Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken and creamy rice, it's sure to please the whole family.
This recipe combines the convenience of a slow cooker with the comforting flavors of chicken and rice.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy texture that envelops tender chicken and rice
- A one-pot meal that minimizes cleanup
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
A Comforting Family Favorite
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is not just a meal; it's a warm hug on a plate. This dish is perfect for busy families who need a nutritious and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—spending time with your loved ones. The rich, creamy sauce envelops each tender piece of chicken and fluffy rice, creating a delightful combination that everyone will rave about.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility. You can easily customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Whether you prefer it with broccoli, bell peppers, or even mushrooms, the creamy base will accommodate your tastes beautifully. Additionally, this dish is an excellent way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge, making it a practical choice for meal planning.
Effortless Cooking with Minimal Cleanup
One of the standout features of this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few essential ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a mouthwatering meal without the daily hassle of cooking. The all-in-one nature of this dish means that you only need to dirty one pot, making cleanup a breeze. This is especially beneficial for busy weeknights when you want to spend more time with family and less time scrubbing pots and pans.
Moreover, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can easily double the ingredients and store half in the freezer for another day. Just pop the frozen meal in the slow cooker and let it do its thing while you go about your day. This not only saves time but also ensures you have a comforting meal ready to go when you need it most.
Perfect for Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers from this scrumptious dish, consider yourself lucky! Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together overnight. Simply store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the fridge, and you’ll have a delicious lunch or dinner ready to go. The creamy texture holds up well, making reheating a simple task.
To reheat, just add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the rice and sauce before microwaving or warming on the stove. This dish's ability to maintain its quality makes it a reliable option for meal prep or when you're planning for busy days ahead. Plus, the kids will love it just as much the second time around!
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
These ingredients will create a rich and creamy dish that's sure to be a hit!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add Rice and Soup
Pour the rice over the chicken, followed by the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
Cook the Dish
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Add Vegetables
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Cover and continue cooking until heated through.
Serve and Enjoy
Once done, shred the chicken with two forks, mix everything together, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious meal!
This dish is wonderful served with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice turns out perfectly, always use high-quality ingredients. Fresh chicken breasts and good-quality cream of chicken soup will make a significant difference in flavor. Additionally, consider seasoning the chicken with herbs or spices that you enjoy, as this can elevate the dish to new heights.
Another tip is to avoid lifting the lid of the slow cooker during the cooking process. Each time you open the lid, heat escapes, which can prolong cooking time and affect the final texture of the rice and chicken. Patience is key when using a slow cooker!
Serving Suggestions
When serving Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice, consider pairing it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. The freshness of a salad helps balance the richness of the dish, adding a nice contrast of textures and flavors. A light vinaigrette can elevate your salad and complement the creamy chicken and rice beautifully.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, consider topping your serving with crispy fried onions or fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This adds not only flavor but also a pop of color to your plate, making it even more appealing.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, corn, or any of your favorite veggies.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and broth.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken and creamy rice, it's sure to please the whole family.
Created by: Madeline Archer
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken and Rice
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
How-To Steps
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Pour the rice over the chicken, followed by the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Cover and continue cooking until heated through.
Once done, shred the chicken with two forks, mix everything together, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 56g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 25g