Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice Recipe

Easy Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice Recipe

Slow cooker chicken and rice transforms ordinary ingredients into a comforting meal that speaks directly to hungry souls craving warmth and satisfaction.

This one-pot wonder promises delectable flavors that meld together effortlessly during a leisurely cooking process.

Kitchen magic happens when tender protein meets fluffy grains in a harmonious dance of seasonings and textures.

Home cooks appreciate how minimal effort can produce such impressive results without complex techniques or expensive ingredients.

Simple pantry staples become extraordinary when slow-simmered with care and attention.

Weeknight dinners gain newfound excitement through this straightforward yet delicious approach to meal preparation.

Families will gather eagerly around the table, anticipating the rich, comforting aromas wafting from their slow cooker: let’s get cooking!

Why Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is a Simple, Comforting Meal

Why Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is a Simple, Comforting Meal
  • Effortless Flavor Explosion: Discover a mouthwatering chicken dish that packs incredible taste with minimal kitchen effort, combining Asian-inspired seasonings like five-spice powder and sriracha for a bold, complex flavor profile.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Slow cooker method transforms ordinary chicken into a tender, succulent meal without constant monitoring, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Nutrition-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Combines protein-rich chicken with vibrant vegetables like broccoli and red bell peppers, creating a balanced meal that delivers nutrients and satisfying textures in a single comforting dish.
  • Versatile Weeknight Winner: Adaptable recipe works for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings, offering a foolproof method that impresses with minimal cooking skills required and maximum flavor payoff.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Chunks: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein, best when using boneless and skinless for easy cooking.
Seasoning and Spices:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the chicken's natural flavor and adding depth to the dish.
  • Five-Spice Powder: Traditional Chinese spice blend that provides a complex, warm flavor profile to the chicken.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Chicken Stock: Liquid base that creates moisture and adds rich background flavor to the dish.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides umami and saltiness, key for authentic Asian-style seasoning.
  • Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick and vibrant heat to the sauce.
  • Ginger, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that bring fresh, sharp, and pungent notes to the overall flavor.
Thickening and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Cornstarch: Natural thickener that helps create a glossy, smooth sauce texture.
  • Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, rich flavor and authentic Asian cuisine essence.
Vegetables:
  • Broccoli Florets, Red Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that provide color, nutrition, and texture to the dish.
Garnish:
  • Scallions, Sesame Seeds: Adds fresh, sharp flavor and crunchy texture as a final touch.
Serving Base:
  • Rice: Neutral, fluffy base that absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly.

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Chicken

Grab of chicken chunks and generously coat with salt, black pepper, and five-spice powder. Place seasoned chicken into the slow cooker.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Liquid Base

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Chicken stock
  • Soy sauce
  • Minced ginger
  • Sriracha
  • 3 cloves minced garlic

Whisk ingredients together and pour over chicken in slow cooker.

Step 3: Initial Cooking Process

Cover slow cooker and cook on high for 3.5 hours until chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.

Step 4: Enhance Sauce And Add Vegetables

In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry. Stir slurry and toasted sesame oil into slow cooker. Add:
  • Broccoli florets
  • 1 chopped red bell pepper

Cover and cook on high for additional 30 minutes until vegetables soften and sauce thickens.

Step 5: Plate And Garnish

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve chicken and vegetables over warm rice. Sprinkle with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

  • Lock in Moisture: Wrap chicken thighs in parchment paper before placing in slow cooker to prevent drying and seal in natural juices.
  • Boost Depth: Deglaze skillet with white wine after browning chicken, scraping browned bits to add rich, complex undertones to the final dish.
  • Quick Customization: Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or parsley just before serving to elevate presentation and introduce bright, fresh flavor notes.
  • Texture Game-Changer: Toast rice in butter before adding to slow cooker for a nuttier, more robust grain that absorbs sauce beautifully.
  • Spice Smart: Mix dried herbs directly into rice mixture to distribute seasonings evenly and intensify overall flavor profile without extra steps.

How to Keep Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Fresh

  • Vacuum Seal Method: Remove excess air using a vacuum sealer for extended preservation. Protect the dish from freezer burn and maintain its original flavor and texture by creating an airtight seal around the chicken and rice.
  • Portion Separation Technique: Divide the meal into individual serving sizes before storing. Wrap each portion separately in plastic wrap or place in small containers for easy reheating and preventing unnecessary thawing of the entire batch.
  • Strategic Layering Strategy: Place a piece of parchment paper between rice layers when freezing to prevent moisture buildup and potential freezer-related texture changes. This method helps maintain the dish's original consistency and prevents clumping during storage and reheating.

Delicious Variations of Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

  • Asian Fusion Fusion: Replace five-spice powder with Korean gochujang paste for a spicier, tangier flavor profile. Add sliced mushrooms and baby bok choy for extra vegetable variety.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap five-spice powder with dried oregano and thyme. Substitute soy sauce with white wine and add kalamata olives and artichoke hearts. Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
  • Coconut Curry Spin: Mix in red curry paste and coconut milk instead of chicken stock. Include diced sweet potatoes and replace broccoli with spinach leaves. Garnish with fresh cilantro and toasted coconut flakes for a tropical touch.
  • Southwestern Style: Season chicken with chili powder and cumin instead of five-spice. Use salsa verde in place of soy sauce. Add black beans, corn kernels, and top with fresh jalapeños and lime wedges for a zesty kick.

Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice: A Hearty, Savory Dish

Culinary adventurers rejoice in this extraordinary slow cooker masterpiece that blends Asian-inspired flavors with simple home cooking techniques.

Rich chicken chunks swim in a complex sauce highlighting ginger, sriracha, and soy sauce nuances.

Broccoli and red bell peppers add vibrant color and nutritional punch to this comforting dish.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe with minimal preparation and maximum flavor impact.

Sesame seeds and scallions provide elegant finishing touches that elevate the entire meal presentation.

Soul-satisfying meals like these connect families around delicious experiences – you’ll want to share this recipe, snap a photo, and tell all your friends about this incredible chicken and rice creation.

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Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice Recipe

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice delivers comfort through tender chicken nestled in creamy, herb-infused rice. Midwest-inspired simplicity creates a soul-warming meal that welcomes families around the dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 12 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks

Vegetables:

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, chopped
  • 4 scallions, sliced, for garnish

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 cups chicken stock, low-sodium
  • ½ cup soy sauce, low-sodium
  • 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil, toasted
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the protein by thoroughly coating chicken pieces with a robust blend of salt, black pepper, and aromatic five-spice powder. Transfer the seasoned chunks directly into the slow cooker.
  2. Craft a vibrant sauce by vigorously whisking together 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken stock, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, minced fresh ginger, sriracha, and crushed garlic until the mixture achieves a harmonious consistency.
  3. Cascade the sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage within the slow cooker’s interior.
  4. Secure the lid and initiate cooking on high temperature for 3 hours and 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to become exceptionally tender and fully infused with flavor.
  5. Create a silky thickening agent by blending 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Incorporate this slurry and toasted sesame oil into the cooking liquid.
  6. Introduce broccoli florets and diced red bell peppers into the slow cooker. Continue cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften and sauce to reach a rich, glossy consistency.
  7. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings as needed. Elegantly plate the aromatic chicken and vegetables atop steamed rice.
  8. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with thinly sliced scallions and a delicate sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  • Elevate your dinner game with this effortless slow cooker chicken masterpiece that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal kitchen work.
  • Infuse authentic Asian-inspired complexity through five-spice powder, transforming ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering culinary experience.
  • Create a rich umami foundation using chicken stock and soy sauce that penetrates every tender bite with incredible depth.
  • Transform your sauce using a professional cornstarch slurry technique, achieving that glossy, restaurant-style consistency home cooks crave.
  • Boost nutrition and visual appeal with vibrant broccoli and red bell peppers, adding fresh crunch and color to your final presentation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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