Craving a delicious, comforting meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This Crock Pot Chicken and Yellow Rice recipe is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It's a one-pot wonder that delivers tender, juicy chicken and fluffy, flavorful rice all in one delightful dish. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this healthy meal is ready in a flash, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your delicious, homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning chicken)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken (Optional): For extra flavor, you can lightly brown the chicken pieces in olive oil over medium-high heat before adding them to the slow cooker. This step isn't essential, but it adds a nice sear to the chicken.
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Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Add the browned (or un-browned) chicken, rice, chicken broth, water, cream of chicken soup, thyme, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
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Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and fluffy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Fluff and Serve: Once cooked, gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Serve hot and enjoy this quick dinner idea!
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken and Yellow Rice:
- Don't overcook the rice: Overcooked rice can become mushy. Check the rice towards the end of the cooking time to ensure it's cooked through but still has a slightly firm texture.
- Adjust seasonings to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a subtle kick.
- Add vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley for a brighter, more herbaceous flavor profile.
- Spicy Chicken and Rice: Add a teaspoon or two of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
- Chicken and Wild Rice: Substitute wild rice for long-grain white rice for a heartier, nuttier flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on specific ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-45g
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, making it a staple in your repertoire of healthy meals and delicious dishes. Enjoy your comforting Crock Pot Chicken and Yellow Rice!