This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a real treat! With tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and fluffy rice, it’s a perfect meal for any day.
It’s so simple to make! Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let time do its magic. I love coming home to the delicious smell! 🍋🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are perfect for a tender finish. If you need a substitute, try thighs for more flavor, or use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Long grain white rice: I find it cooks up nicely in the slow cooker. If you want to swap it, brown rice is a good alternative, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and add a bit more liquid.
Lemon: Fresh lemon gives a bright taste. If you don’t have fresh, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is always best for flavor.
Herbs: I like using dried herbs for convenience. If you prefer fresh herbs, you can replace dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley with their fresh versions—just use three times as much!
Chicken broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or water with a bit of seasoning for a lighter option.
How Can I Ensure My Rice Cooks Perfectly in the Slow Cooker?
Cooking rice in a slow cooker requires some attention. First, rinse the rice to remove excess starch, which helps keep it from getting gummy. Then, it’s important to layer your ingredients correctly. Place the rice on the bottom so it absorbs all the flavors from the chicken and broth above.
- Ensure you measure the liquid accurately; too little can dry out the rice.
- Don’t lift the lid too often while cooking, as this releases steam and can affect cooking time.
- Once cooking is complete, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. This prevents clumping and gives a nice texture.
Using these tips, your rice should turn out light and fluffy every time! Enjoy your meal! 🍋🍚
Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and then around 4–5 hours to cook in your slow cooker. It’s a simple, hands-off meal that fills your home with a delicious aroma while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors!
2. Set Up the Slow Cooker:
Lightly grease your slow cooker with olive oil or use a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easier.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Spread the rinsed rice evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, add the finely chopped onion right on top of the rice.
4. Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice and onions, making sure they are spread out evenly.
5. Pour the Broth Mixture:
Now, pour the lemon herb broth mixture over the chicken and rice, ensuring it’s all covered.
6. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the chicken for added flavor and moisture.
7. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice is tender. Your patience will be rewarded!
8. Finish Up:
Once done, gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Garnish & Serve:
If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving for a touch of color and freshness. Serve right away and enjoy your delicious, lemony chicken and rice!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice! 🍋🍚
FAQ about 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 best to thaw it beforehand for even cooking. Thaw your chicken in the fridge overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for quicker results. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen chicken may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! If you prefer brown rice, just know it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Use about 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth, and increase the cooking duration to around 6–7 hours on low.
How Can 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 for even heating. If the rice seems a bit dry, add a splash of chicken broth to revive it!
What Can I Serve With This Dish?
This dish is already a complete meal with rice and chicken. However, if you’d like to pair it with something, consider serving it with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce!
