Delicious slow cooker chicken and rice served with fresh herbs.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is a fantastic dish that brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful rice, and colorful vegetables makes it not only delicious but also visually appealing. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work for you! Just set it and forget it while you go about your day.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 Coles RSPCA Approved Chicken Drumsticks
  • 1 brown onion, chopped
  • 2 rindless shortcut bacon rashers, finely chopped
  • 1 large red capsicum, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 2 tbsp plain flour
  • 410g can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup medium-grain white rice
  • 150g green beans, trimmed, cut into 3cm lengths
  • 1 tbsp light sour cream
  • Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, to serve

Directions:

  1. Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large, deep non-stick frying pan. Cook the chicken in batches until browned all over. Transfer the chicken to the bowl of a 5.5-litre slow cooker.
  2. In the same pan, heat the remaining oil. Add the onion and bacon. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until the onion is softened.
  3. Add the capsicum and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and paprika, cooking for 1 minute or until fragrant.
  4. Add the flour and stir to coat everything. Cook for another minute.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stock, stirring until well combined. Season with pepper.
  6. Carefully transfer this mixture to the slow cooker, covering it with the lid. Cook on low for 3 hours.
  7. After 3 hours, increase the heat to high and transfer the chicken to a plate. Add the rice to the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
  8. Return the chicken to the slow cooker. Cook, covered, for 40 minutes or until the rice is just tender.
  9. Remove the lid and add the green beans. Cook for another 15 minutes or until the rice and beans are tender.
  10. Stir in the sour cream and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
  11. Serve it sprinkled with chopped parsley.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice hot from the slow cooker. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch. You can pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

To store leftovers, let the chicken and rice cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

  • For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite spices the night before.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables, like peas or carrots, to make it even more nutritious.
  • If you want a creamier texture, add a bit more sour cream right before serving.

Variation

If you want a bit of a kick, try adding some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dish! You can also swap out the chicken drumsticks for thighs or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but remember that it may take longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe. Frozen chicken may need more time to cook and could result in uneven cooking.

3. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can use pork or beef instead of chicken; just adjust the cooking times as needed.