Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

 Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice combines tender, juicy chicken with fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. The rich flavors develop slowly over hours, creating a savory and hearty profile highlighted by aromatic herbs and gentle garlic notes.

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Creamy textures blend with fresh vegetables and broth for a satisfying, well-balanced dish. This recipe offers an elegant yet approachable meal ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Why This Recipe Works Well for Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

This recipe offers convenience and rich flavor without constant attention. It ensures tender chicken and fluffy rice with simple preparation and minimal cleanup.

• Effortless Preparation – Layer ingredients and let the slow cooker handle the cooking.
• Flavor Harmony – Savory chicken, aromatic herbs, and broth blend seamlessly with rice.
• Ideal Texture – Rice cooks evenly without mushiness, chicken remains moist.
• Family-Friendly Appeal – Wholesome for all ages, suitable for family meals or gatherings.
• Minimal Cleanup – One-pot cooking means fewer dishes and easy serving.

Ingredients Needed for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

This recipe uses familiar ingredients to create a flavorful and hearty meal.

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• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – Juicy, tender meat well-suited for slow cooking.
• Long Grain White Rice – Cooks evenly, maintaining a fluffy texture.
• Chicken Broth – Adds savory depth and moisture.
• Yellow Onion and Garlic – Sautéed for a rich flavor base.
• Carrots and Peas – Provide natural sweetness and color.
• Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Parsley) – Brighten and balance richness.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Start by browning aromatics and chicken for added flavor, then layer ingredients in the slow cooker. Cooking low and slow develops flavor and ensures perfectly cooked rice and tender chicken.

• Sauté Aromatics – Cook chopped onion and garlic in oil until softened.
• Brown the Chicken – Season and brown chicken thighs to seal juices.
• Layer Ingredients – Place carrots in the slow cooker, add rice, top with chicken, and pour broth evenly.
• Cook on Low – Cover and cook 3 to 4 hours until chicken is tender and rice absorbs liquid.
• Add Peas and Herbs – Stir in peas and parsley during last 15 minutes.
• Rest Before Serving – Let rest 10 minutes off heat for even cooking and moisture absorption.

Serving Suggestions for a Balanced Meal

Pair with light, fresh sides to balance the dish’s richness.

• Steamed Green Beans
• Garden Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Roasted Broccoli
• Cucumber and Tomato Salad
• Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
• Simple Coleslaw
• Warm Dinner Rolls

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Preserve texture and flavor with proper storage and reheating.

• Cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
• Reheat in the oven at 325°F covered with foil.
• Microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway.
• Freeze up to two months; thaw before reheating.
• Add broth or water during reheating to keep rice fluffy.

Common Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out. Check tenderness earlier.

Is brown rice an option?

Brown rice needs longer cooking and more liquid. Pre-soaking helps.

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Can I prepare and refrigerate before cooking?

Yes. Assemble in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before cooking.

How to avoid mushy rice?

Add rice halfway through cooking, use correct liquid ratio, avoid overcooking.

Is this recipe dairy-free or suitable for low-fat diets?

It is naturally dairy-free unless dairy is added. Use lean chicken and skip dairy for a lighter dish.

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Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice combines tender, juicy chicken with fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. The rich flavors develop slowly over hours, creating a savory and hearty profile highlighted by aromatic herbs and gentle garlic notes. Creamy textures blend with fresh vegetables and broth for a satisfying, well-balanced dish. This recipe offers an elegant yet approachable meal ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American-Style

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• Slow Cooker To cook the chicken and rice slowly and evenly
• Large skillet To sauté onion, garlic, and brown chicken

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs Juicy, tender meat well-suited for slow cooking
• Long Grain White Rice Cooks evenly, maintaining a fluffy texture
• Chicken Broth Adds savory depth and moisture
• Yellow Onion Chopped, sautéed for a rich flavor base
• 2 cloves Garlic Minced, sautéed for rich flavor base
• Carrots Provide natural sweetness and color
• Peas Add sweetness and color, stirred in last 15 minutes
• Fresh Thyme Brightens and balances richness
• Fresh Parsley Brightens and balances richness, stirred in last 15 minutes
• Salt Essential seasoning, to taste
• Black Pepper Essential seasoning, to taste

Instructions

 

• Sauté chopped yellow onion and minced garlic in oil until softened.
• Season and brown boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a skillet to seal juices.
• In the slow cooker, place chopped carrots first, then add long grain white rice, top with browned chicken thighs, and pour chicken broth evenly over all.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is tender and rice absorbs the liquid.
• Stir in peas and fresh parsley during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow even cooking and moisture absorption.

Notes

• Effortless one-pot meal with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme and parsley to enhance flavor.
• Add peas in the last few minutes to keep their vibrant color and sweetness.
• For a dairy-free dish, avoid adding any dairy products.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat gently to maintain texture.

Keyword chicken and rice, easy chicken recipe, family-friendly chicken, slow cooker chicken

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Carrie Boyd

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.

As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.

A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!