See how raw chicken and rice in a slow cooker

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by greasing the bottom of your slow cooker with a little olive oil or butter. This will help prevent sticking and add a bit of richness to the dish. If you prefer, you can skip this step if you’re using a non-stick slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Rice and Seasonings

Add the uncooked rice to the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the dried thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper evenly over the rice. This layer of seasonings will infuse the rice with flavor while it cooks. If you’re using garlic, you can add it here as well.

Step 3: Layer the Chicken

Place the raw chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice. Don’t worry about cutting or searing the chicken first—it will cook perfectly in the slow cooker and break down into tender pieces as it cooks.

Step 4: Add the Liquids

Pour the chicken broth (or water) over the chicken and rice. The liquid is essential to properly cook the rice and ensure the chicken stays juicy. Make sure the broth fully covers the rice and chicken. If you like, you can add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil at this point for extra richness.

Step 5: Cook on Low or High

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook:

• Low heat: Cook for about 4-6 hours.
• High heat: Cook for about 2-3 hours.

You’ll know the meal is ready when the rice has absorbed all the liquid and the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.

Step 6: Add the Vegetables (Optional)

If you want to add some veggies to your dish, stir in frozen peas, diced carrots, or any other vegetables you like during the last 30 minutes of cooking. They will cook perfectly in the slow cooker without losing their flavor or texture.

Step 7: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, you can easily shred it using two forks. The chicken should be tender enough that it falls apart easily. Stir the shredded chicken back into the rice to evenly distribute the flavors.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Your slow-cooked chicken and rice is now ready to serve! Dish up the mixture of tender chicken and flavorful rice onto plates. You can garnish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like.

Why This Recipe Works

• Hands-Off Cooking: One of the main reasons people love this slow cooker chicken and rice recipe is how little work it requires. You simply add the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do all the work for you. It’s a great choice for busy days when you want to come home to a hot, home-cooked meal.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: Cooking chicken in the slow cooker results in beautifully tender and juicy meat. The chicken essentially steams in the broth, keeping it moist and flavorful. The best part is that it doesn’t need to be pre-cooked or seared before being added to the slow cooker.
• Versatile: This recipe is highly customizable. You can change up the seasonings, add vegetables, or even swap the rice for quinoa or another grain. It’s a great base recipe to adapt to your preferences and dietary needs.
• Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy-to-find items, making this recipe both affordable and convenient. You don’t need to worry about expensive cuts of meat or complicated ingredients—just simple, wholesome food.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice:

• Don’t open the lid: It’s tempting, but try to avoid opening the slow cooker while the dish is cooking. Every time you lift the lid, you let heat escape, which can interfere with the cooking process.
• Use bone-in chicken for more flavor: If you want extra richness, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. The bones release more flavor during cooking, making the dish even more delicious.
• Check the liquid level: If you find that the rice is too dry or sticking to the bottom, you can add a little extra chicken broth or water halfway through the cooking time. Make sure there’s enough liquid to cook the rice evenly.
• Adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker: Different slow cookers can vary in temperature and cooking time, so be sure to monitor the dish to prevent overcooking or undercooking.

Conclusion

Making raw chicken and rice in a slow cooker is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to enjoy a hearty, homemade meal without a lot of effort. The tender chicken, flavorful rice, and savory broth make for a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious, satisfying meal waiting for you at the end of the day. Try this recipe today and enjoy the magic of slow cooking!