yellow rice and chicken slow cooker is a simple, flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, aromatic yellow rice, and savory seasonings.
Perfect for busy days, the slow cooker ensures the chicken stays juicy while the rice absorbs rich flavors, making a hearty, customizable dish ideal for meal prep.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Yellow Rice
The delightful Slow Cooker Chicken and Yellow Rice is a comforting dish that brings together the flavors of chicken and rice in a simple, hands-off way. This chicken and yellow rice recipe starts with boneless skinless chicken breasts, which you place the chicken in your trusty crockpot. Season it with salt and pepper, then pour in chicken broth and a can of cream of chicken soup to enhance the flavor. The magic happens when you add the rice; the Vigo yellow rice mix transforms the dish into a hearty meal. The chicken becomes tender and easy to shred as the rice is cooked in the flavorful broth, creating a comforting cheesy chicken and rice delight. You can even dice some fresh broccoli to add a nutritious touch!
For those busy weeknights, this slow cooker recipe is a lifesaver. Just cook on low for several hours, and when you return, you’ll find a satisfying dish. This crockpot chicken and yellow rice serves as a perfect family dinner and makes excellent leftover meals. You can enjoy the delicious crockpot chicken as is or turn it into slow cooker cheesy chicken by adding your favorite Cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. This rice recipe is versatile and can quickly become a staple in your collection of chicken rice crock pot recipes. So, gather your ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work for you!
Chicken and Yellow Rice Recipe Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (5 oz.) yellow rice (such as Vigo or Zatarain’s)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz.) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz.) cream of celery soup (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
These ingredients create a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for an easy meal.
Equipment & Tools Required:
- Slow cooker (4-quart or more significant)
- Cutting board and knife (for chopping vegetables and prepping chicken)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (for combining soups and seasonings)
- Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
- Cheese grater (if using shredded Cheese)
- Serving spoon (for dishing out the rice and chicken)
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (for chopping vegetables and preparing the ingredients)
- Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high (until the chicken is fully cooked and tender)
- Total Time: 250 minutes
- Servings: 4 People
This dish is relatively low-maintenance, making it ideal for a hands-off meal.
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How to Make Chicken and Yellow Rice Recipe
Step-01: Preparation: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Finely chop the onion and bell pepper if using. If frozen peas and carrots are part of your recipe, measure out ½ cup and set them aside.
Step-02: Layering the Base: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. Season the chicken evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Step-03: Adding Rice and Vegetables: Pour the packet of yellow rice over the seasoned chicken, spreading it out to cover the chicken evenly. Next, sprinkle the chopped onion, bell pepper, frozen peas, and carrots over the rice.
Step-04: Mixing the Soups and Broth: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup (if using), and chicken broth. Stir the mixture until smooth and well-blended. Pour this over the rice and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Step-05: Cooking: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
Step-06: Finishing Touches: If you like a cheesy finish, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt. When done, fluff the rice with a fork to mix all the flavors.
Step-07: Serve: Dish out the tender chicken and flavorful rice, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Serving Idea for Chicken and Yellow Rice
- Family-Style Platter: Serve the chicken and yellow rice crock pot on a large platter, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Surround the dish with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top, adding a bright and fresh flavor.
- With a Side Salad: Pair the dish with a crisp green salad, such as a simple mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the rich, creamy chicken and rice.
- Accompaniments: Offer a side of warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh green onions on top of the dish adds a nice finishing touch.
- For a Hearty Meal: Include a side of steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, to round out the meal and add a healthy balance.
- This approach will make your meal not only delicious but also visually appealing and well-rounded.
Tips For Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Yellow Rice
- Choose the Right Rice: Using a pre-seasoned yellow rice mix, such as Vigo or Zatarain’s, ensures that the dish has rich flavor without needing any additional seasonings. Avoid using plain rice unless you plan to add your seasonings.
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. To avoid this, check the chicken for doneness at the lower end of the cooking time. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Don’t Stir During Cooking: Please resist the urge to stir the ingredients while they’re cooking. The layering method is essential to ensure the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors properly.
- Enhance the Flavor: To add depth of flavor, sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional but can enhance the overall taste.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like corn, diced tomatoes, or mushrooms for additional color and nutrition. Just be mindful that extra vegetables may slightly increase the cooking time.
- Add Cheese Carefully: If you’re adding Cheese, do so towards the end of the cooking time. Adding it too early can result in a greasy texture as the Cheese breaks down.
- Make It Creamier: For an extra creamy dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream Cheese just before serving. This adds a luxurious texture and flavor.
- Let It Rest: Once the cooking is complete, let the dish sit with the lid off for a few minutes. This helps the rice to set and makes it easier to serve without being too soupy.
- Double Check Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes, the rice mix and soups can vary in saltiness, so a final taste test ensures the perfect balance.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
FAQ on Slow Cooker Chicken and Yellow Rice
1. How long does it take to crock pot chicken and yellow rice?
When combined with other ingredients like chicken and broth, yellow rice typically takes 4-6 hours to cook on low or 2-3 hours on high in a crock pot.
2. Can you cook chicken and yellow rice crock pot?
Yes, you can cook chicken and yellow rice together in a crock pot. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
3. Can I cook rice in a slow cooker with chicken?
Absolutely! Cooking rice in a crock pot chicken and yellow rice is a great way to create a one-pot meal. The rice absorbs the flavors from the chicken and seasonings, making it incredibly flavorful.
4. Can I use frozen chicken breast?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or more to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. What size crock pot were you using?
A 4-quart or larger crock pot is recommended for making chicken and yellow rice in crock pot. This size allows enough room for the chicken, rice, and additional ingredients to cook evenly.
6. How to cook chicken and yellow rice crock pot recipe?
To cook slow cooker yellow rice and chicken, combine it with liquid (such as chicken broth), seasonings, and other ingredients like chicken or vegetables. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
7. How do I make sure the chicken is tender?
To ensure the chicken is tender, avoid overcooking. Check for doneness at the lower end of the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Can I use other types of rice?
While yellow rice is ideal for this recipe, you can use other types of rice. Adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly based on the kind of rice you choose.
9. How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To maintain moisture, they can be reheated gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth.
10. Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, carrots, or corn can enhance the flavor and nutritional value. Add them to the slow cooker with the rice and chicken for a well-rounded meal.
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