Let the Crock-Pot do most of the work for a simple, crowd-pleasing dish.
In life, it’s better to work smarter, not harder. The same logic can apply to cooking. There are occasions when you don’t have the time or energy to prepare a long list of ingredients or stand over the stove. Luckily, this doesn’t preclude you from preparing a great meal. You just have to work smarter by letting your Crock-Pot do the work. That’s why I love this recipe for Crock-Pot chicken and rice casserole. If you know you won’t be able to cook dinner from scratch that night, this recipe is perfect. All you have to do is put the ingredients in the Crock-Pot and let time do the work for you.
When all is said and done, the combination of chicken, rice, and cheese makes this the perfect casserole. After so much time in the Crock-Pot, the chicken always comes out nice and tender. At the same time, the rice is fluffy, while the melted cheese makes everything creamy and gooey. The addition of a few simple seasonings also adds a little flavor that will make every bite of the casserole pop. It tastes so good that you won’t believe so little effort went into preparing it, which is why this recipe is a great example of working smarter, not harder.
Is Crock-Pot Chicken And Rice Casserole Healthy?
For starters, as the main ingredient, the skinless and boneless chicken breast is a good source of protein without adding a lot of fat. However, the cheese in the recipe does add fat and calories. If you want to reduce these, use low-fat cheese, or consider using Greek yogurt as a replacement. Also, make sure the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth are low in sodium if you are watching your sodium intake.
Add Some Veggies To The Crock-Pot
To enhance the flavor, texture, and nutritional value of this dish, consider adding some vegetables to the Crock-Pot with everything else. You may have to chop up the veggies into small pieces, which adds a little bit of time to the prep work. However, it’s a great way to make this dish feel more like a complete meal while adding more nutrients. Personally, I like to add broccoli because of how well it complements chicken and cheddar cheese. Carrots and frozen peas can also be good additions to this casserole if you want to add vegetables to the dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover chicken and rice casserole can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Whether or not you add vegetables to the casserole itself, a vegetable side dish is usually a good idea with this recipe. I suggest making Steamed Broccoli or Instant Pot Green Beans. Naturally, any type of green vegetable or salad is a good fit too. Personally, I’m a fan of a simple Tossed Salad or Green Salad to pair with this casserole. Of course, you can add some extra nutritional value by making a Fruit Salad for dessert, too.
Ingredients
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup 10.5 ounces each
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 3/4 cups instant rice
- 1 3/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Whisk cream of chicken soup, broth, and seasonings in a bowl. Place chicken and onions in the slow cooker, then pour the soup mixture over top of them.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Remove cooked chicken from the slow cooker, shred it, and return to the slow cooker.
- Separately, cook rice according to package directions. Then, mix it into cooked and shredded chicken. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Mix in 1 cup of cheddar cheese, then top with the remaining 3/4 cup of cheese. Place the lid on your slow cooker until the cheese is melted.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. Top with fresh parsley and enjoy.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment