Lazy Sunday Slow Cooker Chicken & Herb Rice: Sorted!
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a proper, comforting meal with barely any effort? this slow cooker chicken and rice recipe is just the ticket! honestly, it's like a warm hug on a plate, packed with savoury flavours and tender chicken.
Brief Overview
This slow cooker chicken and rice dish is a humble classic, a sort of peasant dish with a twist. think english countryside, but in your kitchen, a proper hearty one pot meal.
It's so easy, even i can't mess it up. prep time is 15 minutes, and cook time can range from 2 to 6 hours, yielding 6 generous portions.
Main Benefits
This slow cooker chicken and rice recipe easy dish is incredibly nutritious. it's packed with protein and good carbs, the chicken slow cooker recipes provides energy for the whole family.
It's perfect for busy weeknights when you're knackered from work and cba to cook a fancy meal! what makes it special? it's easy slow cooker chicken recipes for family because it's total set-it-and-forget-it comfort food.
What You Need for This Crockpot Chicken and Rice Casserole
Right, let's get down to brass tacks.
Here's what you'll need: 1.5 lbs of chicken, a glug of olive oil, one onion, two carrots, two celery stalks, two cloves of garlic, and a bunch of dried herbs, like thyme, rosemary, and sage.
Don't forget your salt, pepper, crockpot recipes slow cooker is best when you are not in a hurry. stock up on 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of long grain rice, a handful of frozen peas, and a knob of butter.
A dash of fresh parsley for garnish never hurts either. a dinner recipes crockpot is best enjoyed with crusty bread.
Now, I'm no health guru, but I reckon this slow cooker chicken and rice healthy recipe is far healthier than most takeaways.
It’s also blooming versatile. You can chuck in extra veg, like mushrooms or sweetcorn, if you fancy. Get creative, innit?
step-by-step to Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
Ready to get started on this chicken crockpot recipes ? first, you can sear the chicken to make it a richer flavour, but this is optional.
I often skip this to save time! then you soften your aromatics, then you literally throw everything into the crockpot recipes slow cooker , then you cook it to perfection, then you simply stir in the rice and peas and wait for it to cook perfectly.
Honestly, it's easier than ordering a pizza.
Nailing the Lazy Sunday Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice : The Bits You Need
Alright, so you wanna make this ridiculously easy slow cooker chicken and rice ? sound. let's break down exactly what you'll need.
Seriously, it's not rocket science. i promise. think of it like assembling a cheeky flatpack you've got this. i reckon that's why chicken slow cooker recipes are so popular.
What's Going IN? The Main Event
Here's your shopping list, sorted. Remember to adjust the amounts for your crowd, yeah?
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. I prefer thighs they stay so juicy. But breasts work too.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Just the bog-standard stuff is fine.
- Onion: 1 large, chopped (about 1 cup / 150g ). Brown or white, doesn't matter too much.
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped (about 1 cup / 120g ).
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped (about 1 cup / 100g ).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (about 2 tsp / 6g ).
- Thyme: 1 tsp dried.
- Rosemary: 1 tsp dried.
- Sage: ½ tsp dried.
- Salt: ½ tsp (plus more to taste). Don't be shy!
- Pepper: ¼ tsp (plus more to taste). Freshly ground is always better.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) . Low sodium is the winner, so you're in charge of the salt.
- Rice: 1 cup (185g) long grain white rice, rinsed. Crucial rinsing step!
- Frozen Peas: ½ cup (50g) . Straight from the freezer.
- Butter: 2 tbsp (30g) , cut into cubes. Adds richness.
- Parsley: 2 tbsp fresh, chopped (for garnish). Makes it look all fancy, you know?
The easy slow cooker chicken recipes for family always include some nice seasoning.
Seasoning Secrets for a Bangin' Flavour
Here are the keys. Get this right. Your Crockpot recipes slow cooker will reach another level.
- The Herb Trinity: Thyme, rosemary, and sage. They're the backbone of the flavour. Classic. Proper comforting.
- Salt & Pepper: Don't skimp! Taste as you go. Remember, low-sodium broth.
- Substitutions: No rosemary? Oregano or marjoram will do in a pinch. You know? A dash of paprika doesn't hurt either.
Gear You Need to Get Cracking
Right then, time to think about kit. Don't need anything fancy to start knocking up some great Dinner Recipes Crockpot .
- Slow Cooker: Obvs. A 6-quart (5.7 liter) one is spot on.
- Skillet (Optional): Only if you wanna sear the chicken first. Adds flavour, but not essential.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Get your bake on!
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping those veg. Dull knives are a no-no, yeah?
Sorted! That's all you need. Now, off to the races. Let's make some proper slow cooker dinner .
Lazy Sunday Slow Cooker Chicken & Herb Rice: Sorted!
Slow cooker chicken and rice is a classic for a reason. it's proper easy and tastes amazing. think of it as a comforting hug in a bowl, the kind of meal that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Plus, slow cooker chicken recipes are brilliant for busy folks like us. let's get this sorted.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First, the mise en place , basically, have everything chopped and measured before you start. honestly, it saves so much time.
Dice your onion, carrots, and celery. mince the garlic. measure out your herbs and rice. it's like preparing your painting canvas.
Time saving tip: chop all the veggies at once. you know? store them in the fridge if you're prepping the night before.
Also, don't forget that rinsing your rice helps remove all the starch!.
step-by-step: Slow Cooker Magic
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan, if you have time, sear 1.5 lbs chicken pieces in batches until lightly browned. It's optional, but adds a nice flavour.
- Sauté 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks until soft, about 5- 7 minutes . Chuck in 2 cloves minced garlic, cook for another minute.
- Pop the veg into the slow cooker. Add the chicken, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, ½ tsp dried sage, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Pour in 4 cups chicken broth. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4- 6 hours , or high for 2- 3 hours , until the chicken reaches 165° F / 74° C .
- Stir in 1 cup rinsed rice and ½ cup frozen peas. Cover and cook for 30- 45 minutes , until the rice is fluffy.
- Stir in 2 tbsp butter. Season to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley. Dinner is served.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken & Rice
- Don't skip searing the chicken. It's an extra step, but totally worth it. We are making dinner recipes crockpot worthy
- Avoid lifting the lid too often. It lets out heat and messes with the cooking time. Trust the process.
- Crockpot recipes slow cooker are best when using low sodium broth! You can always add more salt, but you can't take it away.
Honestly, this easy slow cooker chicken recipes for family is a winner. it’s a proper crowd pleaser and so simple to make.
You can easily adapt it with different veg or spices to suit your taste. get cooking, and enjoy! i have heard that it makes good crockpot chicken and rice casserole .
Recipe Notes
Alright, let's chat about this slow cooker chicken and rice recipe a bit more. honestly, it's one of those dishes that just gets better with a bit of planning.
So, here are a few tips and tricks i've picked up along the way.
Serving Suggestions: Sorted!
Fancy pants time! when plating up, a sprinkle of fresh parsley really brightens things up. think about making it look like something you'd get in a nice pub.
Maybe a dollop of crème fraîche? a side salad with a lemon vinaigrette is always a winner. it cuts through the richness nicely.
If you are after a chicken slow cooker recipes you can be sure this is a winner.
And, for drinks, a crisp dry white wine or even a light, fruity beer works a treat. It’s like a mini Sunday roast, but without the washing up!
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
If you have any leftovers (unlikely!), let the slow cooker chicken and rice cool completely before popping it into an airtight container.
It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. you can also freeze it. i've found it keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Just make sure it's properly sealed.
To reheat, you can microwave it (easy peasy!) or, better yet, gently warm it up in a pan with a splash of chicken broth. That way, it doesn't dry out.
Variations: Get Creative!
Want to make it healthier? easy! use brown rice instead of white. it takes a little longer to cook, so you may need to add a bit more broth.
Also, you can bulk up the veggies. think mushrooms, courgettes whatever takes your fancy. the best part is that this is one of the best easy slow cooker chicken recipes for family .
For a dairy-free version, skip the butter at the end and use a drizzle of olive oil instead. It's just as tasty.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, so roughly, you're looking at around 350-400 calories per serving of this crockpot chicken and rice casserole . it's packed with protein (around 30-35g) from the chicken.
It has a decent amount of carbs (30-35g), and some fat (10-15g). i’d consider this slow cooker chicken and rice healthy , but you will need to keep an eye on the sodium content from the broth.
You can always adjust the seasonings to your liking. i've done this crockpot recipes slow cooker so many times, and i know it will become a favorite with you.
So there you have it! A few extra notes to help you nail this slow cooker chicken and rice recipe easy . Go on, give it a whirl! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker chicken and rice recipe?
While technically you can use frozen chicken in a slow cooker, it's generally not recommended for safety reasons. The chicken might spend too long at unsafe temperatures while it thaws in the slow cooker.
For the best and safest results, always thaw your chicken completely in the fridge before adding it to the slow cooker. It's just not worth the risk of a dodgy tummy!
My slow cooker chicken and rice turned out mushy. What did I do wrong?
Mushy rice usually means too much liquid or overcooking. Make sure you rinsed the rice before adding it to the slow cooker this removes excess starch. Also, check your slow cooker's cooking time as they can vary. If it's cooking too quickly, try reducing the heat or shortening the cooking time.
Nobody wants rice pudding when they're expecting a proper dinner!
How do I store leftover slow cooker chicken and rice?
Leftover slow cooker chicken and rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop until piping hot. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to prevent it from drying out.
Consider it a ready-made lunch for the next day sorted!
Can I add vegetables besides carrots and celery to my slow cooker chicken and rice?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or even green beans. Add heartier vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms with the carrots and celery at the beginning.
Add softer vegetables like zucchini or green beans during the last hour of cooking so they don't get too mushy. It's your dinner, have it your way!
Is slow cooker chicken and rice healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Slow cooker chicken and rice can be a healthy option. It provides a good source of protein and carbohydrates, but it's important to be mindful of the sodium content, especially from the chicken broth.
Using low-sodium broth helps control the salt level, and you can add plenty of vegetables to boost the nutritional value. Watch those portion sizes, too, old chap!
I don't have long grain white rice. Can I use a different type of rice for my slow cooker chicken and rice?
Yes, you can substitute other types of rice, but cooking times will vary. Brown rice will require significantly longer cooking time (about 30-45 minutes more) and might need extra liquid. Shorter grain rice, like Arborio, might become too creamy and starchy.
Keep an eye on things and adjust the liquid and cooking time as needed - It's all about adapting!
Lazy Sunday Slow Cooker Chicken Herb Rice Sorted
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12.5g |
| Fiber | 2.5g |