This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is the ultimate cozy meal. Tender chicken meets fluffy rice in a zesty lemon sauce with a sprinkle of herbs for extra flavor!
Honestly, it’s so simple—I toss everything in, set the timer, and let my slow cooker do all the work. Perfect for busy days when I want a home-cooked feast!
I love serving it with a side of veggies for a colorful plate. This dish makes my kitchen smell amazing, and my family always asks for seconds! 🍋🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they stay moist and cook evenly. If you’re looking for a quicker option, you could use chicken thighs or even rotisserie chicken—just add it towards the end of cooking to warm it through!
Rice: Long grain white rice works great, but feel free to substitute with brown rice. Just remember, brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Chicken Broth: For a flavor boost, use low-sodium chicken broth. You could also substitute vegetable broth for a lighter version or if you’re cooking for vegetarians (just remember to omit the chicken).
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives this dish a wonderful aroma, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works, too. Roughly 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder equals one clove.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken and Rice Come Out Perfectly?
Getting the chicken tender and the rice fluffy is key. A few important tips will help you succeed:
- For even cooking, ensure the chicken is evenly seasoned with spices. This helps lock in flavor.
- I recommend stirring the rice mixture once before placing the chicken on top. This ensures flavors mix well during cooking.
- Monitor the cooking time! Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
- Fluff the rice gently after cooking using a fork; this keeps it from becoming mushy.
- For added flavor, consider squeezing fresh lemon juice on top right before serving.
Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 4 to 6 hours in the slow cooker on low (or 2 to 3 hours on high). Perfect for a carefree cooking day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
In your slow cooker, start by pouring in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and water. Zest the lemon and add the zest along with the lemon juice to the pot. Finally, add the minced garlic and stir everything together to combine well.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and season them with the salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and oregano. Make sure to coat both sides of the chicken well—you want that flavor to really shine!
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts right on top of the rice mixture in the slow cooker. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken for added flavor and moisture.
4. Set It and Forget It:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and select the cooking time—either low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Let your slow cooker work its magic!
5. Finish It Up:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts and set them aside for a moment. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to keep it light and fluffy.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the tender chicken over the fluffy rice and if you like, garnish with some fresh parsley or lemon slices for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy this bright, easy, and comforting one-pot meal! It’s perfect for sharing with family or enjoying during a cozy night in.
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time. If using brown rice, increase the cooking time to 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to ensure it cooks properly.
What if I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water seasoned with a little extra salt and herbs. This will still give your dish a nice flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water to the rice before microwaving to help it steam and stay moist.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes! You can freeze the chicken and rice mixture. Just make sure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
