Hearty Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Get a delicious dinner on the table with minimal effort using this Crock Pot Chicken and Rice recipe. Tender pieces of chicken combined with creamy, cheesy rice make for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a warm, comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1½ cups uncooked brown rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Equipment Needed:
- Crock Pot or Slow Cooker
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. This size ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender.
- Onion: Chop half of a medium onion into small pieces to add flavor and texture to the dish.
2. Assemble in the Crock Pot:
- Add Ingredients: Place the chicken pieces and chopped onion into the crock pot.
- Seasonings: Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. These spices will enhance the overall flavor.
- Liquids: Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and add 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup. The broth provides moisture for the rice to cook, while the soup adds creaminess.
- Rice: Stir in 1½ cups of uncooked brown rice. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
3. Mix Thoroughly:
- Use a spoon or spatula to stir all the ingredients together, ensuring that the spices are well incorporated and the rice is fully covered by the liquid.
4. Cooking:
- Cover: Place the lid on the crock pot to seal in the heat and moisture.
- Set Temperature: Cook on high for 3.5 to 4 hours. This duration allows the rice to absorb the chicken broth and become tender without overcooking.
- Avoid Lifting the Lid: Refrain from opening the crock pot during cooking, as this releases heat and can extend the cooking time.
5. Add the Cheese:
- Stir in Cheese: Once the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender, add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the crock pot.
- Melt Cheese: Stir the cheese into the mixture until it begins to melt. Cover the crock pot again and let it sit for an additional 5 to 7 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
6. Final Stir and Serve:
- Combine: After the cheese has melted, give the mixture a final stir to ensure everything is well combined.
- Serve: Dish out the chicken and rice while warm. You can garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes and Tips:
Rice Selection:
- Use Brown Rice: It’s recommended to use brown rice for this recipe. Brown rice is more robust than white rice and can withstand the longer cooking time in the crock pot without becoming mushy.
- Avoid White Rice: White rice cooks faster and may turn too soft or mushy in this recipe due to the extended cooking time.
Adjusting Consistency:
- Too Thick? If the mixture seems too thick after cooking, you can adjust the consistency by adding more chicken broth.
- How to Adjust: Stir in additional chicken broth 1/4 cup at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This allows you to control the creaminess of the dish.
Leftovers and Storage:
- Refrigeration: Place any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Storage Duration: Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: When reheating, you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the mixture, as it may thicken when cooled.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider adding vegetables like peas, diced carrots, or broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of paprika or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can add extra flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different taste.
Enjoy Your Meal!
This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is a hearty and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare. The slow cooking process melds the flavors together, resulting in a delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for leftovers to enjoy throughout the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.