Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

There’s nothing quite like the cozy embrace of a hearty meal after a long day, is there? Picture this: you’ve had a busy week, and now it’s time to settle in for a comforting dinner. That’s where my beloved Crock Pot Chicken and Rice swoops in like a superhero. This recipe not only fills the belly but warms the soul, making it one of my go-to dishes. Let me take you on a journey through this comforting dish that’s perfect for those chill evenings.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Oh, where do I begin with this delightful concoction? First off, it’s easy. You know that feeling when you’ve had a long day, but the thought of dinner doesn’t make you want to crawl into bed? This dish is the answer. Just toss everything into your crock pot, and let the magic unfold while you relax.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. The chicken stays juicy and tender, while the rice absorbs all those savory flavors from the broth and spices, creating a symphony of goodness in your mouth. And let’s talk about the texture—how can you resist melting cheese stirred into the creamy rice?

Plus, it’s an all-in-one meal that fuels your body with protein, carbs, and veggies, making it a balanced choice for you and your loved ones. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this dish has you covered.

Gather these ingredients

Now, let’s chat about what you’ll need to make this nourishing bowl of love:

• 1 lb chicken breasts: The star of the show! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work like a charm, but if you have thighs lying around, they’ll add a rich flavor too.

• 1 cup rice: I prefer long-grain white rice for its fluffy texture, but feel free to play with brown rice or even quinoa if you’re feeling adventurous. Just remember that cooking times may vary.

• 2 cups chicken broth: Go for low-sodium if you like to control the salt level. Homemade? Even better! It adds a profound depth of flavor to the dish.

• 1 cup shredded cheese: I’m a big fan of sharp cheddar, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack can bring a new twist to the recipe.

• 1 onion, chopped: It’s the aromatic base that breathes life into our dish. The sweetness that comes from cooking it slowly is nothing short of heavenly.

• 2 cups mixed vegetables: Fresh or frozen—whatever you have on hand! Carrots, peas, corn, and green beans all work beautifully here.

• 1 tsp garlic powder & 1 tsp onion powder: Trust me, these spices elevate the flavor profile to new heights.

• Salt and pepper to taste: Let your taste buds be your guide—a generous sprinkle might just do the trick!

Preparing Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Now for the fun part—let’s get cooking!

1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot.
2. Next, add the rice. No need to pre-cook it; it can soak all those wonderful flavors during cooking.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle the chopped onion and mixed vegetables on top.
4. Feel free to season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
5. Cover the crock pot and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Patience is key here—your anticipation will be rewarded!
6. When the cooking time is up, shred that chicken right in the pot—trust me; it’ll be so tender it’ll fall apart at a mere touch.
7. Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts into gooey perfection.

How to plate and pair

Serving this dish is a delight! You can ladle it right from the pot into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, if you’re feeling fancy—it adds that pop of color!

Pair it with some crusty bread or a fresh side salad to balance the dish. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of hot sauce for an added kick—it complements the creamy textures oh-so-well!

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish makes for stellar next-day lunches. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• If you want to savor it later, you can freeze it in portions. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before popping it into the freezer. It should last up to 3 months.

• For reheating, microwave or heat on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth if it looks a tad dry—this will bring it back to life!

Helpful cooking tips

Here are a few insider tips to elevate your dish:

• If you want to enhance the flavors, sauté the onions in a pan with a bit of olive oil before adding them to the crock pot. This little step opens up a treasure trove of flavor.

• For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while it cooks or a splash of lemon juice right before serving for a bright finish.

• Want to make it lighter? Swap out the cheese for nutritional yeast or use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb version.

Creative Twists

Don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are some variations to consider for your next batch:

• Southwest Style: Toss in a can of black beans, some diced tomatoes, and a bit of cumin for a Tex-Mex flair. Top with avocado for a fresh bite!

• Italian-inspired: Add some Italian herbs, like oregano and basil, and swap the cheese for a good parmesan. You could even throw in some spinach for an extra health boost!

• Asian flair: Swap the chicken broth for low-sodium soy sauce and add some ginger. You can throw in broccoli and snap peas or even toss some sesame seeds on top. Delicious!

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice?
  Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time, as brown rice takes a bit longer to cook.

• How do I ensure my chicken doesn’t dry out?
  Make sure you’re not overcooking it—stick to the timing mentioned, and trust your crock pot!

• Can I make this vegetarian?
  Sure thing! Use vegetable broth and replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu.

• Is this freezer-friendly?
  You bet! Just make sure it’s cooled before freezing in airtight portions.

• What toppings can I use?
  Consider avocado, sour cream, or fresh herbs. They all add wonderful flavor!

In this dish, you’ve got simplicity wrapped in comfort. With each bite, you’re getting not just flavors, but a feeling—a nostalgic hug from a bowl, reminding us that good food can ease the soul. So embrace the adventure in cooking, tweak it as you like, and be sure to share your delightful discoveries! Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time Total Time 6 hrs 15 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 500

Best Season: Fall, Winter

Description

A hearty and comforting dish made with chicken, rice, and mixed vegetables, cooked slowly in a crock pot for maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 lb chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup rice (long-grain white or brown rice)
• 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or your choice)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen, like carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot.
   Mark as complete
2. Add the rice directly over the chicken without pre-cooking it.
   Mark as complete
3. Pour in the chicken broth and top with chopped onion and mixed vegetables.
   Mark as complete
4. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then give a gentle stir.
   Mark as complete
5. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
   Mark as complete
6. Once cooked, shred the chicken in the pot.
   It should be tender and easily fall apart.
   Mark as complete
7. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 500kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 24g37%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 90mg30%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 2g

Protein 35g70%

---

Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 40 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.4 mg

Riboflavin 0.2 mg

Niacin 10 mg

Vitamin B6 0.6 mg

Folate 50 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 3 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 1 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Crock Pot, Chicken, Rice, Comfort Food, Hearty Dinner