Get dinner on the table fast with this Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe. This dish features tender chicken and creamy, cheesy rice, making it a favorite for family dinners. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this recipe ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal with your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in the crock pot, minimizing cleanup.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The combination of chicken and cheese is sure to please both kids and adults.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch for leftovers that taste just as good the next day.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, you’ll need some essential tools. These items will help you create your Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Crock pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Crock pot: This is the star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over hours.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface makes prep work safe and efficient.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick chopping of ingredients like chicken and onion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Base
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1 inch pieces)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can)
- 1 1/2 cup brown rice (uncooked)
Cheesy Finish
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Place the chicken, garlic, salt, pepper, onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and brown rice in the crock pot. Stir to thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
Step 2: Set to Cook
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 3.5 to 4 hours. Check that the rice has absorbed all the chicken broth by this time.
Step 3: Add Cheese
Once cooked, stir in the shredded cheese. Cover again and allow the heat from the meal to melt the cheese for about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm straight from the crock pot. Enjoy your delicious Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe with family or friends!
With easy steps and minimal effort required, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home cooking routine!
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Serving your Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is easy and versatile. You can present it in various ways to enhance the dining experience for your family or guests.
Family-Style Serving
- Serve the chicken and rice directly from the crock pot to allow everyone to help themselves. This encourages a relaxed atmosphere during dinner.
Individual Bowls
- Dish out portions into individual bowls. Top with extra cheese or fresh herbs for a personalized touch.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish each serving with chopped parsley or cilantro. This adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the overall flavor.
Accompanied by Salad
- Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal. A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish nicely.
With Bread
- Offer crusty bread or rolls on the side. This allows diners to soak up any remaining sauce from their bowls.
As Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove for a quick lunch option later in the week.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
To make sure your Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables will enhance the flavor of your meal.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on cooking times; overcooked rice can become mushy.
- Mix Well: Stir all ingredients thoroughly before cooking to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; you may want to add more salt or pepper based on your preference.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate frozen peas or carrots for additional nutrition and color.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking for better texture.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Pairing sides with your Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds crunch and is packed with vitamins.
- Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread complements the cheesy rice beautifully.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of chicken and rice.
- Roasted Asparagus: Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness, making it a delightful side.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs well; serve it buttered alongside your main dish.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the creaminess of the recipe.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer another comforting option that blends well with chicken dishes.
- Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans complements savory meals like this one beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing the Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
Using the wrong rice: Always use uncooked brown rice for this recipe. If you use instant or white rice, it may not absorb the broth properly and can lead to a mushy texture.
Overcrowding the crock pot: Avoid adding too many ingredients. Stick to the specified amounts to ensure even cooking and proper absorption of flavors.
Skipping the stirring step: Don’t forget to stir all ingredients together before cooking. This ensures that all flavors meld beautifully throughout the dish.
Cooking on low heat too long: If using low heat, be cautious about cooking times. Overcooking can make the chicken dry and the rice too soft.
Not letting cheese melt properly: After adding cheese, let it sit covered for a few minutes. This helps achieve that creamy texture without burning it.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Allow cooling completely before freezing.
- Store in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated evenly.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe that might help you as you prepare your meal.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time by about an hour if cooking on high.
What can I add to enhance flavor?
Consider adding vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition and taste. Herbs like thyme or rosemary also work well!
How do I know when it’s done?
The meal is ready when the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender. The chicken should also reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Can I substitute other cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese you prefer for a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and satisfying. Give it a try; your family will love it!
Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Get dinner on the table in no time with this Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe. This comforting dish features tender chicken combined with creamy, cheesy rice, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With just 10 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld together in your slow cooker. Customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own. Perfect for meal prep, this dish ensures delicious leftovers that taste just as delightful the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 ½ cups brown rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Salt and pepper
- Onion and garlic
Instructions
- In the crock pot, combine chicken, garlic, salt, pepper, onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and brown rice.
- Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cover and cook on high for 3.5 to 4 hours until rice is tender and has absorbed most liquid.
- Stir in shredded cheese; cover to melt for about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
