Up! Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Let that magic happen!
At this point, you can already start imagining how cozy your kitchen will smell as all those flavors meld together.
Once it’s done cooking, give everything a gentle stir before serving. The chicken should be fork-tender, practically begging to be shredded into that fluffy rice bed underneath.
And there you have it! A delightful bowl of Crockpot Chicken and Rice that’s gluten-free and completely devoid of canned soup—who knew comfort could come so easily? Enjoy every mouthful knowing you’ve whipped up something truly special! For more inspiration, check out this chicken rice bowl recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- This delicious Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe is not just simple; it’s gluten-free and requires no soup!
- The fragrant aroma fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist
- Perfect for busy days, this dish becomes a family favorite with minimal effort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by seasoning the chicken before placing it in the crockpot. Add rice and broth next for even cooking. This order ensures the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the chicken juicy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out white rice for brown or add veggies like peas or carrots. A sprinkle of cheese on top before serving can elevate the dish!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked rice, ensure you measure your liquid accurately
- Use fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost
- Avoid overcooking chicken by checking for doneness at 4 hours on low heat
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my friend’s potluck where everyone asked for seconds! It felt amazing to see them enjoy something so easy yet delicious. Mediterranean Hummus Toast.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for Crockpot Chicken and Rice?
Yes, frozen chicken works well; just increase cooking time by an hour.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and tastes even better after a day in the fridge.
What can I substitute for rice in this recipe?
Quinoa or cauliflower rice are excellent gluten-free alternatives to traditional rice.
Crockpot Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Crockpot Chicken and Rice is a warm, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. With tender chicken and fluffy rice slow-cooked to perfection, this recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Just toss your ingredients into the crockpot and enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks. This gluten-free meal is versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices, making it a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped fresh carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp dried thyme or oregano
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and chop any desired vegetables.
- Place the boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour uncooked long-grain rice over the chicken.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and dried herbs on top.
- Add the low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring all rice is submerged.
- Top with chopped carrots and frozen peas.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir gently before serving; the chicken should be fork-tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
