This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice is a tasty dish that cooks itself! Juicy chicken is paired with fluffy rice and a zesty lemon flavor. Perfect for busy days!
Throw it in the slow cooker, and let the magic happen while you kick back. I love how the house smells wonderful while it cooks. It’s like a warm hug for dinner! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish lean and easy to cook. If you want, you can use thighs for more flavor and juiciness or even a whole chicken cut into pieces.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this recipe, as it cooks nicely and absorbs flavors well. If you prefer, use brown rice, but adjust the cooking time to ensure it cooks through.
Chicken Broth: Low sodium broth helps control salt levels. Chicken bouillon cubes or vegetable broth can also work as substitutes if you’re in a pinch.
Herbs and Lemon: Fresh herbs would add even more flavor if you have them! If you don’t have lemon, lime juice or vinegar could brighten the dish too.
How Do I Keep the Chicken Moist and Flavorful?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken in the slow cooker is simple with a few tips:
- Start with high-quality chicken and season it well. Olive oil helps keep it moist and adds flavor.
- Place the chicken on top, so it steams in the broth without drying out.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C) to be safe.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing, so the juices redistribute.
Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and will need to cook for 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high in the slow cooker. So, in total, you’ll have a delicious lemon herb chicken dinner ready with minimal fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
In your slow cooker, start by adding the uncooked rice, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, oregano, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so that it’s well mixed. This will create a flavorful base for the chicken.
2. Season the Chicken:
Grab your chicken breasts and rub them with olive oil. This helps add moisture and flavor. Next, lightly season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. You want the chicken to be well-flavored!
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is sitting directly on the rice so it absorbs all that wonderful flavor while cooking.
4. Cook It Up:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and the rice tender. If you have a meat thermometer, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Final Touches:
When cooking time is done, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you need a bit more salt or pepper, add it to your liking. For a nice touch before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your beautiful lemon herb chicken with rice is ready to serve! Enjoy this delicious meal, perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Frozen chicken breasts will need an extra hour on low or about 30 minutes on high to ensure they’re fully cooked throughout.
Can I Substitute the Rice?
Absolutely! While long-grain white rice is ideal, you can substitute it with brown rice; however, it will require a longer cooking time. Expect to add about an extra hour on low. Quinoa or cauliflower rice can also work, but may need to be added in the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply use the microwave or return to a slow cooker with a splash of broth until warmed through.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare everything in advance by assembling the rice mixture in the slow cooker, then refrigerate it overnight. Just add the chicken in the morning before cooking. This is a great time-saver for busy days!
