Name: Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h 15 min
Total time: 5 h 30 min
Cuisine: Home Cooking
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 medium onion finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup carrots diced; 1 cup peas tossed in last; 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

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Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Rice is a heartwarming dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with fluffy rice, creating a cozy meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. The best part? It simmers away in your crockpot, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma while you focus on your day. The combination of healthy ingredients like carrots and peas not only adds vibrant colors but also those essential nutrients, making this not just delicious but good for you too!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Rice
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Rice

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekends when you want to unwind without spending hours in the kitchen. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic. Serve it up for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for the week ahead, and you’ll find it becomes a comforting staple in your household. Trust me, once you give it a try, you’ll understand why this is a must-have recipe in your rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep in just 15 minutes—set it and forget it!
Irresistible Flavor: Smoky paprika and fresh thyme elevate the taste to a whole new level.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant mix of colors makes for a visually delightful dish.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for casual family dinners or meal prep.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapts to gluten-free diets by using specific rice varieties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This lean protein is the star of the dish, ensuring a tender, juicy texture. Feel free to substitute with thighs if you prefer darker meat.
1 cup long-grain white rice: This type of rice holds its shape and texture perfectly during slow cooking. Brown rice can be used, but it will require additional liquid and longer cooking time.
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Using broth enhances the flavor and keeps the dish moist. Low-sodium options allow you to control the salt level.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish. Yellow onions are a great choice, but you can also use shallots for a milder flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that complements the chicken beautifully.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: A versatile herb that offers an earthy flavor—fresh thyme is even better if you have it!
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smokiness; regular paprika works too if that’s what you have on hand.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the dish.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice; adjust to taste for a milder flavor.
1 cup carrots, diced: Carrots add sweetness and crunch, making the dish more wholesome.
1 cup peas: Toss in these green gems at the end for a pop of color and freshness.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: This bright herb is perfect for garnishing, adding color and a fresh flavor.

How to Make Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Rice

Combine Ingredients: Start by placing the 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup long-grain white rice, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth into your crockpot. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the chicken and rice are submerged in the broth.

Cook Low and Slow: Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. The goal is for the rice to become tender and for the chicken to reach that point where it easily shreds with a fork. Open the lid occasionally to bask in the fragrant aroma; it’s a delightful tease!

Shred Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and transfer it to a plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken, revealing the juicy pieces within. Stir the shredded chicken back into the rice mixture, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

Add Veggies: Fold in 1 cup diced carrots and 1 cup peas into the slow-cooked mix. Cover again and let them warm through for about 10 minutes. This step ensures that the vegetables are heated properly while maintaining their vibrant colors and crunch.

Garnish and Serve: After letting the veggies heat up, turn off the crockpot. Sprinkle 1/4 cup fresh parsley on top, adding a lovely pop of color. Give the rice a gentle fluff with a fork, and it’s time to serve this cozy meal warm. Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, this dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of broth to refresh the flavor if needed.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To prevent the chicken from becoming too dry, avoid opening the crockpot lid too often during cooking.
If you prefer extra creaminess, stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream just before serving—it’s a delicious twist!
Use frozen peas for convenience; add them in during the last 10 minutes without prior thawing.
Adjust seasonings toward the end of cooking; flavors can mellow while simmering.

Creating a cozy meal like Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Rice not only satisfies the taste buds but also warms your heart. This dish provides comfort and nourishment, all while being remarkably easy to prepare. Don’t hesitate to explore different vegetables or spices that you love; making it your own is half the fun. So, gather your ingredients and relish in the delightful experience of slow cooking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice! However, keep in mind that brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. For brown rice, use 4 ½ cups of chicken broth and cook for an additional hour on low or 30 minutes on high.

What can I serve with Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Rice?

This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies on the side for extra nutrition. Crusty bread is also a lovely accompaniment to soak up the flavorful broth.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The chicken is done when it easily shreds with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Slow cooking ensures that it’ll be perfectly tender and juicy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just add everything to the crockpot and set the timer. Perfect for a busy week!