Delicious Crockpot chicken and rice dish with herbs and spices

Why Make This Recipe

Crockpot Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and creamy rice in one pot. This recipe is perfect for busy people or families who want a warm meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. You simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work. The result is a delicious, nutritious meal that is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. It's a great way to use chicken and veggies, making it a smart choice for healthy eating.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Making Crockpot Chicken and Rice is simple and straightforward. Here is a detailed guide to help you through each step. Don't worry if you've never used a slow cooker before; it's quite easy!

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain brown rice (rinsed multiple times)
4 ½ to 5 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 ½ cups diced carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
1 small shallot (finely chopped or ½ small onion)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup frozen peas
½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
½ cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (white cheddar recommended)
Chopped fresh parsley (optional for serving)

Directions

Rinse the Rice: Start by rinsing the brown rice several times. This helps to remove extra starch and keeps the rice from being sticky.
Prepare Chicken Broth: Bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a pot on the stovetop. Once it's boiling, add the rinsed rice to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes. Afterward, drain the rice and set it aside.
Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Lightly coat the inside of your crockpot with nonstick spray. Next, add the cooked rice, diced carrots, chopped shallot, and Dijon mustard. Stir gently to mix everything together.
Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken on top of the rice and vegetable mixture. Season the chicken with garlic powder, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Pour in Broth: Pour 2 ½ cups of chicken broth over the top of the chicken. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 1 ½ to 2 hours.
Check Chicken & Rice: After the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Cover it with foil to keep warm while you stir the rice and veggies.
Finish Cooking: Cover the crockpot again and continue cooking on HIGH for another 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the rice is tender.
Add Peas & Yogurt: Stir in the frozen peas and the Greek yogurt. Dice the cooked chicken and return it to the slow cooker. Add ¼ cup of cheddar cheese and stir to combine. Top with the remaining cheese and cover until melted.
Serve: Enjoy your warm dish, garnished with fresh parsley if you like.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Crockpot Chicken and Rice is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Serve it directly from the slow cooker to keep it warm. You can also pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. If you want to add some freshness, a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top makes it look great and adds a nice touch.

How to Store Crockpot Chicken and Rice

If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Let the dish cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.

Tips to Make Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Rinse the Rice: Always rinse the rice multiple times. This prevents the dish from becoming too sticky.
Use Quality Broth: A good-quality low-sodium chicken broth can really enhance the flavor of your dish.
Don't Skip the Yogurt: Adding Greek yogurt makes the dish creamier and adds some protein. Don't skip it!
Adjusting Cook Time: If you use frozen chicken or a larger cut of chicken, the cooking time may increase.

Variation

You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your taste. For example, you might want to add more veggies like bell peppers or green beans. If you love spicy food, consider adding some red pepper flakes or hot sauce. You can even switch the chicken for turkey or a plant-based protein to make it vegetarian.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can use white rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time since white rice cooks faster than brown rice.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and keep them in the fridge. In the morning, just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it cook.

Can I freeze Crockpot Chicken and Rice?

Absolutely! You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container. To reheat, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it up on the stove or microwave.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken and Rice is an easy, delicious, and satisfying meal that anyone can make. With minimal prep and a little cooking time, you can enjoy a hearty dish that warms you up and fills you up. Whether you are cooking for your family or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy your cooking journey and the wonderful flavors of this meal!