How To Cook Rice And Chicken In A Slow Cooker

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

Cooking rice in a slow cooker with chicken is not only convenient but also results in tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked rice. The slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, is a versatile kitchen appliance that allows you to prepare delicious meals with minimal effort. By combining rice and chicken in the slow cooker, you can create a wholesome and satisfying dish that will become a family favorite.

One of the main advantages of using a slow cooker is the convenience it offers. You can simply gather the ingredients, set the cooking time, and let the slow cooker do its magic while you go about your day. This makes it ideal for busy individuals or those who prefer hands-off cooking.

Not only is cooking rice in a slow cooker easy, but it also ensures that the rice is evenly cooked and doesn’t stick to the pot. The slow, steady heat from the slow cooker allows the rice to absorb the liquid and fully cook without becoming mushy or overcooked.

In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking rice in a slow cooker with chicken. From gathering the ingredients to serving the final dish, we will provide all the information you need to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

So, grab your slow cooker, a few simple ingredients, and get ready to cook up a flavorful rice and chicken dish that will impress your family and friends.

Step 1: Gather the ingredients

Before you start cooking rice in a slow cooker with chicken, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup of long-grain white rice
• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to customize the ingredients according to your taste preferences. You can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or peas, or even spices to give the dish an extra kick.

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, ensure that your slow cooker is clean and in good working condition. Having everything prepared and ready will make the cooking process much smoother.

Now that you have all the ingredients at hand, let’s move on to the next step of preparing the chicken for the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken

Before adding the chicken to the slow cooker, it’s important to prepare it properly to ensure it cooks evenly and is full of flavor. Follow these steps to prepare the chicken:

1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add additional spices or herbs if desired.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
4. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly browned.
5. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
6. Allow the chicken to cool slightly before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. This will help prevent the chicken from drying out during the slow cooking process.

With the chicken prepared and ready to go, it’s time to move on to the next step of rinsing the rice.

Step 3: Rinse the rice

Rinsing the rice before cooking is an essential step to remove any excess starch and ensure fluffy, separate grains. Here’s how to rinse the rice for your slow cooker recipe:

1. Measure 1 cup of long-grain white rice and place it in a fine-mesh sieve or colander.
2. Hold the sieve under cold, running water and gently rinse the rice, using your fingers to agitate the grains.
3. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, indicating that most of the starch has been rinsed away.
4. After rinsing, drain the rice thoroughly and set it aside.

Rinsing the rice helps remove any impurities and excess starch that can cause the rice to become sticky or clumpy. It also helps to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker during the cooking process.

Now that the rice is rinsed and ready, it’s time to move on to combining the rice and chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add rice and chicken to the slow cooker

Now that the rice and chicken are prepared, it’s time to combine them in the slow cooker. Follow these steps to add the rice and chicken:

1. Place the rinsed rice at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Spread the rice evenly to create a base for the chicken.
3. Next, add the prepared chicken on top of the rice.
4. Spread the chicken pieces evenly, ensuring they are in a single layer.
5. This arrangement allows the rice to cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the chicken.

Be sure to spread the rice and chicken in an even layer to promote even cooking. This will help prevent any parts of the dish from becoming overcooked or undercooked.

Once the rice and chicken are in place, you’re ready to move on to the next step of seasoning and adding liquids to the slow cooker.

Add a 1:1 ratio of rice to liquid in the slow cooker with the chicken. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Season and add liquids

Seasoning the dish with herbs, spices, and adding liquids is crucial to imparting flavor and moisture to the rice and chicken. Here’s how to season and add liquids to your slow cooker:

1. Sprinkle the minced garlic and diced onion over the chicken and rice in the slow cooker.
2. Add your choice of dried herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
4. Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. The broth adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
5. Open a can of diced tomatoes and pour it, along with its juices, into the slow cooker.
6. The diced tomatoes add acidity and a depth of flavor to the dish.
7. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or other spices if you prefer a bit of heat.

Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the seasonings and liquids. This will ensure that each bite is flavorful and well-balanced.

With the ingredients seasoned and the liquids added, it’s time to move on to the next step of setting the slow cooker.

Step 6: Set the slow cooker

Setting the slow cooker properly is essential to ensure that the rice and chicken cook to perfection. Here’s how to set up your slow cooker:

1. Cover the slow cooker with its lid, making sure it fits securely.
2. Plug in the slow cooker and set it to the desired cooking temperature. Most slow cookers have low, high, and sometimes medium settings.
3. For cooking rice and chicken, it is recommended to set the slow cooker to the low setting to achieve tender, evenly cooked results.
4. Set the timer based on your recipe or the desired cooking time. Rice and chicken typically take around 4-6 hours on the low setting.
5. It’s important to resist the temptation to open the slow cooker lid during the cooking process. Opening the lid can cause a loss of heat and significantly increase the cooking time.

Once the slow cooker is set, you can let it work its magic while you attend to other tasks or simply relax and wait for the delicious aroma to fill your kitchen.

With the slow cooker set, let’s move on to the next step of letting the rice and chicken cook to perfection.

Step 7: Let the rice and chicken cook

Now comes the exciting part—letting the slow cooker work its magic and cook the rice and chicken to tender perfection. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Leave the slow cooker undisturbed during the cooking process. Avoid opening the lid to check on the progress too frequently, as this can prolong the cooking time.
2. Allow the rice and chicken to cook on the low setting for about 4-6 hours, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
3. The slow cooker gently simmers the ingredients, allowing for optimal flavor infusion and ensuring that the rice and chicken are cooked evenly.
4. As the slow cooker is a sealed environment, it traps the steam and moisture, resulting in moist and flavorful rice and chicken.
5. After the recommended cooking time has passed, you can check if the rice and chicken are cooked to your liking.

Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the specific slow cooker model and settings, so it’s best to follow the recommended cooking time as a guideline.

With the rice and chicken cooking away in the slow cooker, it’s time to move on to the next step of checking for doneness.

Step 8: Check for doneness

Checking for doneness is a crucial step to ensure that the rice and chicken has cooked thoroughly. Here’s how to check if your dish is ready:

1. Carefully lift the lid of the slow cooker, being cautious of the hot steam that may escape.
2. Using a fork, fluff the rice and check its texture. It should be tender and cooked through, with no hard or crunchy bits remaining.
3. Test the chicken for doneness by cutting into one of the pieces. The chicken should be white and no longer pink in the center.
4. If the rice is still slightly undercooked or the chicken is not done, cover the slow cooker and let it continue cooking for another 15-30 minutes, or until it reaches the desired doneness.
5. Keep in mind that the residual heat in the slow cooker will continue to cook the rice and chicken even after the slow cooker is turned off.

Once you’re satisfied that the rice and chicken are fully cooked, it’s time to move on to the final step of serving and enjoying your flavorful slow cooker meal.

Step 9: Serve and enjoy

Congratulations! Your rice and chicken cooked in the slow cooker are now ready to be served and enjoyed. Here’s how to serve your flavorful dish:

1. Using a spoon or a fork, gently fluff the rice to separate the grains.
2. Transfer a portion of the rice onto a serving plate or bowl.
3. Top the rice with a generous portion of the tender, flavorful chicken.
4. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or cilantro, for an added pop of color and freshness.
5. Your slow cooker rice and chicken dish is now ready to be enjoyed!

Serve your delicious creation as a complete meal or pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-balanced plate. It’s a comforting, wholesome dish that is perfect for any day of the week.

Remember to exercise caution when handling the slow cooker, as it will still be hot. Use oven mitts or silicone gloves to protect yourself from burns.

Now, gather your loved ones around the table, dive into the delightful combination of tender rice and flavorful chicken, and savor every bite of this satisfying slow cooker meal.

Enjoy!