![- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup long-grain rice - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots - 1 tablespoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish For this recipe, I like to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They cook well in the crockpot and stay juicy. You can also add some fun veggies. I often choose onion and garlic for a great base. Frozen peas and carrots add color and nutrition. When it comes to spices, I use thyme and paprika. They give a warm flavor to the dish. I always reach for low-sodium chicken broth. It keeps the dish tasty without being too salty. For the rice, long-grain works best. It cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors. Finally, I top the dish with fresh parsley. It adds a nice touch and brightens the meal. You can find the full recipe to make this comforting dish. Seasoning the chicken is simple. I like to use salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Rub these spices on both sides of the chicken thighs. This step adds great flavor. Next, sear the chicken thighs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them slightly golden. This gives depth to the dish. Now, it’s time to layer ingredients in the crockpot. Start with diced onion and minced garlic at the bottom. This helps create a tasty base. Then, add the seared chicken thighs on top. Pour in the chicken broth next. Add the long-grain rice and frozen peas and carrots. Gently stir everything together, but don’t disturb the chicken too much. For cooking time, set the crockpot on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. It’s important to check the chicken and rice for doneness. The chicken should be fully cooked, and the rice should be tender. A good tip is to test the chicken with a fork. If it pulls apart easily, it's done. The rice should be fluffy and not hard. Once cooking is done, remove the chicken thighs. Use two forks to shred them. This makes it easy to mix back into the dish. Mix all the ingredients together in the crockpot. This helps blend the flavors nicely. Taste it to see if you need more seasoning. For serving, dish out the chicken and rice hot. Garnish each plate with freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch. This adds color and flavor. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To make tender chicken, choose thighs over breasts. Thighs stay juicy during cooking. Searing the chicken first adds great flavor. Brown them in olive oil for a few minutes. This helps lock in moisture and taste. For perfect, fluffy rice, use long-grain rice. Rinse it under cold water first. This removes excess starch and prevents sticking. Make sure the broth is hot when you add it. This helps the rice cook evenly and absorb flavors well. You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or turkey. Both will work well in this recipe. Chicken breasts are leaner, but thighs are juicier. Turkey adds a different flavor to the dish. For rice, try brown rice or jasmine rice. Brown rice has more fiber but takes longer to cook. Jasmine rice has a lovely aroma and fluffy texture. Adjust the cooking time based on the type you use. Add herbs and spices to boost flavor. Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a nice touch. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat without overpowering the dish. You can also try adding a bay leaf for depth. Incorporate different veggies for added nutrition. Bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach work great. Add them in during the last hour of cooking. This way, they stay bright and fresh. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make your Crockpot chicken and rice even better with some fun twists. - Creamy version: Add a cup of cream cheese or shredded cheese. This makes the dish rich and smooth. Stir it in at the end for a cheesy delight. - Spicy options: Want some heat? Toss in jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. This adds a nice kick to the meal. Adjust the amount to match your taste. Change the flavor profile to explore new cuisines. - Italian-inspired: Swap out some broth for marinara sauce. This gives the dish a fresh tomato flavor. You can also add Italian herbs like basil or oregano. - Asian-fusion: Use soy sauce and sesame oil instead of broth. This brings an earthy, nutty taste. Add some green onions or bok choy for extra crunch. You can use fresh veggies and herbs based on the season. - Seasonal vegetables: In spring, add asparagus or peas. In fall, try squash or sweet potatoes. These seasonal choices keep the dish fresh and exciting. - Incorporating seasonal herbs: Use fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or thyme. They boost flavor and add color. Toss them in during the last hour of cooking for the best taste. These variations make your Crockpot chicken and rice a dish you can enjoy all year long. For the full recipe, check out the link. After you enjoy your Crockpot Chicken and Rice, store the leftovers right away. To keep them fresh, put them in airtight containers. You can use glass or plastic containers with lids. Divide the food into smaller portions. This way, you can grab just what you need later. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Let the dish cool completely before you pack it. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out extra air from bags to prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. In the fridge, your dish stays good for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it has an off smell, strange color, or mold, throw it away. Safety first! Enjoy your meal with peace of mind. How to make Crockpot Chicken and Rice? To make this dish, start by seasoning chicken thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Sear them in olive oil until golden. Next, layer diced onion and minced garlic in a crockpot. Place the chicken on top, then add chicken broth, long-grain rice, and frozen peas and carrots. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Finally, shred the chicken, stir, and serve hot. For full details, check the Full Recipe. Can I use different types of meat? Yes, you can use chicken breast or turkey. Both options work well. Just adjust the cooking time, as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs. Other meats, like pork or beef, can also be used, but they will change the flavor profile. What can I serve with this dish? Crockpot chicken and rice pairs nicely with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. You could also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the tasty broth. If you want to add a crunch, try some toasted nuts on top. What is the best crockpot setting for chicken and rice? For best results, use the low setting. It allows the flavors to meld and keeps the chicken tender. If you're short on time, the high setting is fine, but the dish may not be as rich in flavor. How do I know when the chicken is done cooking? Check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white, and the juices should run clear. Caloric content per serving Each serving of this dish contains about 350 calories. This can vary based on the exact ingredients used. If you want to know the precise content, check the labels on your ingredients. Tips for making it healthier (low sodium options) To make this dish healthier, use low-sodium chicken broth. You can also reduce the amount of added salt. Adding more vegetables is another great way to boost nutrition without adding many calories. Consider incorporating spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added vitamins and minerals. In this blog post, you learned how to make delicious Crockpot Chicken and Rice. We covered key ingredients like chicken, veggies, and seasonings. I provided step-by-step instructions for cooking and serving. Plus, there are tips for perfecting your dish and making tasty variations. Remember, cooking should be fun and flexible. Substituting ingredients can lead to new flavors. Enjoy experimenting and making this meal your own! Use these tips, and your family will love dinner.](https://southerndishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/34c0fcb5-267e-47ff-9e1d-2b1d9ab8d3a4-250x250.webp)
Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Savor the deliciousness of Crockpot Chicken and Herb Rice Delight with this easy recipe! Imagine tender chicken thighs simmered with aromatic herbs, fluffy rice, and vibrant veggies. Perfect for a hearty family meal with minimal effort, this dish cooks to perfection while you're busy. Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and bring this comforting meal to your dinner table tonight!