This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is perfect for busy days! It features tender chicken cooked with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs, all nestled on a bed of fluffy rice. Yum!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that cooks itself while you relax? I usually add a side of veggies and call it a day. Quick, tasty, and no fuss—what’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are easy to cook and shred. You can also use thighs for a juicier option or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal!
Rice: Long grain white rice is used here for fluffiness. Brown rice can work too, but you’ll need to adjust cooking times and add more broth since it takes longer to cook.
Lemon: Fresh lemons give the best flavor. If you don’t have them, bottled lemon juice can do in a pinch, but fresh is always better. Try lime for a twist!
Herbs: I use dried herbs for convenience, but if you have fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley, feel free to use them. Just double the amount for fresh herbs compared to dried.
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Flavorful?
For flavorful chicken, marinate it with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before cooking. Even a short 30-minute soak can make a difference. Another tip is to sear the chicken in a pan with olive oil before adding it to the slow cooker. This locks in moisture and adds that lovely golden color.
- Mix lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary in a bowl.
- Coat chicken with the mixture and let it sit for 30 mins to an hour.
- Sear in a pan for about 3-4 minutes on each side before slow cooking.
By following these insights, you’ll have a delicious lemon herb chicken and rice dish that everyone will love! Happy cooking!
Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare this dish. The cooking time in the slow cooker will take around 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. So, set it and forget it while you enjoy your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by adding the uncooked rice and chicken broth to your slow cooker. This will create a wonderful base for the chicken to cook in.
2. Mix in the Flavors:
To infuse the dish with flavor, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Give it a nice stir so all the ingredients are combined evenly.
3. Add the Olive Oil:
Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture. This helps to enhance the flavors and keep the chicken moist while it cooks.
4. Place the Chicken:
Now, gently place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Don’t stir them in—just let them sit on top to cook slowly.
5. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, depending on your schedule. The chicken should be cooked through and the rice tender when done.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. You can shred them using two forks if you like. This makes it easy to mix with the rice later.
7. Fluff the Rice:
Stir the rice in the slow cooker to fluff it up and mix it with the delicious cooking juices that have formed.
8. Combine Chicken and Rice:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it in well with the rice. This will distribute the flavors evenly.
9. Serve:
Before serving, you can garnish your dish with some chopped fresh parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy your easy and tasty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s completely thawed for even cooking! If using frozen chicken, you may need to extend the cooking time by about 30 minutes to ensure it cooks through properly.
Can I Substitute Brown Rice for White Rice?
Absolutely! If you prefer brown rice, just keep in mind that it takes longer to cook. Use about 4 cups of chicken broth and extend the cooking time to approximately 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the dish cool completely before sealing it up. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist if needed.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Vegetables like spinach, peas, or carrots can be added for extra color and nutrition. Just add them in during the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking.
