This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice is a lifesaver for busy nights! With tender chicken and fluffy rice, it all cooks together in one pot, making dinner a breeze.
I love how I can toss everything in the crockpot and forget about it. It’s like magic! Plus, the leftovers are even better the next day—if there are any left! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs give you tender meat. Thighs are juicier, but breasts are leaner. Feel free to swap with shredded rotisserie chicken to save time!
Rice: Long grain white rice is perfect for this recipe, but brown rice works too—just adjust the cooking time! Quinoa or cauliflower rice can also be used for a healthier option.
Broth: Chicken broth adds flavor, but vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian twist. You can also use low-sodium broth for a lighter dish.
Vegetables: Carrots and peas are key for sweetness and color. You can replace them with mixed frozen vegetables or whatever you have on hand, like bell peppers or corn.
How Do I Ensure My Rice Cooks Perfectly in the Crockpot?
Cooking rice in a crockpot can be tricky, but here are some tips to get it just right:
- Use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio. For long grain rice, 1 cup of rice needs about 3 cups of liquid.
- Mix the rice and broth well to prevent clumping. This ensures even cooking.
- Don’t lift the lid often while cooking, as this releases heat and steam needed for proper cooking!
- If you’re using brown rice, be prepared to cook it longer—about 6 to 8 hours on low.
Enjoy making this simple and satisfying dish! It’ll be a hit at the dinner table.
Easy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Main Dish:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon onion powder or a bay leaf for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time. Once it’s cooking, plan for about 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high in the crockpot. All in all, you’ll have a delicious homemade dinner ready for your busy night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
Start by spraying or lightly greasing the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or a little oil. This will help everything come out easily later!
2. Add the Chicken:
Place the chopped chicken pieces at the bottom of the crockpot. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
3. Mix the Rice and Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Make sure to stir everything together well so the flavors blend!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the rice and broth mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. This will help the rice cook perfectly as it absorbs all the delicious flavors!
5. Add Oil or Butter:
Drizzle the olive oil or place a tablespoon of butter on top to give the dish great flavor as it cooks.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Check that the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender before proceeding.
7. Add Peas:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the frozen peas and cover again. This will let the peas heat up without becoming mushy.
8. Season to Taste:
Once everything is cooked, give it a taste! Adjust any seasoning if needed. If you used a bay leaf, don’t forget to remove it!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh look and serve it hot. Enjoy this comforting one-pot meal that’s truly perfect for busy nights!
Get ready for a warm, hearty dinner that’s sure to please everyone! Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure it’s fully submerged in the cooking liquid and that you increase the cooking time slightly—about 1 extra hour on low or 30 minutes on high.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might want to add more seasoning to enhance the flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the rice from drying out.
Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just ensure your crockpot is large enough. You may need to cook it a bit longer, so check for doneness before serving!
