Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy, tender chicken is cooked with seasoned rice, creating a hearty one-pot dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Chicken and Rice:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Lightly grease the slow cooker with non-stick spray or a little olive oil.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Add the rice, chicken broth, chopped onion, garlic, paprika, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice mixture, ensuring they are slightly submerged.
- Cook the Chicken and Rice:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the rice is tender.
- Add Vegetables:
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas and carrots. Stir gently to incorporate them into the rice mixture.
- Serve:
- Once the chicken and rice are done, fluff the rice with a fork. Serve the chicken over the rice and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Brown rice can be used instead of white rice, but you may need to increase the cooking time and broth quantity.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with rice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg