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Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe - Cheap Delicious Meals

There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of a warm, home-cooked meal. The slow cooker has become a staple for busy cooks, and for a good reason. Not only does it save time, but it also maintains the moisture and flavor of ingredients beautifully. 
One of the standout recipes in my kitchen is slow cooker chicken and rice. This meal is comfort food at its best. It’s easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or even casual gatherings with family and friends.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 299
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 1/2 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herb blend
  • 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon of whole-grain mustard
  • 2 cups of low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 cup of parboiled rice
  • 1 bag of frozen peas and carrots mix 10-ounce
  • 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Method
 

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
  1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onion and chicken into bite-sized pieces. Don’t sweat the size too much; just ensure they’re uniform for even cooking. Measure out your spices, rice, and stock. Having everything ready makes the whole process smoother.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
  1. In a pan over medium heat, add the olive oil or butter. Once hot, throw in the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until it’s translucent and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor base of your dish.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
  1. In your slow cooker, place the sautéed onions at the bottom. Next, layer the diced chicken evenly on top. Sprinkle the dried Italian herb blend, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken. This will ensure that each bite is well-seasoned.
Step 4: Add the Stock and Rice
  1. Pour the chicken stock over the chicken mixture. Then add the parboiled rice. It’s important not to stir yet; we want to keep the layers as is for even cooking.
Step 5: Incorporate the Vegetables
  1. Now, add the frozen peas and carrots on top. These add color, flavor, and nutrients to the dish. At this point, you can also add the whole-grain mustard for that extra kick.
Step 6: Let It Cook
  1. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for about 6-7 hours or high for about 4 hours. You’ll know it's done when the chicken is tender and the rice has absorbed the stock.
Step 7: Final Touches
  1. Once cooked, stir the mixture gently to combine everything. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or cilantro for a touch of freshness. Give it a good mix, and it’s ready to serve!

Notes

  • Use Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken: If you're looking for extra flavor, bone-in chicken adds depth. Just remove the skin before serving.
  • Don’t Lift the Lid: Each time you lift the slow cooker lid, you'll let out steam, which adds extra cooking time. Keep that lid closed!
  • Adjust Liquid as Needed: If you like a creamier texture, consider adding an extra half-cup of chicken stock.
  • Cook Time Variables: Every slow cooker is different. Make sure to check for doneness a bit earlier than the recommended time.
  • Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the dish and add more salt or pepper if needed.