If you're on the hunt for a cozy, hassle-free meal that practically cooks itself, look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Casserole! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish combines tender chicken, creamy soup, and fluffy rice into a warm, comforting casserole that will have your family asking for seconds. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker works its magic. Get ready to impress your taste buds with a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to make—let’s dive into the recipe that will become your new go-to dinner!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking.
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and well-blended.
- Add diced chicken to the slow cooker, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the pot.
- Sprinkle uncooked long-grain rice over the chicken, ensuring it is distributed uniformly.
- Pour the prepared liquid mixture over the chicken and rice, making sure all ingredients are moistened.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables on top of the mixture, gently pressing them into the liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting for 6 hours.
- Do not lift the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
- After 6 hours, check that chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow rice to absorb remaining liquid.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: For even cooking, make sure to cut your chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures that every piece cooks through perfectly.
- Grease the Slow Cooker: Lightly greasing the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter helps prevent the casserole from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
- Mix Ingredients Well: When combining the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and seasonings, whisk until smooth. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Layering is Key: Distribute the uncooked rice evenly over the chicken before pouring in the liquid mixture. This helps the rice absorb the flavors as it cooks.
- Don’t Lift the Lid: Resist the temptation to peek during cooking! Lifting the lid can release heat and moisture, affecting the cooking time and texture.
- Check Temperature: After 6 hours, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after cooking helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid, resulting in a perfectly fluffy texture.
- Garnish for Flair: For a touch of freshness, consider garnishing your casserole with chopped parsley before serving—it adds a pop of color and flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
