This Easy No Peek Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is a simple dish that cooks itself! With juicy chicken and fluffy rice, it’s a comforting meal with hardly any fuss.
I love how I can just set it and forget it. It’s perfect for busy days when cooking feels overwhelming. Plus, there’s nothing like coming home to a warm, tasty dinner waiting for you! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here for being tender and quick to cook. If you’re looking for a change, thighs are a fantastic substitution as they tend to be juicier.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect because it cooks evenly. If you need a substitute, you can use brown rice, but increase the cooking time and liquid as it takes longer to cook.
Broth: Chicken broth adds great flavor. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter option or homemade broth if you have it on hand! Be mindful of the sodium level in store-bought options and choose low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
Vegetables: The combination of onions, garlic, and carrots is classic. You can mix it up with frozen peas, bell peppers, or any seasonal veggies you have on hand.
How Can I Ensure the Rice Cooks Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking rice in a slow cooker requires some care, but it’s worth it! The key is to avoid stirring after adding the broth.
- Start by layering the rice and veggies without mixing them. This helps the rice cook evenly.
- When you pour the broth over, just let it be! Stirring can release too much starch and lead to mushy rice.
- Keep the lid on throughout cooking. Peeking releases steam, which affects cooking time.
After cooking, fluff the rice gently with a fork. This keeps it light and fluffy without turning it into a sticky mess!
Easy No Peek Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you can forget about it while it cooks for 4 to 6 hours in your crock pot. It’s a perfect option for busy days, as you can set it up in the morning and come home to a warm, hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crock Pot:
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your crock pot with a little olive oil or butter. This will help prevent sticking and make cleaning up easier.
2. Layer the Rice:
Evenly place the uncooked rice in the bottom of the crock pot. This will serve as the base for our meal.
3. Add Vegetables:
Next, layer the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots over the rice. These veggies will add flavor and nutrition!
4. Season the Dish:
Sprinkle the dried thyme or Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper over the vegetables and rice. This will enhance the flavors of the chicken and rice as they cook together.
5. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over the rice and vegetables. Remember, do not stir! Let things sit as they are.
6. Place the Chicken:
Now, gently place the chicken breasts on top of the rice and vegetables. Make sure to space them out evenly!
7. Cook Without Peeking:
The next step is to cover the crock pot with its lid. Do not peek while it’s cooking! Keeping the lid on helps everything cook evenly and retain moisture.
8. Let It Cook:
Cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the rice is tender.
9. Fluff the Rice:
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice—this will keep it light and airy.
10. Serve Up:
Serve the chicken on top of the fluffy rice, adding some of the delicious cooking juices over the top.
11. Garnish and Enjoy:
For a touch of color and freshness, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the dish before serving. Enjoy your comforting, hands-off meal!
FAQ for Easy No Peek Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to make some adjustments! Brown rice takes longer to cook, so increase the cooking time to about 6 to 8 hours on low, and add an extra half cup of chicken broth to keep it moist. Make sure to test the rice for tenderness before serving!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the broth. You can also toss in some herbs like rosemary, or a bay leaf for added aroma. Just remember to remove any whole herbs or leaves before serving!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep the rice moist.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Absolutely! This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The chicken may lose some texture, but it will still be delicious!
