How to Cook Chicken and Rice in a Crock Pot: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking chicken and rice together in a crock pot is one of the easiest and most comforting one-pot meals you can make. By combining chicken, rice, vegetables, and seasonings, you can create a hearty, flavorful dinner with minimal effort.

In this step-by-step guide I’ll walk you through the entire process of making chicken and rice in the crock pot from start to finish. We’ll cover

• Benefits of cooking this dish in a crock pot
• Ingredient options and substitutions
• Equipment needed
• Prep work before cooking
• Step-by-step instructions
• Cooking times and settings
• How to get perfect rice texture
• Flavor variations
• Serving suggestions
• Storage and reheating

By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to make tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice using the set-it-and-forget-it ease of the crock pot This simple recipe is family-friendly, budget-friendly, and easy to double for meal prep and leftovers

Why Make Chicken and Rice in the Crock Pot?

Here are some of the biggest benefits of using a slow cooker for this classic meal:

• Hands-off cooking: Once you add the ingredients to the crock pot, it does all the work. No need to watch the stove or stir regularly.

• Convenience: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and then set it whenever you’re ready. Perfect for busy schedules.

• Tender, juicy chicken: The moist, gentle heat of the crockpot prevents chicken from drying out.

• No burnt rice: Unlike stovetop methods, rice cooks evenly and perfectly in the crock pot. No crunchy bits or mushy grains.

• Deep flavor: Everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the chicken to soak up the surrounding flavors.

• Easy customization: Switch up ingredients and seasonings to suit your tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This simple chicken and rice recipe only requires a handful of easy-to-find ingredients:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well.

• Rice: Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice are good options. Avoid instant rice.

• Liquid: Chicken broth provides great flavor. You can also use a soup base or plain water.

• Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper add flavor.

• Vegetables: Onions, carrots, peas, spinach all work nicely.

• Dairy (optional): Cream soups or milk make it creamy. Shredded cheese also adds creaminess.

Necessary Equipment

You don’t need any fancy kitchen tools to make this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A crock pot or slow cooker (4-6 quarts works well for 4 servings)

• A cutting board and chef’s knife for prep work

• Measuring cups and spoons

• A mixing bowl to combine ingredients

• A spoon or spatula for stirring

And that’s it! These basic items can be found in most home kitchens.

Prepping the Ingredients

Before assembling everything in the crockpot, you’ll want to prep your ingredients:

• Dice the onions and carrots into small pieces for even cooking.

• Mince the garlic or use pre-minced garlic.

• Rinse the rice until the water runs clear to prevent stickiness.

• Pat the chicken dry and trim off any excess fat.

• Measure out the broth, seasonings, and any canned ingredients like cream soups.

• Prep any additional stir-ins like frozen peas or shredded cheese so they’re ready to go.

Doing this basic prep work ahead of time will make the cooking process smoother.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for foolproof crockpot chicken and rice:

1. Add chicken to crockpot. Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your greased crockpot.

2. Mix broth and seasonings. In a bowl, mix together chicken broth, cream soup, seasonings, garlic, onions, and any other aromatics.

3. Pour liquid over chicken. Pour the broth mixture over the chicken to moisten and flavor it.

4. Add veggies (optional). Top with any sturdy vegetables like carrots or potatoes.

5. Cook chicken partially. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours until chicken is almost cooked through.

6. Add rice. Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it’s submerged in liquid.

7. Finish cooking. Cover and cook 30-60 minutes more until rice has absorbed the broth and is tender.

8. Add quick-cooking veggies. Stir in any frozen peas, spinach or other delicate veggies.

9. Shred chicken and serve. Fluff rice with a fork. Shred chicken and mix it back in just before serving.

And that’s it! As you can see, this method builds flavor from the bottom up for tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice every time.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Here are some timing guidelines:

• LOW setting: Cook for 7-8 hours total

• HIGH setting: Cook for 4-5 hours total

Make sure to account for extra cooking time when doubling the recipe. And always check rice doneness before serving in case your crockpot runs hot.

Preventing Mushy or Crunchy Rice

To get flawlessly cooked rice, follow these tips:

• Use long-grain white rice for the best texture.

• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch.

• Add rice later in process so it doesn’t overcook.

• Make sure rice is submerged in broth as it cooks.

• Fluff with a fork before serving.

• If rice is underdone, simmer on stovetop after.

Flavor Variations

Once you master the basic method, you can customize your chicken and rice crockpot creation.

• Mexican-style: Add diced tomatoes, corn, beans, cumin, chili powder.

• Cajun: Use creole seasoning and serve with hot sauce.

• Italian: Stir in mushroom, basil, red pepper flakes, parmesan.

• Asian: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, frozen stir fry veggies.

• Cheesy: Mix in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or Swiss.

• Creamy: Use cream soups and milk for a creamy sauce.

The options are endless for putting your own spin on this simple dinner!

Serving Suggestions

Chicken and rice makes a complete meal, but you can round it out with:

• Crusty bread or rolls

• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans

• A fresh green salad

• Roasted root vegetables like potatoes or carrots

• Coleslaw or potato salad

• Fresh fruit like berries or sliced melons

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Like most crockpot meals, chicken and rice freezes and reheats wonderfully:

• Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.

• Freeze in individual portions for quick lunches up to 4 months.

• Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.

• Add a splash of broth if the rice seems dry.

• You can also reheat in a skillet over medium low until hot.

With this easy, adaptable recipe, you can enjoy tender, flavorful chicken and rice any night of the week with minimal hands-on time. The crockpot does all the work for you, turning basic ingredients into a satisfying family-friendly dinner.

So grab your slow cooker and get ready to become a pro at cooking chicken and rice in the crock pot! This staple meal is about to become a regular rotation in your dinner lineup.