Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is easy and straightforward. Just follow these steps for a delicious meal:

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Begin by spraying the slow cooker with cooking spray or lightly coating it with olive oil.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic for an additional minute.
3. Layer the Rice: Place the uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker to start.
4. Add Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts over the rice, ensuring they cover the rice evenly.
5. Pour in the Broth: Slowly add the chicken broth over the chicken and rice mixture.
6. Incorporate Vegetables: Add the frozen peas and diced carrots on top.
7. Season: Sprinkle dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper over everything, ensuring even coverage.
8. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, depending on how quickly you need it done.
9. Check Doneness: After cooking, make sure the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the rice is tender.
10. Shred Chicken (Optional): If preferred, shred the chicken using two forks and stir it into the rice for a more blended flavor.
11. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

This simple step-by-step approach will ensure the creation of an incredible meal with minimal effort.