This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice brings together juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and fragrant herbs all in one pot! It’s super simple and bursting with flavor.
I love how hands-off this recipe is. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, sit back, and let it work its magic. You’ll want seconds, trust me! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their quick cooking and tenderness. If you’re looking for alternatives, thighs add more flavor and stay juicy. Just adjust cooking time accordingly if using bone-in pieces.
Rice: Long-grain white rice gives the dish a nice texture. If you prefer brown rice, it’s a healthy substitute but be sure to increase the cooking time and amount of liquid as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Lemon: The lemon juice and zest are what brighten up this dish. Instead of fresh lemons, you could use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but the zest won’t be as flavorful, so fresh lemons are best.
Herbs: Dried thyme, oregano, and parsley work wonderfully, but feel free to switch them to fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Just remember, fresh herbs are more potent, so you’ll want to use more than you would dried.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps the dish from becoming too salty. If you’re at home with homemade broth or vegetable broth, they can be great substitutes!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy?
Cooking chicken in the slow cooker can sometimes lead to dryness, but there are steps to keep it juicy! Always use enough liquid, like broth, to help retain moisture. Here are tips:
- Don’t overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices.
- If you can, consider adding a bit of butter or olive oil over the chicken before cooking for extra moisture.
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 low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, lemon slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll let the slow cooker do its magic for 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. So, all in all, it’s about 4 to 5 hours until you can enjoy a cozy, hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Lemon Herb Marinade:
Start by mixing the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, and olive oil together in a small bowl. This will serve as your flavorful marinade!
2. Prepare the Base:
In your slow cooker, place the rinsed rice at the bottom. This will soak up all the yummy flavors later. Next, spread the chopped onion evenly over the rice—this adds a nice sweetness to the dish!
3. Add the Chicken and Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over the rice and onion mixture to give it moisture, ensuring everything will cook perfectly. Then, lay the chicken breasts on top of the rice. It’s time for the stars of the dish to shine!
4. Marinade the Chicken:
Now pour the lemon herb marinade evenly over the chicken breasts. This will infuse the chicken with that zesty flavor we love!
5. Slow Cook to Perfection:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and let it cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Just a little patience is needed!
6. Fluff and Serve:
Once your dish is cooked, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Serve each chicken breast on a bed of the delicious lemon herb rice.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and add lemon slices if you like. Serve hot, and enjoy your mouthwatering, homemade meal!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If time is tight, you can cook it from frozen but add an extra hour to your cooking time and check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What if I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! You can use water instead, but the dish will be less flavorful. If you have any bouillon cubes or granules, you can dissolve them in water to make a quick homemade broth substitute.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water and warm gently in the microwave or on the stove to avoid drying it out.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add up to 2 cups of chopped vegetables, like carrots, peas, or bell peppers, before cooking. Just place them on top of the rice, and they will cook perfectly alongside the chicken!
