Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables with Rice Recipe
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I’m always excited to create a new chicken recipe, and this Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables with Rice is incredibly simple. It uses boneless chicken breasts, a variety of spices, wholesome vegetables, and of course, delicious cheese! This recipe is perfect for a hearty and satisfying family meal.
This slow cooker recipe requires only simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. It’s an excellent choice when you want a nutritious dinner with minimal effort. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
A delicious rice dinner doesn’t need to be complicated, and this recipe proves it. You can effortlessly prepare tender chicken alongside flavorful rice, creating a delightful family meal that is both satisfying and easy to make. The slow cooker infuses the dish with rich flavors, making it a family favorite.
Enjoy the flavors of comforting food while making this healthy recipe in your slow cooker, all in one simple crockpot casserole. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply crave a wholesome, home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables with Rice
Gather these simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying slow cooker dish. Each component contributes to the overall taste and texture, making this recipe a winner for any occasion.
- Onion: I prefer to use a diced yellow onion for its mild and versatile flavor, but you can easily substitute with what you have available. Red or white onions also work well.
- Protein: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small, bite-sized cubes for even cooking and easy serving. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor.
- Rice: Use uncooked brown rice when you want to add a whole-grain element to the dish. Brown rice provides a nutty flavor and added fiber.
- Seasoning: Combine dried thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, and minced garlic for the best flavor profile. Adjust the seasonings to your personal taste.
- Liquid: Chicken broth (or chicken stock) is essential for cooking the rice in this crockpot chicken recipe. It adds depth and moisture to the dish.
- Veggies: Grab a bag of your favorite frozen mixed vegetables and thaw them before adding. Thawing prevents the vegetables from releasing excess water during cooking.
- Cheese: Top this rice casserole with shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy and cheesy finish. Other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses can also be used.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables with Rice
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and comforting slow cooker chicken and vegetable dish. The slow cooker will do most of the work, resulting in a flavorful and tender meal.
Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the ingredients from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Add all ingredients except the frozen vegetables and cheese to the slow cooker. This includes the diced onion, cubed chicken breasts, uncooked brown rice, dried thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and chicken broth.
Stir all the ingredients together well, ensuring that the rice is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This helps the rice cook uniformly.
Cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness periodically. The chicken should be cooked through, and the rice should be tender.
During the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the thawed vegetables and shredded cheese. Cover the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the vegetables are heated through. This ensures that the vegetables retain their texture and flavor.
Proper Storage: How to Store Leftovers from This Crockpot Recipe
Learn the best methods for storing leftovers of this delicious crockpot recipe. Proper storage ensures that your leftovers remain fresh and flavorful for future enjoyment.
Fridge: Place any leftovers from this rice crock pot recipe into an airtight container and store the leftover chicken for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. This allows you to enjoy the meal throughout the week.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure that your cheesy chicken and rice recipe turns out perfectly every time. These insights will help you tailor the recipe to your preferences and avoid common pitfalls.
Type of Chicken to Use:
I prefer using boneless chicken breast for this slow cooker meal due to its versatility and lean protein content. However, you can easily substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor and more tender texture. Just be sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces beforehand to ensure even cooking.
What Rice to Use for This Cheesy Rice Dish:
I enjoy the health benefits of brown rice when making this recipe. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides fiber and essential nutrients. Since brown rice requires a longer cooking time, using it in a slow cooker is a great option. White rice can also be used, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
Why is My Rice Mushy?
The most common reason for mushy rice is using too much liquid for the amount of rice you’re cooking. This is especially important to consider when using a slow cooker, as the rice has ample time to absorb the liquid. To avoid mushy rice, ensure that you use the correct ratio of rice to chicken broth as specified in the recipe. Also, avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking, as this can release steam and affect the rice’s texture.
Favorite Veggies to Use:
I like to keep it simple by using a bag of frozen mixed vegetables from my local grocery store. They come in smaller pieces and work perfectly for this cozy chicken recipe. You can also customize the vegetables to your liking by adding fresh or frozen broccoli florets, carrots, peas, or corn. Just be sure to thaw frozen vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try
Explore a variety of other tempting chicken recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From soups to bowls, there’s a chicken dish for every occasion.
- One Pot Chicken Noodle Soup: A comforting and easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for a chilly day.
- Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Bowls: A flavorful and customizable bowl with tender chicken and Southwestern-inspired toppings.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup: A hearty and delicious soup with chicken, vegetables, and tortilla strips.
- Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Noodle Soup: A flavorful twist on classic chicken noodle soup with Italian-inspired seasonings.
Slow Cooker Chicken
and Vegetables with Rice
Julia Pacheco
Slow Cooker and Vegetables with rice is made completely in the slow cooker with a handful of simple ingredients
and the best flavor!
10
minutes
4
hours
4
hours
10
minutes
5
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Equipment
- Slow cooker