slow cooker chicken and rice invites you on a cozy kitchen adventure, wrapping your home in warmth and comfort. Imagine tender chicken thighs melting into fluffy rice, as garlic-scented broth mingles with carrots, celery, and a splash of apple cider sweetness. Fresh thyme and parsley dance in every spoonful, promising a hug in a bowl. Set it and forget it — dinner magic happens on its own. Whether you’re chasing busy weeknight bliss or craving weekend indulgence, this playful recipe promises smiles all around your table. Gather round as that aromatic steam lifts spirits and appetites—one pot wonder you’ll turn to again and again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This slow cooker chicken and rice
- It’s a one-pot wonder that saves you time on cleanup.
- Perfectly tender chicken that practically falls apart with a fork.
- Rich, comforting flavors that warm your soul.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
- Great for meal prep—enjoy leftovers all week!
slow cooker chicken and rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re spread out nicely!
- Step 2: Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery on top of the chicken. This will create a flavorful base.
- Step 3: Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables and chicken. This will keep everything moist and delicious!
- Step 4: Now, season your dish with dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a little love!
- Step 5: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Let those flavors meld together!
- Step 6: After 4 hours, carefully remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. It should be tender and easy to pull apart!
- Step 7: Add the rice to the slow cooker and stir everything to combine. This is where the magic happens!
- Step 8: Return the shredded chicken to the cooker and dot it with a bit of butter for extra richness.
- Step 9: Cover again and cook on high for 30–45 minutes, until the rice is tender and fluffy.
- Step 10: Finally, fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 40g |
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create a delicious slow cooker chicken and rice meal!
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – your protein base
- 1 cup long-grain white rice – the hearty grain
- 1 medium onion – chopped for flavor
- 2 cloves garlic – minced for aromatics
- 2 carrots – sliced for sweetness
- 2 stalks celery – sliced for crunch
- 3 cups chicken broth – the cooking liquid
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – for earthy notes
- 1 teaspoon paprika – for a touch of warmth
- Salt and pepper to taste – essential seasonings
- 2 tablespoons butter – for richness
- Fresh parsley – for garnish
How to Make slow cooker chicken and rice
This delightful slow cooker chicken and rice recipe is perfect for busy days. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 4 hours on low, you can set it and forget it! After cooking, an additional 30–45 minutes is needed for the rice to become tender. Let’s dive into the steps!
Step 1: Place chicken breasts
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re spread out nicely!
Step 2: Add vegetables
Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery on top of the chicken. This will create a flavorful base.
Step 3: Pour chicken broth
Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables and chicken. This will keep everything moist and delicious!
Step 4: Season it up
Now, season your dish with dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a little love!
Step 5: Cover and cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Let those flavors meld together!
Step 6: Shred the chicken
After 4 hours, carefully remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. It should be tender and easy to pull apart!
Step 7: Add rice
Add the rice to the slow cooker and stir everything to combine. This is where the magic happens!
Step 8: Return chicken and dot with butter
Return the shredded chicken to the cooker and dot it with a bit of butter for extra richness.
Step 9: Cook on high
Cover again and cook on high for 30–45 minutes, until the rice is tender and fluffy.
Step 10: Fluff and serve
Finally, fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 240 minutes |
| Extra Time | 45 minutes resting |
| Total Time | 300 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Warm with fresh parsley garnish |
Pro Tips for Making slow cooker chicken and rice
- Use bone-in chicken for richer flavor and moisture.
- Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
- Add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking for better texture.
How to Serve this slow cooker chicken and rice
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for added crunch.
- Pair with a light salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
- Top with sliced avocado or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Enjoy with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For a spicy kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your slow cooker chicken and rice for later enjoyment:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Label with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of broth or water.
- Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can you cook raw chicken and rice together in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook raw chicken and rice together in a slow cooker. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and flavorful while the rice absorbs the delicious juices. Just make sure to add enough liquid to ensure the rice cooks properly and doesn’t dry out.
2. Can you cook raw chicken and rice together at the same time?
Absolutely! Cooking raw chicken and rice together at the same time is one of the great benefits of using a slow cooker. Just layer the chicken on the bottom, add the rice on top, and pour in the necessary liquid. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully as they cook together.
3. Is it safe to put raw chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, it is safe to put raw chicken in a slow cooker. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature over time. Just be sure to follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures to ensure food safety.
4. When to add raw rice to a slow cooker?
You should add raw rice to the slow cooker at the same time as the other ingredients, typically after placing the chicken and before adding the liquid. This allows the rice to absorb the flavors from the chicken and any seasonings as it cooks, resulting in a deliciously cohesive dish.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your new favorite comfort food! Slow cooker chicken and rice is not just easy to make, but it also fills your home with delightful aromas and warms your heart. So gather your loved ones, serve up a hearty bowl, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal. Happy cooking!