This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a winner for busy days! Juicy chicken simmers in a tasty lemon sauce with herbs, making your home smell amazing.
I love how the rice cooks right in with the chicken, soaking up all those yummy flavors! It’s a one-pot meal that’s so simple, you can make it while binge-watching your favorite show! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they stay tender and juicy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you might consider chicken thighs. They have more flavor and don’t dry out as easily.
Rice: Long grain white rice works well here, but you can swap it for brown rice; just note it may need a longer cooking time. Quinoa is another great alternative if you prefer a gluten-free option!
Lemon: Fresh lemon gives the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice, but I’d suggest cutting back a bit on the amount since the bottled juice can be stronger.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary are my go-tos for that earthy flavor. If you have fresh herbs on hand, use those instead! About three times the amount of fresh herbs can be substituted for the dried ones.
How Do I Ensure My Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the rice just right can sometimes feel tricky! Here’s how to ensure it cooks perfectly in your slow cooker:
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming gummy.
- Make sure you add the broth evenly over the rice. This helps it cook evenly without having dry patches.
- Don’t lift the lid often during cooking! Every time you open it, steam escapes, which can lead to under-cooked rice.
After the cooking time, fluff the rice with a fork instead of stirring. This keeps it light and fluffy! Enjoy your cooking adventure with this easy recipe!
Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time. Then, you’ll let it cook in the slow cooker for about 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. So, you can set it up and let it do its magic while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear to remove extra starch, then drain it well. This helps keep the rice fluffy.
2. Mix the Broth:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to blend those delicious flavors!
3. Set Up the Slow Cooker:
Spread the rinsed rice evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. This will be a cozy bed for the chicken to rest on!
4. Season the Chicken:
Now, sprinkle salt and pepper lightly on both sides of the chicken breasts. This adds flavor right to the meat.
5. Layer the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice in the slow cooker. Make sure they rest right on the rice.
6. Pour the Broth Mixture:
Carefully pour the lemon herb broth mixture over the chicken and the rice. Try to cover everything evenly so that the rice absorbs all that goodness!
7. Add Olive Oil:
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and rice. This helps everything stay nice and moist while cooking.
8. Slow Cook:
Put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 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.
9. Fluff and Serve:
Once everything is cooked perfectly, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Serve a scoop of rice and a piece of chicken on each plate.
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy your tasty lemon herb chicken and rice!
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it will extend the cooking time. Ensure they are fully thawed for even cooking. If cooking from frozen, I recommend adding an extra hour to the cooking time on low or 30 minutes on high.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem at all! You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water if you’re in a pinch. Just remember that using broth will add more flavor than water.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies, like peas, carrots, or broccoli. Just chop them small and add them to the slow cooker with the rice and chicken, adjusting the cooking time slightly for added texture.
