Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This creamy slow cooker chicken and rice is a comforting and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights.
This creamy slow cooker chicken and rice dish is the ultimate comfort food. With minimal prep time and a flavor-packed sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and flavorful sauce that coats every bite
- Minimal prep time with maximum flavor
- Perfectly tender chicken that falls apart
- One-pot meal for easy cleanup
A Comforting Meal for Any Occasion
Creamy slow cooker chicken and rice is more than just a meal; it's a comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. Whether you're feeding a hungry family after a long day or hosting a cozy gathering with friends, this recipe delivers both satisfaction and flavor. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory experience that everyone will love.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With minimal prep and a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want to serve something hearty but don't have the time to fuss over complicated recipes.
Healthy and Wholesome Ingredients
This recipe features boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are a lean source of protein, making it a healthier option for families. Paired with long-grain white rice, you're not only getting a satisfying meal but also a good balance of carbohydrates. Adding frozen peas and carrots boosts the nutritional value, incorporating essential vitamins and minerals without requiring additional preparation time.
The creamy sauce, created with heavy cream and chicken broth, adds a rich flavor while keeping the dish comforting and satisfying. You can easily adapt this recipe by swapping in your favorite vegetables or using brown rice for a whole grain option, making it versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the standout features of this creamy slow cooker chicken and rice recipe is its suitability for meal prep. You can double the ingredients and have leftovers for the week, saving you time and effort on busy days. Simply store the leftovers in airtight containers, and you'll have a delicious homemade meal ready to go whenever you need it.
Reheating is easy, and the flavors only get better as they sit. Just warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, and you'll have a comforting dish ready in minutes. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing taste or convenience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Gather all the ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Add Rice and Vegetables
Pour the uncooked rice, diced onion, garlic, and frozen peas and carrots over the chicken.
Mix Broth and Cream
In a bowl, combine the chicken broth and heavy cream, then pour it over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir to combine everything.
Serve
Serve hot and enjoy your creamy slow cooker chicken and rice!
Make sure to let it cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
To achieve the best results with your creamy slow cooker chicken and rice, be sure to season the chicken thoroughly before adding the other ingredients. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Additionally, if you prefer a thicker sauce, consider reducing the amount of chicken broth slightly or adding a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
For a flavor boost, feel free to experiment with herbs and spices. Adding a bay leaf or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can elevate the dish even further. Remember, the slow cooker allows for flexibility, so don’t hesitate to adjust the ingredients to fit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken and rice dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to create a balanced meal. A light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the chicken and rice without overpowering it. You might also consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up any remaining creamy sauce.
For a burst of freshness, garnishing with chopped parsley or green onions adds a beautiful touch and enhances the dish's visual appeal. This not only makes the meal more inviting but also adds a layer of flavor that brightens the overall experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time and the amount of liquid.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is complete on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and tenderness.
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
This creamy slow cooker chicken and rice is a comforting and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Created by: Veronica Miles
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Pour the uncooked rice, diced onion, garlic, and frozen peas and carrots over the chicken.
In a bowl, combine the chicken broth and heavy cream, then pour it over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir to combine everything.
Serve hot and enjoy your creamy slow cooker chicken and rice!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 6g