My grandma stretched one chicken to feed 8 kids with this. She called it Sunday dinner and we never knew we were poor

This slow cooker 3-ingredient poor man’s chicken and rice is the kind of meal my grandma would make when money was tight but she still wanted Sunday dinner to feel special. She’d stretch one whole chicken to feed a crowd of hungry kids, and nobody realized it was a budget meal—we just knew it was warm, comforting, and smelled amazing. The chicken cooks low and slow right on top of the rice, so all those golden juices soak in and turn plain white rice into something rich and cozy. It’s simple, filling, and perfect for busy families who want a homey dinner without a lot of fuss or expensive ingredients.

Serve this straight from the slow cooker with a big spoon so everyone can scoop up tender shreds of chicken and fluffy rice together. A simple side of frozen peas, green beans, or a tossed salad balances the richness and adds some color to the plate. If you’ve got a few extra cents, warm up some rolls or slice a loaf of bread to mop up the juices. A little black pepper on top is perfect, and if your crew likes it, a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of shredded cheese at the table makes it feel extra comforting without much effort.

Servings: 6-8

1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds), giblets removed

Rinse the rice under cool water until the water runs mostly clear, then drain well. This helps the rice cook up fluffy instead of sticky in the slow cooker.

Lightly grease the inside of a large slow cooker (5–6 quart) with a bit of oil or cooking spray if you have it, just to help with cleanup.

Spread the rinsed, drained rice evenly over the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the rice.

Pour the 4 cups of water gently over the rice, making sure all the grains are moistened and mostly submerged. Give the rice a light stir to distribute the seasoning.

Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. If you like, sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper over the skin for more flavor, but it’s optional.

Place the whole chicken breast-side up directly on top of the rice in the slow cooker. As it cooks, the juices will drip down into the rice, flavoring it and helping it cook.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours, or on HIGH for about 3 1/2–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and the rice has absorbed most of the liquid. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and the juices run clear.

Once done, carefully lift the whole chicken onto a large plate or cutting board. Remove the skin and bones, then shred or pull the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks or clean hands.

Fluff the rice in the slow cooker with a fork, scraping up any golden bits from the edges and mixing in the pooled chicken juices. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and gently fold it into the rice until everything is well combined.

Taste and add more salt and black pepper if needed. Serve hot, scooping the tender chicken and rice together from the slow cooker, with a little of the golden juices spooned over the top.

If you have a few pantry extras, you can dress this up without changing the heart of the recipe. For more flavor, replace 1–2 cups of the water with chicken broth if it’s in your budget. You can also add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder over the rice before cooking. For picky eaters, keep the seasoning mild and let everyone add their own black pepper, hot sauce, or shredded cheese at the table. If your family likes veggies mixed in, stir in 1–2 cups of frozen peas or mixed vegetables during the last 30–45 minutes of cooking so they warm through without turning mushy. To stretch the meal even further, serve the chicken and rice over buttered toast or with extra bread for soaking up the juices. Food safety tips: Always start with a fully thawed chicken so it cooks evenly and safely in the slow cooker. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part before serving. Don’t leave the finished dish sitting on the warm setting for more than 2 hours; cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate in shallow containers. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat until steaming hot all the way through before serving again.