Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Rice is a dish that brings comfort and warmth straight from the kitchen. With tender, juicy chicken paired perfectly with fluffy rice and vibrant vegetables, this meal makes you feel right at home. What’s wonderful about this recipe is its effortless preparation; once you toss the ingredients in the crockpot, you can go about your day knowing a delightful meal awaits you when you return.

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

I first discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week, looking for something nourishing yet uncomplicated. The combination of simple ingredients like chicken, rice, and a handful of spices creates a cozy dish that even picky eaters can enjoy. It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug on a plate. So, if you’re in search of an easy, healthy dinner option that the whole family will love, look no further—this dish is calling your name!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 15 minutes, and the crockpot does the rest.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of thyme and smoked paprika adds a delectable depth.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A vibrant medley of chicken, rice, and peas makes for a wholesome presentation.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of this recipe. Using skinless chicken keeps the dish light, but if you want added flavor, feel free to use thighs.
1 cup long-grain white rice: This variety cooks nicely and absorbs the flavors well; jasmine rice is also a great option if you’d like a floral note.
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The foundation for flavor. Opting for low-sodium allows you to control the saltiness, ensuring a balanced dish.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: This ingredient adds sweetness and depth. Yellow onion works best for this dish, but you can substitute with shallots or green onions in a pinch.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic allure. Fresh is always best, but you could use pre-minced as a shortcut if needed.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb complements chicken beautifully. Fresh thyme can be a great alternative; just use three times the amount.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This adds a lovely smoky flavor profile; it’s more than your average paprika, so choose wisely for richness.
1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper: These two are essential for seasoning. Feel free to adjust them according to your taste.
1 cup carrots, diced: Adding sweetness and a splash of color, carrots also offer a nutritious boost. You can use frozen if you’re in a hurry.
1 cup peas: Toss these in towards the end for a pop of freshness and vibrant color.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: This not only garnishes the dish but brings a fresh finish. Dried parsley could work, but fresh is always tastier!

How to Make Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Rice

Combine Ingredients: Begin by placing the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup of long-grain white rice, 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper in your crockpot. Pour in the 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and gently stir until everything is comfortably submerged beneath the liquid.

Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. As the hours pass, your kitchen will fill with warm fragrances, hinting at the cozy meal waiting for you. The rice will become tender, and the chicken should easily shred with a fork when it’s ready.

Shred Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces. The shredded chicken will absorb flavors even better when stirred back into the rice mixture.

Add Veggies: Now, fold in 1 cup of diced carrots and give everything a gentle stir. Cover once more and let it warm through for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the colors blending beautifully, and the peas will be tender and vibrant.

Garnish and Serve: When you’re ready to enjoy, turn off the heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley on top. Fluff the rice gently with a fork—it should be light and airy. Serve warm and watch your family gather around the table, ready for a hearty meal.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, allow the chicken rice to cool before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for a couple of hours, but be sure to refrigerate within that timeframe. Storing in the fridge, it will last about 3-4 days. For long-term storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container, where it will remain good for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply warm it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of broth to refresh its texture and flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken by sticking to the recommended cook times; this ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender.
Always chop your vegetables uniformly to ensure they cook evenly.
To enhance flavors, consider marinating the chicken in spices the night before for a deeper taste.
If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in a splash of coconut milk or low-fat cream cheese at the end.
This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead of time—fantastic for meal prep!

With every spoonful of this nourishing meal, you not only celebrate the flavors but also share a moment with loved ones around the dinner table. It’s not just about cooking; it’s an experience in warmth and comfort, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, though it will require a longer cooking time. You might want to cook it on low for 6-8 hours to ensure it’s fully tender.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish stands well on its own, but you could serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra broth.

Is it possible to add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any other veggies you enjoy, like bell peppers or zucchini. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if needed, especially for quicker-cooking vegetables.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, using frozen chicken is perfectly fine! Just remember that cooking times may need to be extended a bit; it’s best to thaw if you have the time for more even cooking.

More Instant Pot Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Rice

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Danae
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 315 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Slow Cooker
Method: Crockpot
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Rice is a delightful, comforting meal featuring tender chicken, aromatic spices, and wholesome veggies—all made effortlessly in one pot! Perfect for quick dinners and healthy eating.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Place chicken, rice, onion, garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chicken broth in your crockpot. Gently stir until everything is evenly submerged beneath the liquid.
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours (or high for 2–3 hours) until rice is tender and chicken easily shreds with a fork.
Remove the chicken to a plate, shred with two forks, then stir the juicy pieces back into the rice mixture for even flavor.
Fold in diced carrots and peas, cover, and let them warm through for about 10 minutes.
Turn off the crockpot, sprinkle chopped parsley on top, and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve warm for a cozy meal.

Notes

For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes to the mixture before cooking.
Feel free to substitute brown rice, but adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure it’s fully cooked.
You can add your favorite vegetables for more nutrition.