why make this recipe
This slow cooker dish is easy. It needs little work and gives soft, tasty chicken. The rice turns out fluffy and it soaks up the lemony broth. It is a good weeknight meal when you want simple food with bright flavor.
introduction
This recipe cooks chicken slowly with lemon, herbs, and garlic. The slow cooker makes the chicken very tender. You cook rice separately and serve the chicken on top. If you like easy chicken meals, this one fits well with simple sides like vegetables or a salad. You can also try it with other comfort dishes like buttered noodles for a change.
how to make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Place the lemon, oil, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Add the chicken and pour in the broth. Cook low or high as given below. Near the end, cook rice on the stove or rice cooker. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker and mix it with the broth. Spoon the shredded chicken and juices over the rice. Garnish with fresh herbs if you want.
Ingredients :
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups rice
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Directions :
- In a slow cooker, combine lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts and coat them in the marinade.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it in the slow cooker and mix it with the broth.
- Serve the chicken over the fluffy rice and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
how to serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Serve the shredded chicken and sauce over a bed of hot, fluffy rice. Add a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad. For a different feel, serve with a creamy side like creamy chicken and rice. Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top for color.
how to store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Cool the chicken and rice to room temperature. Store in separate airtight containers for up to 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the rice dries, add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
tips to make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding.
- Trim excess fat and pat the chicken dry before adding to the cooker.
- Taste the broth before serving and add salt if needed.
- Cook rice just before serving so it stays fluffy.
- If you are short on time, cook on high for 3–4 hours. For best texture, cook low for 6–7 hours.
- For more slow cooker ideas, see a hearty stew recipe for reference: slow cooker beef stew.
variation (if any)
- Add vegetables like carrots and celery in the slow cooker for a one-pot feel (note rice will still cook separately).
- Swap chicken thighs for breasts for richer flavor.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for brighter taste.
- For a zestier dish, add lemon zest or a splash of white wine to the broth before cooking.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A: Yes. Bone-in will add flavor but may need longer cook time. Check the meat for doneness before shredding.
Q: Can I cook the rice in the slow cooker with the chicken?
A: It is not recommended here. The rice may overcook or become soggy. Cook rice separately for the best fluffy texture.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally and pull apart easily with two forks.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Freeze chicken and sauce in a freezer container for up to 3 months. Freeze rice separately if possible.
Conclusion
For more lemon herb chicken ideas, check this one-pot version: One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice – Creme De La Crumb. If you want another slow cooker method with rice, see this guide: Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice. For a simple pan-cooked option, try: One-pan Lemon Herb Chicken Rice (with Chicken Breast!) – Simple ….
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces chicken breasts Boneless and skinless for easy shredding.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
For the Rice
- 2 cups rice Cook according to package instructions.
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional) Parsley or cilantro recommended.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a slow cooker, combine lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts and coat them in the marinade.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the rice according to package instructions.
Serving
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it in the slow cooker and mix it with the broth.
- Serve the chicken over the fluffy rice and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
