New Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Asparagus Chicken and Rice

On my Menu Plan Monday post this week, I listed that I would be making this Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe that I found (via Pinterest, of course!).  Well, after reviewing the recipe, I realized it might now be the best fit for MM and I since it has corn in it and MM isn't the biggest fan of corn.  I was a bit flustered trying to figure out what to replace the recipe with that didn't require scrapping the entire week's plans.  After a bit of thought, the solution was simple; modify the recipe to our liking.  So that's exactly what I did!

Slow Cooker Cheesy Asparagus Chicken and Rice

2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 large onion, chopped
Black pepper
1-8 oz. box Zatarain's Long Grain and Wild Rice
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 can cream of asparagus soup
1 can tender asparagus spears (you can use a box of thawed frozen spears as well, you will just need to get them in the slow cooker sooner to heat through)

1. Place half of chopped onion in bottom of slow cooker and top with chicken.  Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over chicken, about 1/2 - 1 teaspoon.  Top chicken with remaining onion and can of cream of asparagus soup.  Cook on low for 7 - 8 hours or high for 3 - 4 hours.
2. Cook rice according to package directions*; I used the microwave instructions and was able to get some chores done while it cooked.  When rice is cooked, add it to the slow cooker and top with drained asparagus tips and cheese.  Stir to combine (chicken will break into pieces) and continue to cook until all ingredients are heated through.  If you are using frozen spears, put them in the slow cooker one hour before starting rice.

*The rice can be made the night before and stored in refrigerator to speed up the mealtime process even more!


I was a little worried about this one because I thought it might turn out too asparagus-y.  My concerns were quickly alleviated when MM took his first few bites and declared this one a winner! 

(I have to admit that I'm not usually so keen on using canned/boxed products to make dinner, but I've quickly learned that you have to compromise on some things when you have a two-month old and go back to work.  As she gets older, and especially when she starts eating dinner with us, I will endeavor to make a return to 90% from-scratch eating.)

Let me know what you think if you give this one a try!!