Are you ready to transform your dinner routine with a hearty and hassle-free meal that practically cooks itself? Dive into the world of comfort food with our irresistible Crockpot Chicken Sausage Rice recipe! This dish combines the savory goodness of chicken sausage, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy rice, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, allowing the rich flavors to meld together over 6 hours. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe promises to be a family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t miss out on the chance to impress your loved ones with this simple yet delicious dish!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing chicken sausage into 1/2-inch thick rounds, dicing bell pepper and onion into uniform small pieces, and mincing garlic cloves finely.
- Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Layer ingredients in the crockpot starting with diced onions and bell peppers at the bottom, creating an even base for other ingredients.
- Add sliced chicken sausage over the vegetables, distributing them evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and Italian seasoning over the sausage and vegetables, ensuring even coverage.
- Pour uncooked long-grain rice into the crockpot, spreading it uniformly across the other ingredients.
- Add diced tomatoes with their liquid, then slowly pour chicken broth over the entire mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, gently stirring to combine ingredients without disturbing the layering.
- Cover crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Once cooking is complete, let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and rice to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff rice with a fork, serve hot, and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and slice the sausage the night before. Store them in the refrigerator, so you can quickly toss everything into the crockpot in the morning.
- Layering Matters: When adding ingredients to the crockpot, layering is key. Start with the onions and bell peppers at the bottom to create a flavorful base, which helps prevent the rice from sticking.
- Rice Type: Make sure to use long-grain rice for the best texture. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice, as they may not absorb the liquid properly during the slow cooking process.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This step is crucial for letting the flavors meld and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Garnish for Flavor: For an extra touch of freshness, consider garnishing your dish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving. It not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of flavor.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to get creative with your vegetables! Add in some spinach, zucchini, or even corn to make it your own.
- Leftover Magic: This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and simply reheat for a quick meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 449kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 26g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg
