Creamy Herb Chicken and Rice Delight
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Creamy Herb Chicken and Rice Delight, a wholesome dish prepared effortlessly in a crock pot. Succulent chicken tenders simmer in a rich, creamy sauce made with authentic cream of mushroom soup, combined with aromatic herbs and perfectly cooked long grain brown rice. This one-dish meal not only saves time but also brings a delightful balance of creaminess and savory goodness that your family will love. Optional broccoli florets add a splash of color and nutrition, making this dish as healthy as it is hearty. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe yields a satisfying meal that you can share and enjoy.
4
Servings
450
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken tenders
12 (trimmed and patted dry)
cream of mushroom soup
2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans (none)
water
2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans (none)
onion soup mix
2 (1 1/4 ounce) packages (none)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing rice)
long grain brown rice
2 cups (uncooked)
whole thyme, crushed
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
broccoli florets
optional (fresh, cut into bite-sized pieces)
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the long grain brown rice and sauté it until it begins to crackle, ensuring it doesn’t brown. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the rice.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, water, crushed thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3
In your crock pot, layer the chicken tenders at the bottom, then pour the soup mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated.
4
Add the sautéed rice on top of the chicken and soup mixture. Gently stir to combine everything without disturbing the layers too much.
5
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the rice is tender.
6
During the last 30 to 45 minutes of cooking, if desired, stir in the broccoli florets. Cover and continue to cook until the broccoli is tender.
Nutrition Information
16.5g
Fat
46g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Herb Chicken and Rice Delight?
It is a comforting, wholesome one-dish meal made in a crock pot featuring succulent chicken tenders, long grain brown rice, and a rich herb-infused cream sauce.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 chicken tenders that have been trimmed and patted dry for the best texture and even cooking.
Can I use white rice instead of long grain brown rice?
This recipe specifically uses long grain brown rice because it holds up well during the long slow-cooking process; white rice may become too mushy if cooked for 4 to 6 hours.
Why do I need to sauté the rice before adding it to the crock pot?
Sautéing the rice in olive oil until it crackles enhances the flavor and improves the final texture, preventing the rice from becoming overly soft.
How long does it take to cook this dish in a crock pot?
The dish should be covered and cooked on the low setting for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
What ingredients make up the creamy sauce?
The sauce is a blend of cream of mushroom soup, water, onion soup mix, crushed thyme, salt, and pepper.
When should I add the broccoli to the recipe?
If you choose to include broccoli, stir it in during the last 30 to 45 minutes of the cooking time to ensure it remains tender-crisp.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 4 satisfying servings.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, 16.5g of fat, 46g of carbohydrates, and 30g of protein.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but you may need to slice them into smaller strips to ensure they cook at the same rate as the rice.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is a balanced meal providing lean protein from chicken and fiber from brown rice and optional broccoli.
What size cans of soup should I use?
The recipe uses two 10.75-ounce cans of cream of mushroom soup.
How much water is required for the sauce?
You should use two 10.75-ounce cans worth of water, effectively using the empty soup cans as a measuring tool.
What herbs provide the main flavor profile?
The primary herbal flavors come from whole crushed thyme and the savory seasonings found in the onion soup mix.
Do I need to stir the crock pot while it cooks?
You only need to stir when adding the rice to the chicken/soup mixture at the start and again if you add broccoli at the end.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It is a one-dish meal that stores well and can be easily reheated for busy weeknight dinners.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be used as alternatives, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
What is the best way to prepare the chicken tenders?
Trim any excess fat and pat the tenders dry with a paper towel before layering them in the crock pot.
Should the broccoli be fresh or frozen?
The recipe recommends fresh broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
How do I ensure the rice doesn't stick to the crock pot?
Sautéing the rice in oil helps, and you can also lightly grease the bottom of your crock pot before adding the chicken.
Is the onion soup mix necessary?
The onion soup mix provides a significant amount of the savory flavor and seasoning; if omitted, you may need to add additional herbs and salt.
Can I cook this on the high setting instead of low?
While possible, cooking on low for a longer period is recommended to ensure the brown rice softens properly without the chicken drying out.
How much olive oil is needed for the rice?
You only need 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the 2 cups of brown rice.
What should the consistency of the final dish be?
It should be creamy and rich, similar to a thick risotto or a hearty casserole.
Can I add other vegetables besides broccoli?
Yes, peas, carrots, or sliced mushrooms would also work well in this creamy chicken and rice dish.
How do I know when the rice is done?
The rice is done when it is tender to the bite and has absorbed most of the liquid from the soup and water mixture.
Is there any salt and pepper in this recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to taste in the soup mixture.
Does this recipe contain dairy?
Yes, standard cream of mushroom soup usually contains milk or cream.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 total ingredients, including the optional broccoli and basic seasonings.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, if your crock pot is large enough (6 quarts or larger), you can double the ingredients to serve a larger group.