Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice The Recipe Rebel from www.thereciperebel.com
Introduction
Rice is a staple food in many cultures worldwide. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes such as sushi, pilaf, biryani, and risotto. Cooking rice can be time-consuming and requires attention, and that's where the slow cooker comes in. A slow cooker is a convenient appliance that allows you to cook rice with ease. In this article, we will provide you with a slow cooker recipe for rice that is easy and delicious.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need: - 2 cups of long-grain white rice - 3 cups of water or chicken broth - 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil - Salt to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder - 1 teaspoon of onion powder - 1 teaspoon of dried thyme - 1 teaspoon of dried basil - 1 teaspoon of paprika
Instructions
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear. This will remove excess starch and impurities that can make the rice sticky. 2. In a slow cooker, combine the rice, water or chicken broth, butter or olive oil, and salt. If using optional ingredients, add them now. 3. Stir the ingredients until well combined. 4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours or until the rice is tender and cooked through. 5. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Nutrition
This slow cooker recipe for rice yields 6 servings. The nutrition facts per serving are: - Calories: 166 - Total Fat: 3g - Saturated Fat: 2g - Cholesterol: 8mg - Sodium: 13mg - Total Carbohydrates: 30g - Dietary Fiber: 1g - Sugars: 0g - Protein: 3g
Tips
- Use a slow cooker with a non-stick coating to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. - Do not lift the lid of the slow cooker while the rice is cooking. This will release steam and heat, which can affect the cooking time and result in undercooked rice. - If you're using chicken broth, make sure it's low-sodium to avoid the dish becoming too salty. - For added flavor, you can add chopped vegetables such as onions, peppers, and carrots to the rice mixture.
Variations
- Brown Rice: Substitute white rice with brown rice and increase the cooking time to 4 to 5 hours on low heat. - Coconut Rice: Add 1 cup of coconut milk and 1 cup of water or chicken broth to the rice mixture for a tropical twist. - Spanish Rice: Add 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 diced onion, 1 diced green pepper, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder to the rice mixture for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
This slow cooker recipe for rice is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to free up your stove and oven for other dishes. It's easy, convenient, and yields fluffy and delicious rice every time. With the optional ingredients and variations, you can customize the dish to your liking. Give it a try and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal.