Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is a fantastic dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and delicious rice, all cooked together in a single pot. It’s easy to make and requires minimal effort. Just set it in your slow cooker and let it do the work. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to stand over the stove but still want a comforting and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s a great way to feed the whole family!

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 and cut into 3cm lengths
1 tbsp light sour cream
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, to serve

Directions:

Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large, deep non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken in batches until browned all over. Transfer the chicken to the bowl of a 5.5-litre slow cooker.
In the same pan, heat the remaining oil. Add the chopped onion and bacon, cooking for 5 minutes until the onion is softened. Add the chopped capsicum and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and paprika, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the flour, stirring to coat everything, and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock, stirring until well combined. Season with pepper and carefully transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
Once the 3 hours are up, increase the heat to high. Transfer the chicken to a plate, add the rice to the slow cooker, and stir to combine. Return the chicken to the slow cooker. Cook covered for about 40 minutes or until the rice is just tender.
After 40 minutes, remove the lid and add the green beans. Cook for another 15 minutes until both the rice and beans are tender.
Stir in the light sour cream and let it stand for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Serve the dish sprinkled with fresh parsley.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread if you’d like. This dish is hearty enough to be a main course on its own!

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just make sure to let it cool before freezing.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Rinse the rice before adding it to the dish to remove excess starch. This will help prevent it from becoming too sticky.
For extra flavor, consider adding your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary.
If you like more vegetables, feel free to add carrots, peas, or corn to the recipe.

Variation

You can switch out the chicken drumsticks for chicken thighs or breast, depending on your preference. You can also use different vegetables like zucchini or broccoli. If you want a bit of spice, add some chili flakes to the mixture!

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, you can use brown rice. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour instead of plain flour and ensure that your chicken stock is gluten-free.

3. Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?
Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter. Cook on high for about 2 hours, then follow the remaining steps as usual.