This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is all about bright flavors and tender chicken. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, and let the magic happen!
Who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself? I enjoy making this on busy days. You’ll love coming home to a warm, yummy dinner that smells amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use either breasts or thighs. I prefer thighs for their extra moisture and flavor, but breasts work too. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken can also be a great shortcut.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, brown rice works, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time since it takes longer to cook.
Chicken Broth: Homemade is best, but low-sodium store-bought is a good alternative. For a vegetarian version, feel free to use vegetable broth instead.
Lemon: Fresh lemons give the best flavor, but if you don’t have one, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just remember that fresh zest adds a special touch!
Herbs: Dried herbs are used here for convenience, but if you have fresh thyme and parsley on hand, go ahead and use those instead! They will enhance the flavors even more.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Rice in a Slow Cooker?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken and rice can be tricky, but there’s a straightforward method to it!
- Combine your chicken broth and rice well in the bowl to ensure even cooking.
- Layer the chicken on top instead of mixing it; this helps keep the chicken moist.
- Don’t lift the lid too often while it cooks, as this can let heat escape and increase cooking time.
- Always check for doneness towards the end; if the chicken is firmly cooked and rice is tender, you’ve nailed it!
Shredding the chicken before serving helps distribute the flavors, making every bite enjoyable!
Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 4 to 6 hours to cook on low or 2 to 3 hours on high in the slow cooker. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want a hearty meal waiting for you when you get home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken broth, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried thyme, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir everything together well so all the flavors blend nicely.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Pour the rice mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly. This will create a lovely base for your chicken to sit on top.
3. Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice mixture. Make sure to nestle them in slightly so they stay moist during cooking.
4. Set the Cooker:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is no longer pink in the middle and the rice is tender.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. You can shred it using two forks or slice it as you prefer. Then, stir the chicken back into the rice. This helps to mix all those delicious flavors together!
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or thyme on top for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty lemon herb chicken and rice!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it takes longer to cook. You’ll need to add about 30 minutes to the cooking time and may require an additional 1/2 cup of chicken broth for proper cooking.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure that the chicken is fully thawed before cooking. If you must use frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by an hour and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
What Can I Serve With This Dish?
This lemon herb chicken and rice pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce!
