Usually, I think to use my slow cooker in the winter, for a braise or stew or maybe some pulled pork. But I'm also finding it rather convenient in the summer as a way to avoid using the oven and heating up the kitchen. This chicken and rice casserole recipe is designed for a slow cooker. You brown onions and chicken thighs, place in a slow cooker with basmati rice, tomatoes, and stock. Two hours later, it's done! The seasoning we are using is a shade Middle Eastern, with ground cumin and a touch of cinnamon. It's a truly wonderful combination. If you haven't tried it, I recommend it. Elise BauerThe Trick for Making Slow Cooker Chicken and RiceTo make rice in a slow cooker with chicken, you have to drastically reduce the amount of liquid you would normally use to cook rice, otherwise, your rice will be completely mushy. The main ingredients (chicken, onions, tomatoes) release moisture while they cook, which the rice then absorbs. The trick is to figure out the right amount of liquid to add to the rice, considering that it cooks with ingredients that release moisture. Assuming you are adding the amounts of rice, chicken, onions, and tomatoes called for in the recipe, the amount of liquid to add can depend on your slow cooker. Not All Slow Cookers Are Created EquallyWe have learned through experience that different slow cookers come to temperature at different rates, and have tighter or looser lids. So you will likely need to experiment with the timing as well as the amount of liquid. Your slow cooker may require adding more liquid to keep the rice from drying out. The timing in this recipe works for my slow cooker (I use this model), but for yours, you may need to add more or less liquid for the rice to turn out properly. So, don't get discouraged if it doesn't work out as well as you would like the first time. If the rice is mushy, add less liquid the next time. If it is dry, add more liquid the next time. Elise BauerHow to Store and FreezeYou can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days, and leftovers will freeze in a covered container for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge, and reheat directly on the stovetop with a little bit of stock or in the microwave. Can't Get Enough Slow Cooking? Here Are 5 More to Try
The basmati rice we are using in this recipe usually needs 3 cups of liquid for 2 cups of rice. For this recipe we are only adding 1 1/2 cups of liquid because the chicken and other ingredients will release moisture while the casserole cooks. If you are using rice that requires a different amount of liquid to cook, you'll need to experiment for the right amount of liquid to reduce. Also, different slow cookers come to temperature at different rates, and have tighter or looser lids. So you will likely need to experiment with the timing as well as the amount of liquid. Your slow cooker may require adding more liquid to keep the rice from drying out.
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Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included. Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker?Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker! Slow cookers and Crock-Pots are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker, too!
Can you stack chicken legs in slow cooker?Place the chicken drumsticks inside the bottom of the slow cooker, stacking the chicken if necessary. Pour the sauce over the chicken drumsticks. Cook the chicken drumsticks on high for 4 hours (or low for 6 hours). Serve and enjoy!
Do you need to put liquid in the slow cooker when cooking chicken?Using a nice, long, low-and-slow cook time helps chicken breasts retain plenty of moisture - but you can certainly opt to add a splash of water or chicken stock to the crockpot if you like! If you're worried about dry chicken, you can also swap boneless skinless chicken thighs in for a bit of extra moisture.
How long does rice take in a slow cooker?Place the rinsed rice in the bowl of your slow cooker and sprinkle salt over the top. Pour water over the rice, and add the butter, if using. Cover and cook on low 2-2 1/2 hours until rice is tender.
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