This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is a warm, comforting meal. With tender chicken and fluffy rice cooked together, it’s a perfect dish for busy days!
I love this recipe because you just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work! Plus, it’s super kid-friendly. Who doesn’t love a simple, tasty dinner? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is an easy choice for this recipe. You can use thighs for more flavor, or even shredded rotisserie chicken to save time!
Rice: Long grain white rice works best for fluffy results. If you want a different texture, try using brown rice; just remember it might need a bit more liquid and cooking time.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This gives the dish a creamy texture. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese mixed with seasonings.
Chicken Broth: Feel free to use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. Vegetable broth can also work if you want a lighter flavor.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: These add color and nutrition. You can swap them for fresh veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or even corn. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
How Do I Ensure the Rice Cooks Perfectly?
The key to perfectly cooked rice in a crock pot is the right liquid ratio and cooking time. Here’s how:
- Make sure to layer uncooked rice at the bottom of the pot, so it absorbs the liquid as it cooks.
- Mix the broth and soup well, ensuring there’s no dry rice sitting underneath.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid while cooking—this lets heat escape!
After the cooking time, stir everything gently. If the rice seems too wet, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to absorb excess moisture.
Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot Chicken and Rice will take about 15 minutes to prepare. Then, simply set it to cook for 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crock Pot:
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your crock pot with olive oil or butter. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In the crock pot, combine the uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, and your optional frozen mixed vegetables. Sprinkle in the thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
3. Creating the Creamy Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup until smooth. This creamy sauce will add flavor and moisture to your dish!
4. Assembling the Dish:
Pour the creamy mixture over the rice and vegetable mix in the crock pot. Place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture, ensuring they’re nestled in well.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot with the lid. Let it cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Tempting, right?
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, give the mixture a gentle stir to combine the rice and sauce. This will help distribute all that creamy goodness.
7. Serving it Up:
Serve the chicken whole or sliced on a bed of the delicious creamy rice and vegetables. Enjoy your hearty meal with family or friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require more cooking time and additional liquid. For brown rice, cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. You may need to add an extra 1/2 cup of chicken broth as well.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to moisten.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Just adjust the quantity as needed, and consider adding heartier vegetables early on in the cooking process.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Chicken Soup?
No worries! You can substitute it with an equivalent amount of homemade cream sauce or use plain yogurt mixed with herbs for a lighter option. Just make sure to balance the flavor with salt and seasoning!
