If there was ever a Gerard family classic dinner, it’s chicken and rice. You guys have heard me say this before, but my dad used to make my brothers and I chicken and rice at least a couple of nights a week while growing up. It was a staple dinner, mostly because it was one that we would all happily eat. To this day, chicken and rice is one of my ultimate comfort foods. So it’s always fun for me to come up with new ways to serve it. Especially during the cooler fall months when all I crave is warming comfort food. I’m sure you guys have noticed. I don’t think a day’s gone bye in the last few weeks that I’ve not made something cozy and delicious. And I am A-OK with that. Everyone has their thing. Mine is definitely fall comfort food, and I am clearly embracing it. I may even have had two slow cookers and an instant pot working their magic on Monday. Always testing something new over here… Anyway, every fall I get the urge to make a slow roasted chicken and rice dinner. It’s a classic, it’s well loved, and it’s good. This year though, I really wanted to come up with an easy way to get that slow roasted flavor, but in the slow cooker, and complete with wild rice and veggies, because I love an “all in one meal”. I wasn’t sure how this would turn out, but in the end, I was so pleasantly surprised. This recipe is SO GOOD. And it’s kind of healthy too. Plus it makes your house smell incredible. And did I mention it’s delicious? Oh, and simple! Yes, you just have to make it. Here are the details. Start out by combining the rice and veggies in your slow cooker. I love using wild rice, it’s one of my favorite pairings with “roasted” chicken. Next, season the chicken with fresh thyme and sage. Then pan sear it in a screaming hot cast iron skillet. Yes, I am telling you to take the extra effort to dirty a skillet by searing the chicken first. Trust me, I wouldn’t tell you to do this if I didn’t think it was needed. But searing the chicken locks in so much flavor. It’s really just something you have to do. I know it’s super, super annoying, but in the end it will be worth it. And it really only takes an extra ten minutes to sear the chicken. Not a big deal. Add the seared chicken right to the slow cooker with the rice. Now add the shallots to that hot skillet and toss them around in the chicken drippings to give them a little color. Then add the shallots (and all those good pan drippings) to the slow cooker. Cover, and cook low and slow for a few hours. Then come home to a perfectly cooked dinner where all you need to do is serve. Nothing else, just grab your plates and some silverware and enjoy. Simple as that. And yes, I’m also including Instant Pot instructions, but I do prefer this in the slow cooker. I absolutely could not love this recipe more…even if it is lacking in color, and the photos are not my favorite. It’s one of those recipes that I’ll be coming back to time and time again, because it’s easy, it’s pretty healthy, and everyone enjoys it. I love making this dish on Sundays, for a nice family dinner. It reminds me of being a kid again and that’s always a welcomed memory! This recipe works great for any night of the week though. You can throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning, come home and dinner is done. Could not be easier or more delicious. Feeling like you guys will love this one! If you make this chicken and rice pilaf, please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
