Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

why make this recipe

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is an easy and flavorful meal that cooks itself while you go about your day. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and zesty lemon makes for a comforting dish that the whole family will love. Using a slow cooker means you can prepare this dish in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner, making it perfect for busy weekdays.

how to make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a slow cooker, add the olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary then place them in the slow cooker.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, add the lemon juice and zest, and stir to combine.
4. Add the rice on top of the chicken without stirring.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
6. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork, serve hot, and garnish with fresh parsley.

how to serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Serve the dish hot, making sure to spoon some of the flavorful rice along with the chicken. You can add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. If you want to enhance the presentation, sprinkle more fresh parsley on top before serving.

how to store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

tips to make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

• Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the broth for the best flavor.
• You can use other types of rice, but cooking times may vary.
• For extra flavor, add some chopped vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, to the slow cooker.

variation

Feel free to switch up the herbs or add your favorite vegetables. You can also replace chicken with other proteins like turkey or tofu for a different twist.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook. It may require an additional hour in the slow cooker.

Can I cook this dish on high instead of low?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 2-3 hours instead of low.

Is it okay to leave out the lemon?
Yes, you can omit the lemon if you prefer a milder flavor, but it does add a nice brightness to the dish.

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

This easy and flavorful Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is perfect for busy weekdays, offering a comforting meal of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and zesty lemon that the whole family will love.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 piece lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 piece onion (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a slow cooker, add the olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary then place them in the slow cooker.
• Pour in the chicken broth, add the lemon juice and zest, and stir to combine.
• Add the rice on top of the chicken without stirring.

Cooking

• Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
• Once done, fluff the rice with a fork, serve hot, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the broth for the best flavor. You can use other types of rice, but cooking times may vary. For extra flavor, add some chopped vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, to the slow cooker.

Keyword Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Herb Chicken, Lemon Rice, Slow Cooker Chicken