Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
A comforting and easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with aromatic herbs, garlic, onion, and lemon, served over fluffy white rice. Perfect for a hands-off dinner that delivers bright, fresh flavors and hearty satisfaction.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 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
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Flavorings and Garnish
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they become fragrant and translucent, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base.
- Slow Cooker Base: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture into the bottom of your slow cooker to create a flavorful bed for the rice.
- Add Rice: Pour the long-grain white rice evenly over the onion and garlic mixture inside the slow cooker, ensuring an even layer.
- Layer Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts carefully on top of the rice layer, allowing juices to drip down and flavor the rice as it cooks.
- Add Broth and Lemon: Pour the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest over the chicken and rice layers, taking care that the rice is submerged to ensure even cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and cooked through, while the rice absorbs all the flavors.
- Fluff and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, use two forks to gently shred the chicken breasts. Stir the mixture in the slow cooker to combine the chicken and rice evenly for serving.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a bright, fresh note and appealing color to the dish.
- Enjoy: Serve the warm lemon herb chicken and rice immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and comforting texture.
Notes
- If you prefer, white rice can be substituted with brown rice, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
- Use fresh herbs if available for more vibrant flavor, adjusting quantities to taste.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave or stovetop.
- Ensure rice is fully submerged in broth to avoid undercooked rice.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, lemon herb chicken, chicken and rice, easy slow cooker recipe, one pot meal