This savory Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is prepared using boneless and skinless chicken thighs, broccoli florets, red bell pepper, garlic, and fresh ginger. This hearty Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe is a fulfilling dinner that takes about 4 hours to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice Ingredients
- 12 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 2 cups chicken stock, low-sodium
- 1/2 cup soy sauce, low-sodium
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil, toasted
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
- Cooked rice, for serving
- 4 scallions, sliced, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken chunks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place them in the slow cooker and evenly sprinkle with five-spice powder.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, soy sauce, chopped ginger, sriracha, and chopped garlic until well combined. Pour this mixture over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 3 hours and 30 minutes, ensuring the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a smooth slurry. Stir the slurry and toasted sesame oil into the slow cooker. Add the broccoli florets and chopped red bell pepper, then cover and continue cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Spoon the chicken and vegetables over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop all vegetables and measure out spices the night before cooking. This makes the next day’s cooking process smoother and faster.
- Enhance Flavor: Consider browning the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds a depth of flavor by caramelizing the outer layer of the chicken.
- Sauce Variation: If you prefer a creamier sauce, whisk in a quarter cup of coconut milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It adds a silky texture without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as snap peas or carrots during the last 30 minutes of cooking to diversify the texture and flavor.
- Low Carb Option: For a lower carbohydrate alternative, serve the chicken and sauce over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
What To Serve With Chicken And Rice
Serve your hearty Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice with steamed edamame, pickled cucumber salad, kimchi, roasted sesame asparagus, and garlic chili spinach.
You can also pair this dish with crispy seaweed snacks or a fresh avocado and mango salsa for a refreshing touch.
How To Store Chicken And Rice
To Refrigerate: Allow the chicken and rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s covered tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
To Freeze: This dish freezes well. Place the cooled chicken and vegetables in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Label the container with the freezing date to keep track.
How To Reheat Chicken And Rice
In The Oven: Place the leftover chicken and rice in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil and reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of chicken stock to keep it moist.
In The Microwave: Transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a bit of stock if it seems dry.
In The Air Fryer: Reheat the chicken and rice in the air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4-5 minutes. This method helps to keep the chicken crispy on the outside while remaining moist inside. Check halfway and shake the basket for even reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs in this recipe. However, breasts tend to dry out faster, so consider reducing the cooking time by 30 minutes to maintain juiciness.
Is It Necessary to Stir the Ingredients During Cooking?
No, stirring is not required while cooking in a slow cooker. The sealed environment circulates moisture and flavor effectively, allowing the ingredients to cook evenly without intervention.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 27g,
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Potassium: 330mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
Check out More Recipes From Pioneer Woman:
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
- Pioneer Woman Lemon Zucchini Bread
- Pioneer Woman Turkey Brine
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice
Description
This savory Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is prepared using boneless and skinless chicken thighs, broccoli florets, red bell pepper, garlic, and fresh ginger. This hearty Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe is a fulfilling dinner that takes about 4 hours to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice Ingredients
How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken chunks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place them in the slow cooker and evenly sprinkle with five-spice powder.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, soy sauce, chopped ginger, sriracha, and chopped garlic until well combined. Pour this mixture over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 3 hours and 30 minutes, ensuring the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a smooth slurry. Stir the slurry and toasted sesame oil into the slow cooker. Add the broccoli florets and chopped red bell pepper, then cover and continue cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Spoon the chicken and vegetables over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.