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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are great because they’re lean and cook well in the slow cooker. You can substitute them with thighs for a richer flavor or even turkey breasts if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and flavor. If you’re low on broth, water can work too, but for an extra kick, use homemade stock or vegetable broth. Swap it with low-sodium broth if you need to control salt intake.
Italian Seasoning Mix: This mix includes herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, giving the dish its Italian flair. If you don’t have a mix, you can use individual dried herbs or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. The flexibility is great!
Fresh Spinach: Spinach wilts beautifully and adds nutrients. If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen spinach is a good alternative—just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
Rice: Basmati and jasmine are fragrant and fluffy, but other options like brown rice or even quinoa can be used. Just remember that cooking times may differ if you substitute grains.
How Do You Cook Rice Perfectly?
Cooking rice can be tricky, but an easy way to get fluffy results is to rinse it first. This removes excess starch that makes rice sticky. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear.
- In a pot, combine rinsed rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
- Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Once done, don’t lift the lid right away! Let it sit for another 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
This technique helps ensure your rice is tender and delicious every time!
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Italian Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet Italian seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
For the Rice:
- 1 cup rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups water (for cooking rice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then 6-7 hours on low in the slow cooker (or 3-4 hours on high). Plus, you’ll need about 20 minutes to cook the rice just before serving. It’s a simple, hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken evenly. This will help keep it moist and flavorful as it cooks.
2. Season It Up:
Next, sprinkle the Italian seasoning mix over the chicken. Make sure it’s spread out so every piece of chicken gets some flavor. This will infuse a lovely Italian taste to your dish!
3. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Your goal is for the chicken to become fully cooked and tender. You can go about your day while it quietly cooks away!
4. Add the Spinach:
When there are about 30 minutes left on the cooking timer, toss the fresh spinach into the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir into the broth and chicken, which will help it wilt nicely.
5. Cook the Rice:
While the chicken is winding down, rinse your rice under cold water until it runs clear. In a separate pot, combine the rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done cooking, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, mixing it with the delicious cooking juices you have. This makes it extra tasty!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, spoon the shredded Italian chicken over a bed of rice. If you’d like, drizzle a little olive oil on top and season with extra salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. If cooking on low, increase the time to 7-8 hours and for high, aim for 4-5 hours. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety!
What Can I Substitute for Italian Seasoning Mix?
If you don’t have Italian seasoning mix on hand, you can create your own by mixing equal parts of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Adjust the mixture to your taste preferences for a customized flavor!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken and broth mixture for up to 2 months. Just be sure to reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms about 30 minutes before the cooking time is up. Just make sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking!
