This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is juicy and flavorful! Imagine tender chicken cooked slowly with fresh herbs and zesty lemon, all mixed with fluffy rice. Yum!
The best part? You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work! I love coming home to that delicious smell filling the kitchen. It’s a hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are perfect for this dish as they stay tender. If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute with chicken thighs. They add a deeper flavor and are also juicy.
Rice: Long grain white rice works great here, as it cooks evenly. If you want healthier options, you could swap it for brown rice, but adjust the liquid and cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice gives a bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will work, but I recommend using fresh whenever possible for better taste.
Herbs: I love using dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley for their ease and flavor. You can use fresh herbs too—just triple the amount since fresh herbs are milder in flavor. If you’re out of thyme or rosemary, Italian seasoning is a handy substitute.
How to Ensure the Chicken Stays Moist While Cooking?
To keep your chicken tender, it’s essential to use low heat and plenty of liquid. The slow cooker does the job of keeping moisture in, but ensure you do the following:
- Lightly grease the slow cooker to prevent sticking.
- Position the chicken breasts on top of the rice; this helps them cook evenly.
- Use enough broth to make sure the rice can absorb it without drying out the chicken.
- Avoid lifting the lid while cooking as it lets out steam that helps keep the chicken moist.
Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice, rinsed
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 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 or melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you let it cook for about 4 to 5 hours in the slow cooker. So, it’s perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal waiting for you when you get home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by lightly greasing the slow cooker insert with olive oil or cooking spray. This will help to prevent sticking and make it easier to clean up later!
2. Add the Rice:
Next, spread the rinsed rice evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. This is the base that will soak up all the delicious flavors!
3. Mix the Broth Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients well.
4. Pour Over Rice:
Carefully pour the broth mixture over the rice in the slow cooker, making sure it’s evenly distributed. This will help the rice cook well and absorb all those wonderful flavors!
5. Add the Chicken:
Now, place the chicken breasts on top of the rice and broth mixture. Make sure they’re covered by the liquid for the best results.
6. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Next, drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the chicken breasts. This adds extra moisture and flavor!
7. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender—just right!
8. Shred or Slice the Chicken:
Once cooking is complete, you can shred the chicken with two forks or slice it, depending on your preference. Mix it gently with the rice to combine everything.
9. Garnish & Serve:
Don’t forget to garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This adds a lovely color and freshness. Enjoy your comforting meal!
This recipe gives you a satisfying dinner with juicy chicken and fluffy rice, all brought together with the refreshing zing of lemon and fragrant herbs. Effortless and delicious—perfect for any night of the week!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s essential to thaw the chicken first for even cooking. Place it in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method by sealing it in a bag and submerging it in cold water until thawed.
What Can I Substitute for Rice?
If you want a healthier option, you can substitute the long grain white rice with brown rice. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 6 hours on LOW and add an extra half cup of liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Use Fresh Herbs Instead of Dried?
Absolutely! You can use fresh herbs in this recipe. Just remember that fresh herbs are milder, so use about three times the amount of dried herbs. For example, use 3 teaspoons of fresh thyme instead of 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
