Easy Chicken Rice Bowl (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1½ cups of long-grain white rice, thoroughly rinsed
02 -
3 cups of low-sodium chicken stock
03 -
2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Fresh Vegetables
04 -
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped into small cubes
05 -
¼ cup of yellow onion, finely minced
06 -
2 fresh garlic cloves, pressed or minced
→ Flavor Enhancers
07 -
½ cup of jarred roasted red bell peppers, roughly chopped
08 -
2 teaspoons of dried Italian herb blend
09 -
1 teaspoon of fine sea salt
10 -
¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
→ Finishing Touches
11 -
⅓ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
12 -
1 cup of frozen sweet peas
13 -
½ cup of half-and-half cream
# Instructions:
01 -
Lightly coat your 4-5 quart slow cooker with cooking spray or butter. Give your rice a good rinse under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain it completely.
02 -
Combine the drained rice, chicken stock, diced carrots, minced onion, chopped roasted peppers, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper in your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
03 -
Nestle the whole chicken breasts right on top of the rice mixture. Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker to high heat for 2-3 hours. Keep in mind that every slow cooker has its own personality - some run hot and may finish early, while others take their sweet time.
04 -
Carefully remove the chicken breasts and test your rice for doneness. If it's still a bit firm and needs more time, add a splash more broth if it looks dry, then continue cooking in 15-20 minute intervals until perfectly tender.
05 -
Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and either chop it into bite-sized pieces or shred it with two forks - whatever you prefer. Set it aside while you finish the dish.
06 -
Once your rice is perfectly cooked, fold in the prepared chicken, grated Parmesan, frozen peas, and half-and-half cream. Stir gently until everything is well combined and creamy.
07 -
Give it a taste and adjust your seasonings as needed - maybe a pinch more salt, a crack of fresh pepper, or an extra sprinkle of herbs. Serve hot and enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
This recipe works beautifully with whatever vegetables you have on hand - just add firmer veggies at the beginning and softer ones at the end
02 -
Cooking whole chicken breasts helps them stay juicy and tender, but you can also use pre-cooked shredded chicken if you prefer
03 -
Every slow cooker cooks differently, so keep an eye on yours and adjust timing accordingly