Italian Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe

Italian Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe

I learned this from my Italian mother and it is a huge hit in our family!

In the heart of the country, where the land is fertile and hearty meals are valued, there is a popular tradition of slow cooking that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Italian chicken and rice, made in the slow cooker, dates back to simpler times but remains a staple in modern kitchens. This dish beautifully combines the bold flavors of Italian cuisine with the comforting comfort of rice, perhaps reflecting the rich tapestry of immigrant stories woven into the heart of America.

It’s the perfect recipe for busy days when you crave a home-cooked, nutritious meal to end the day.Pair this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Rice with a fresh green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, or top it with some warm garlic bread or sauteed green beans with garlic and butter for a heartier meal.

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Rice Recipe

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup instant rice

1 onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

1 cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/ 2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Spread uncooked rice evenly over the chicken.
In a bowl, mix chopped onions, garlic, chopped tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, chicken broth, basil, oregano, salt and pepper.Pour this tomato mixture over the chicken and rice, making sure it is evenly distributed.

Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
Top with grated Parmesan just before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley for color and flavor.
Variations and Tips:

Add a cup of frozen peas 30 minutes before the end of cooking for more consistency.Add red pepper flakes to give it a spicy touch.
replaces white rice with whole grain rice for more fiber and adjusts cooking time as needed.
Use dry chopped onions and garlic powder to feel good on busy days.

This recipe is like a quilt made with love: simple ingredients, when carefully combined, create a comforting experience that resonates with the soul. Share it with your loved ones and let it get hot from the inside out.