Are you craving a mouthwatering, hassle-free meal that will have your family begging for seconds? Look no further than this incredible Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the most tantalizing aroma of perfectly cooked chicken, tender rice, and savory vegetables - all prepared with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This one-pot wonder is about to become your new go-to dinner solution that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that'll make you look like a culinary genius!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by washing and patting dry the chicken breasts. Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Dice the onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution of flavor throughout the dish.
- Grease the inside of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the chopped onions evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Add the long-grain rice around and between the chicken pieces, ensuring it's distributed evenly.
- Pour the chicken broth slowly over the chicken and rice, making sure to cover the rice completely.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables on top of the mixture, spreading them out uniformly.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set to low heat setting.
- Cook for 4 hours, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the rice is tender and fully cooked.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the rice and vegetable mixture.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the seasoning.
- Make sure to use long-grain rice, as it holds up better in the slow cooking process.
- Don't lift the lid too often while cooking - this releases heat and can increase cooking time.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F for food safety.
- If the rice seems too dry, you can add a little extra chicken broth during cooking.
- For a creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream of chicken soup in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to fully develop and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For a protein boost, you can add a can of drained and rinsed beans or some extra shredded cheese on top before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 265kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 62mg
