Looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice With Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe. This comforting dish is not only straightforward to prepare but is also packed with flavor.
The recipe’s main ingredients include tender chicken, fluffy rice, and cream of mushroom soup, which adds a savory, creamy element to the dish. Best of all, this is a slow cooker recipe, meaning you can set it and forget it until dinnertime rolls around.
Key Takeaways
- The Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice With Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe is a quick and easy option for busy weeknights.
- The dish’s main ingredients include chicken, rice, and cream of mushroom soup.
- This is a slow cooker recipe, adding convenience to the preparation process.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice With Cream of Mushroom Soup
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1.5 pounds |
| Long-grain white rice | 1 cup |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 ounces) |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Parsley flakes (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
Note: You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier dish. You can also substitute the white rice with brown rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount.
Preparation of Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice With Cream of Mushroom Soup
Preparing slow cooker chicken and rice with cream of mushroom soup is an easy and convenient way to have a delicious meal waiting for you when you get home. Follow these simple steps to enjoy this satisfying dish:
- Begin by seasoning 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Next, add 1 cup of long-grain rice to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1 can of cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup of chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken and rice in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, until the chicken and rice are fully cooked and tender.
- Once the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the rice and mushroom soup mixture.
That’s it! Your slow cooker chicken and rice with cream of mushroom soup is ready to serve.
Additional Tips:
For an even more flavorful dish, try adding some herbs or spices. Oregano, thyme, and garlic powder work well with this recipe. You can also add some vegetables like sliced mushrooms, diced onions, or frozen peas to the slow cooker along with the chicken and rice.
Benefits of Slow Cooker Meals
If you’re looking for an easy and convenient way to prepare meals, slow cookers may be the answer. Here are some benefits of using a slow cooker:
- Convenience: Slow cookers require minimal effort and allow you to multitask while your meal is cooking. Just set it, and forget it!
- Time-saving: Slow cooking does not require constant supervision, freeing up time for other tasks and allowing you to have a home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
- Enhanced flavors: Slow cooking enhances the flavors of food, making it taste better than other cooking methods.
Slow cookers also offer the ability to cook large quantities of food, making it perfect for meal prepping or feeding a family. Plus, the gentle cooking method of a slow cooker ensures that the food retains its nutrients and flavor.
Cream of Mushroom Soup and Its Role in the Recipe
The cream of mushroom soup plays a crucial role in the slow cooker chicken and rice recipe, adding flavor and creaminess to the dish. This soup has a rich, savory taste that perfectly complements the chicken and rice.
Using cream of mushroom soup in a slow cooker recipe also helps to create a smooth and creamy texture. As the soup cooks with the chicken and rice, it blends together with the other ingredients, creating a comforting and hearty meal.
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup on hand, you can always make your own homemade version using fresh mushrooms, cream, and seasonings. However, using store-bought cream of mushroom soup saves time and simplifies the recipe, making it an ideal weeknight meal option.
Variations and Additions to the Recipe
Looking to spice up your slow cooker chicken and rice recipe? Here are some simple variations and additions you can make to customize the dish to your liking:
- Add diced vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or celery to the slow cooker to increase the nutritional value and add extra flavor.
- For a bit of heat, add a diced jalapeño pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the recipe.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika to give your recipe a unique twist.
- To make the dish creamier, add a dollop or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the slow cooker towards the end of cooking.
- If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese over the top of the slow cooker chicken and rice before serving.
Remember, these are just a few suggestions – feel free to get creative and tailor the recipe to your personal taste preferences!
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice With Cream of Mushroom Soup
Serving slow cooker chicken and rice with cream of mushroom soup as a standalone dish is a perfectly satisfying meal, but you can make it even more special by adding a few complementary side dishes. Here are some ideas for creating a well-balanced meal:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Green Beans with Almonds | The crunch of roasted almonds and the bright green color of steamed green beans add texture and color to this dish. |
| Roasted Carrots with Thyme | The sweetness of roasted carrots paired with the herby flavor of thyme creates a balance that complements the savory chicken and rice. |
| Caesar Salad | The tangy dressing and crisp romaine lettuce add a refreshing and light element to this meal. |
For garnish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken and rice before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Storing and Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice With Cream of Mushroom Soup
Leftovers of this delicious slow cooker chicken and rice recipe can easily be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the dish to retain its moisture and prevent it from becoming dry.
To reheat, simply microwave the dish on high for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, transfer the leftovers to a baking dish, add some extra chicken broth or water, cover with foil, and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
It’s important to note that the longer the dish sits in the fridge, the more likely the rice will absorb the liquid and become mushy. To avoid this, you can store the cooked rice and chicken separately and reheat them together when ready to eat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice with Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe is an easy and delicious meal option for busy weeknights. By following the simple preparation steps, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying dish that your whole family will love.
Using a slow cooker for this recipe not only saves time but also enhances the flavors of the chicken and rice. Plus, the addition of cream of mushroom soup adds a creamy and rich texture that complements the dish perfectly.
If you want to add your personal touch to this recipe, feel free to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, or spices. This will give you endless possibilities to customize the recipe to your liking.
To complete the meal, you can serve this Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe with a side of green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread. And in case you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them for another meal.
We hope you enjoyed learning about this Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice with Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe. It’s a great option for anyone looking for an easy and tasty family meal. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite among your loved ones.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of mushroom?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of soups to customize the flavor of the dish. Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup would work well as alternatives.
Q: How long does it take to cook the slow cooker chicken and rice?
A: The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker. On average, it takes about 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat for the chicken and rice to cook thoroughly.
Q: Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the slow cooker along with the chicken and rice for added nutrition and flavor.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe. Keep in mind that brown rice may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can store any leftover slow cooker chicken and rice in an airtight container and freeze it for later use. Just make sure to thaw it properly before reheating.
Q: What kind of chicken should I use?
A: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs for this recipe. Both options work well and result in tender, flavorful meat.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this recipe by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of cream of mushroom soup. Add extra vegetables for a hearty vegetarian meal.