Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to build a flavorful base for the dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour Mixture into Slow Cooker: Gently pour the rice mixture over the chicken breasts inside the slow cooker, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed.
- Add Lemon Slices: Place the lemon slices on top of the rice and chicken mixture to infuse a fresh citrus aroma as it cooks.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
