Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a comforting, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort. With tender chicken infused with bright lemon and savory herbs, it’s perfect for busy days when you want a delicious home-cooked dinner waiting for you.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Step 2: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Then transfer the chicken to the slow cooker (this step is optional but adds extra flavor).
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the uncooked rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, dried thyme, and dried oregano until combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the rice mixture carefully over the chicken in the slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
5. Step 5: Place lemon slices on top of the rice to infuse additional citrus flavor during cooking.
6. Step 6: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
7. Step 7: About 30 minutes before serving, check that the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F.
8. Step 8: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
9. Step 9: Serve the chicken whole or shredded over the rice, garnished with fresh parsley and additional lemon slices if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream into the rice before serving.
• Try using brown rice for a healthier twist, but increase the cooking time accordingly.
• Add vegetables like peas or diced carrots in step 4 for a one-pot complete meal.
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or basil can be added for a different flavor profile.
• If you skip searing, increase the cooking time by 30 minutes to ensure caramelization flavors develop.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist. This dish does not freeze well due to the rice texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier during slow cooking. Adjust cooking time if needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can prepare this dish in a covered oven-safe pot by baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the rice is tender.

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 139 reviews

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts cooked slowly with fragrant herbs, zesty lemon, and fluffy white rice create a harmonious blend of bright and savory flavors. The slow cooking method ensures juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice infused with aromatic thyme and oregano. Garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices, this dish is both visually appealing and delicious.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Rice Mixture

• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

Garnish

• 1 lemon, sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to build a flavorful base for the dish.
2. Sear the Chicken (optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2-3 minutes on both sides until nicely browned. This step adds a depth of flavor but can be skipped to save time. Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker.
3. Combine Rice and Broth: In a separate bowl, mix together the uncooked rice, chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried thyme, and dried oregano until well blended.
4. Pour Mixture into Slow Cooker: Gently pour the rice mixture over the chicken breasts inside the slow cooker, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed.
5. Add Lemon Slices: Place the lemon slices on top of the rice and chicken mixture to infuse a fresh citrus aroma as it cooks.
6. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the rice to absorb all the flavors.
7. Check for Doneness: About 30 minutes before serving, use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken’s internal temperature has reached 165°F, ensuring it is safely cooked through.
8. Fluff the Rice: Once the cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts and fluff the rice with a fork. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
9. Serve: Shred the chicken if desired, or serve the whole breasts atop the rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional lemon slices for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

• Searing the chicken is optional but enhances the flavor and texture of the meat.
• You can substitute white rice with brown rice; however, cooking time might increase.
• For an extra touch of richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter or olive oil into the rice before serving.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, lemon herb chicken, chicken and rice, easy slow cooker recipes, one pot meal, healthy chicken recipe