This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a tasty meal that’s super easy to prepare! The chicken is tender and packed with flavor from zesty lemon and fresh herbs.
What’s great is you just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. I love coming home to the yummy smell of dinner waiting for me. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe due to their tenderness. If you’re looking for a change, thighs are a great substitute as they’re juicy and flavorful.
Rice: Long grain white rice works well here, but you could swap it with brown rice for added fiber. Just remember that brown rice will need more cooking time and extra liquid.
Lemon: Fresh lemons bring a bright flavor, but if you only have bottled lemon juice, that can work too—just use about 2-3 tablespoons for the juice.
Herbs: Fresh herbs can really enhance the flavor of this dish. If you have them on hand, fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano can substitute the dried versions, using about three times the amount.
How Do I Make Sure My Rice Comes Out Perfect in a Slow Cooker?
Getting the rice just right can be tricky! The key is to rinse it well before adding it to remove excess starch. Here’s how to ensure your rice turns out fluffy:
- Use the right amount of liquid—2 cups of broth for 1 cup of rice is perfect.
- Give the rice a gentle stir to distribute it evenly before cooking.
- After cooking, gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
With these steps, your rice will be light and fluffy, soaking up all those lovely lemon herb flavors!
How to Make 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 rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you can let the slow cooker do the work! Depending on your setting, it will take 4-6 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH to cook everything perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together to create a flavorful lemon herb marinade.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in your slow cooker. Pour the lemon herb marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated with the delicious mixture.
3. Add the Onion:
Next, sprinkle the finely chopped onion on top of the chicken. This adds great flavor while cooking!
4. Rinse and Add Rice:
Rinse the long grain white rice under cold water to remove excess starch, then add it to the slow cooker. Spread it evenly around the chicken.
5. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour the low-sodium chicken broth evenly over both the rice and chicken. This will help cook the rice and keep the chicken moist.
6. Start Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through, and the rice will be tender and fluffy.
7. Fluff and Garnish:
Once cooking time is done, gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Lastly, garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley for a nice pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm lemon herb chicken and rice, and enjoy the delightful flavors. This dish is perfect for family dinners or a comforting weeknight meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure they have enough time to thaw in the refrigerator before cooking for best results. If using frozen, increase the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
What Can I Substitute for Rice?
If you don’t have long grain white rice, you can use brown rice, though it will need more liquid and a longer cooking time (approximately 6-8 hours on LOW). Quinoa is another option that cooks faster and adds a nice nutty flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, either warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just place them in the slow cooker with the chicken before cooking, and they will cook down nicely with the rest of the meal!
