Certain dishes evoke a strong sense of familiarity with their look, taste, and aroma, yet the thought of preparing them at home can seem daunting. We often categorize nostalgic takeout foods and exotic foreign cuisines in this light, assuming they require expensive ingredients and extensive cooking time. Spanish rice is one such dish. Traditionally fluffy, yellow, and packed with flavor, the idea of making Spanish rice at home can feel intimidating.
However, this Fiesta Chicken and Rice recipe is designed to simplify the process, using your slow cooker to infuse these rich flavors into a homely dish without the hassle or expense. This recipe combines simple white rice, tender chicken, vegetables, chopped tomatoes, and spices to recreate the essence of Spanish rice. The key lies in cooking the onions, cumin, and tomatoes with the rice, ensuring each grain is imbued with the dish’s signature bursts of flavor.
Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken and Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
For Ingredients And Complete Cooking Instructions Please Head On keep on Reading (>)
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
1 cup no-sodium chicken stock
1 cup diced onion
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 4-ounce can diced green chiles
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons coriander
1½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon pepper
14-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
3 cups instant white rice
Instructions:
Place chicken, stock, onion, bell pepper, green chiles, garlic, lime juice, spices, and tomatoes in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the cilantro and mix well.
Cook on high for 3 hours.
After 3 hours, stir in the instant rice and mix thoroughly.
Continue cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes.
Fluff the rice and serve.
Pro Tip: If you have a few extra minutes, sauté the garlic, onions, and peppers with the lime juice, cilantro stems, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper for 3 to 5 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker. This step can greatly enhance the flavors of the dish!
This recipe makes it easy to bring the vibrant taste of Spanish rice into your home. Whether you’re longing for a taste of nostalgia or wanting to experiment with new flavors, this slow cooker Fiesta Chicken and Rice is as accessible as it gets, promising a delightful and flavorful experience.
