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Crockpot Chicken and Rice

This dish combines tender chicken breasts and fluffy long-grain rice simmered together in a crockpot, resulting in a hearty, comforting meal. The slow cook method allows flavors to meld naturally, producing a fragrant, moist, and satisfying final dish with bright accents from lemon and peas.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Latin American, Southern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts season with salt, pepper, paprika
  • 1 cup long-grain rice rinsed well
  • 2 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
  • 1 cup frozen peas add at the end
  • 1 whole lemon for juice
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • 6-quart crockpot
  • Mixing spoon
  • Small knife

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring they are coated evenly.
  2. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps keep the rice fluffy.
  3. Evenly sprinkle the rinsed rice over the chicken in the crockpot, spreading it out to cover the chicken completely.
  4. Pour the chicken broth over the rice, making sure the liquid covers the rice by about an inch. This helps the rice cook evenly and absorb flavors.
  5. Finely chop the onion and minced garlic, then add them to the crockpot, spreading over the rice and chicken. The aroma will start to fill the kitchen.
  6. Set the crockpot to low and cook for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 74°C/165°F) and the rice is tender and fluffy. The house will smell warm and savory.
  7. About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas, then cover and let sit on warm for the peas to heat through, brightening the dish with their sweet flavor.
  8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken and rice, then gently fluff the rice with a fork to combine all the flavors. The final dish should be fragrant, moist, and inviting, with tender chicken pieces and vibrant green peas.

Notes

For added flavor, sear the chicken briefly before placing in the crockpot. Adjust cooking time if using chicken thighs or brown rice. Add extra herbs or spices as desired for a personalized touch.