Print

Cozy Crockpot Chicken & Rice Recipe Easy Set and Forget Comfort Meal

cozy crockpot chicken and rice - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm, comforting slow cooker meal featuring juicy chicken breasts and tender rice cooked together with simple, wholesome ingredients. Perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, hands-off dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2.5 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh lemon juice for serving

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Chop the onion and carrots, mince the garlic, and measure out rice and broth.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes (optional but recommended).
  3. Pour the rice into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading evenly. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, then scatter diced carrots on top.
  4. Place the chicken breasts gently over the rice and veggies. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over everything.
  5. Slowly add the chicken broth, making sure it covers the rice and chicken. Do not stir.
  6. Cover and set the crockpot to low for 4 to 5 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle frozen peas on top, cover again, and let them steam until tender.
  8. Remove chicken and shred gently with two forks. Stir the shredded chicken back into the rice mixture and fluff gently with a fork.
  9. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired, taste and adjust seasoning, then serve.

Notes

Sautéing onions and garlic before adding to the crockpot adds depth of flavor but is optional. Avoid stirring rice and broth once in the slow cooker to prevent mushy texture. Adjust broth amount if rice is too soft. Check slow cooker temperature as some run hot and may require shorter cooking time. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken and rice, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, set and forget meal, crockpot dinner, chicken and rice slow cooker

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/cozy-crockpot-chicken-and-rice-recipe-easy-set-and-forget-comfort-meal/