This cozy dish combines tender chicken and fluffy rice, all cooked together in one pot. You’ll love how the flavors blend and make your kitchen smell amazing!
I like to throw in some veggies for extra color and taste. It’s such a simple way to enjoy a warm meal, and the best part? Hardly any cleanup afterwards! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are classic for this dish, but I like using thighs for their richer flavor. If you’re in a pinch, tofu or canned beans can be a great meat-free substitute!
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for its fluffy texture. Brown rice is a healthier option, just remember it takes longer to cook, so adjust timing accordingly.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess, but if you’re dairy-free, look for coconut cream or a homemade white sauce. Some people even use mushroom soup for a twist!
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: You can tailor this to your taste! Fresh veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach can also be used. Just chop them a bit smaller to ensure they cook well.
Seasoning: The garlic and onion powders enhance flavor. Feel free to play with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different taste profile!
How Do I Cook Chicken and Rice in a Crockpot Without Overcooking?
Cooking chicken and rice in a crockpot is easy, but timing is key. To prevent mushy rice or dry chicken, follow these steps:
- Place chicken at the bottom—this helps it cook evenly.
- Add rice on top since it cooks slower than the chicken.
- The moisture from the cream of chicken soup and broth is crucial, but don’t stir too much before cooking, as this can lead to mushy rice.
- Check at the minimum time suggested; if the chicken is tender, you’re good to go!
After cooking, always shred the chicken and mix back into the rice to combine flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—this way, you’ll get the perfect balance for a hearty meal!
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious crockpot chicken and rice will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll let it cook either on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. After cooking, there’s a quick step to shred the chicken and combine everything. So, you can set it and forget it for a little while!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will give your chicken lots of great flavor!
2. Add Rice and Vegetables:
Next, take the uncooked rice and spread it evenly over the chicken. Then, add the frozen mixed vegetables and the diced onion on top of the rice. Everything will cook together wonderfully!
3. Mix Soups and Broth:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until well combined. Pour this creamy mixture over the rice and chicken in the crockpot. It will help create a delicious sauce!
4. Cook:
Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook. If you’re in a hurry, use the high setting for 2-3 hours. If you have more time, the low setting for 4-6 hours works well too. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once your dish is cooked, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and then return it to the pot. Give everything a good stir to mix! This really brings all the flavors together.
6. Serve:
Before serving, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if you need to. Then, serve warm and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your comforting, home-cooked meal!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time. If you opt for brown rice, increase the cooking time to 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, and you may need to add a bit more broth to ensure it cooks properly.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you’d like a lighter option or need a dairy-free alternative, you can use a homemade creamy sauce made with broth, flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free), and seasonings or try using a can of cream of mushroom soup. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it over low heat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You can add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up if it becomes too thick.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini. Just remember to chop them into uniform pieces for even cooking, and add them in layers to avoid sogginess.
