Chicken & Rice Casserole Slow Cooker

$- 2 cups uncooked brown rice - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken broth - Olive oil and spices (garlic powder, paprika, thyme) - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key for a tasty chicken and rice casserole. You'll want to start with two cups of uncooked brown rice. This sets the base for your dish. For protein, use four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, weighing about 1.5 pounds. A medium onion, chopped finely, adds great flavor. Next, seasoning matters. You need two cloves of minced garlic, four cups of chicken broth for moisture, and some olive oil. Don't forget the spices! Garlic powder, paprika, and thyme bring warmth and depth. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. For a colorful twist, add a cup of frozen peas and carrots mix. This not only enhances flavor but also adds nutrition. Lastly, one cup of shredded cheddar cheese will melt into a creamy topping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley will make your dish pop visually. Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients, as each plays a role in creating a delightful meal! To start, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. This mix boosts the flavor. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown. After that, remove the chicken from the heat. Slice it into bite-sized pieces. In your slow cooker, add uncooked brown rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, and the frozen peas and carrots. Pour in the chicken broth next. This broth adds great depth to the dish. Mix everything well to ensure even cooking. It’s key to combine all the ingredients. Now, cover the slow cooker. Set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. The rice needs to be tender, and the chicken must be cooked through. About 15 minutes before the cooking ends, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover again to let the cheese melt. This adds a creamy touch to your casserole. Enjoy your cooking journey! To achieve the best texture for rice, use uncooked brown rice. It absorbs the chicken broth well. If you prefer white rice, add it in the last hour of cooking. This helps prevent mushiness. For flavorful chicken, season it well before cooking. I use garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Searing the chicken adds a nice crust. This step locks in flavor and moisture. Serve your casserole in colorful bowls. Top it with fresh parsley for a pop of green. You can also add a side salad for crunch and freshness. A simple green salad pairs well with this dish. If your rice is undercooked, add a little more broth. Cook for an extra 30 minutes on low. Fluff the rice with a fork afterward. Adjust seasoning to taste by adding more salt or pepper. You can also sprinkle cheese on top before serving for added flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch out the rice in this recipe. Quinoa works great as a healthy alternative. It cooks fast and adds a nutty flavor. You can also use white rice if you prefer a softer texture. For chicken, consider using thighs instead of breasts. Thighs give more flavor and stay juicy. Rotisserie chicken is another option. Just shred it and mix it in. It saves time and effort. To change the taste, add fresh herbs or spices. Rosemary and oregano blend well with chicken. You can also try some cayenne for a kick. Mix in different vegetables to keep it fresh. Bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach can add color and nutrition. If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free broth. Most brands offer this option. You can also skip the cheese for a dairy-free version. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish! To store leftovers, let the casserole cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying out. You can store it in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you reheat, use the microwave or oven. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating. To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Label it with the date for easy tracking. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. In the fridge, the casserole lasts 3-4 days. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. For the best taste, eat it within these time frames. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your delicious meal without worry! To make Chicken & Rice Casserole, start with a few steps. First, you sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add chicken breasts seasoned with spices. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Slice the chicken into small pieces. Next, combine your ingredients in the slow cooker. Pour in 2 cups of uncooked brown rice, one chopped onion, and minced garlic. Add 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots, then pour 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir well to mix everything. Finally, add the sliced chicken to the rice mixture. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover again until the cheese melts. Yes, you can use different types of rice in this dish. While brown rice works well, you can try white rice too. White rice cooks faster, so adjust your cooking time to 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. You can also use quinoa for a gluten-free option. Quinoa adds protein, and it cooks in about the same time as white rice. Chicken & Rice Casserole pairs well with several side dishes. A fresh garden salad adds crunch and color. You can also serve it with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli. These sides balance the meal and give extra nutrients. For a comforting touch, add some warm bread or dinner rolls. This blog post details how to create a tasty chicken and rice casserole. We explored main ingredients like brown rice and chicken. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking in a slow cooker. You also learned tips for serving and storing leftovers. Remember, you can customize the recipe with different ingredients or flavors. Enjoy this easy meal that brings comfort and warmth to your table. This dish will soon become a family favorite!$

Chicken & Rice Casserole Slow Cooker

Savor the deliciousness of this Savory Chicken & Rice Casserole recipe, perfect for a comforting family meal! With tender chicken, fluffy brown rice, and melty cheddar cheese, it's the ultimate slow-cooked delight. Just combine your ingredients and let the slow cooker do the magic! Click through to discover the full recipe and tips for serving this hearty dish. Your dinner table will thank you! #ChickenCasserole #SlowCookerRecipes #ComfortFood #DinnerIdeas

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Ingredients

2 cups uncooked brown rice

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix

4 cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the uncooked brown rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, frozen peas and carrots, and the chicken broth. Stir well to combine.

Add Chicken: Gently fold in the sliced chicken pieces into the rice mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Finishing Touches: About 15 minutes before the cooking time is up, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover again and allow it to melt.

Serve: Once cooked, fluff the casserole with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of additional parsley and a side salad for a colorful meal.