If you are searching for an effortless yet flavorful dinner option that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart, the Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and perfectly cooked rice, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s a comforting, one-pot meal that turns simple ingredients into something spectacular, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want to enjoy a home-cooked feast without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, but each plays a crucial role in building the vibrant flavors, tender texture, and lovely golden color of this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe.
- 2 pounds chicken breasts: The star protein that stays juicy and tender throughout slow cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onions for a flavorful base.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth as it gently cooks.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses subtle warmth and fragrance.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Absorbs all the delicious broth and seasonings perfectly.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates the flavorful cooking liquid that keeps everything moist.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a woodsy, earthy tone to complement the lemon and rosemary.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Brings a fresh, piney aroma that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Gives a bright pop of citrus flavor without any bitterness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds tang and freshness that brighten the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle kick to balance the lemon’s acidity.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and a sweet, fresh bite.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Garnishes the dish with a lovely herbal brightness and visual appeal.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn soft and translucent. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, letting those beautiful aromas fill your kitchen. This step builds a flavorful base that enhances the entire dish.
Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker
Transfer the softened onion and garlic mixture to the base of your slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts on top, and sprinkle dried thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. This seasoning blend creates a mouthwatering herbal and citrus profile.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Broth
Pour uncooked long-grain white rice around the chicken, making sure not to cover the chicken completely. Then, carefully add chicken broth over the rice and chicken, ensuring the rice gets fully submerged. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice on top for a refreshing zing that will brighten every single bite.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours. The slow cooking will make the chicken incredibly tender while allowing the rice to soak up all those delicious herbs and lemon flavors, turning into a creamy, satisfying base.
Step 5: Finish with Peas and Parsley
Once the cooking time is done, carefully remove the chicken breasts and set them aside. Stir the frozen peas into the rice and broth mixture, letting them warm through with the residual heat. Shred or slice the chicken breasts and return them to the slow cooker, combining everything for a perfect medley. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a refreshing herbal touch and excellent presentation.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a beautiful green color and bright flavor, but you can also fine grate some extra lemon zest on top for a zingy finish. A light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can make your presentation extra special.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe is satisfying on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing can add a refreshing contrast and crunch that complements the creamy rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, serve this dish in shallow bowls, allowing the broth to shine as a delicate sauce underneath the chicken and rice. You can also scoop it into hollowed-out bell peppers or tomatoes for a fun way to elevate the meal and impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice may absorb more moisture, so it’s normal for the texture to change slightly, but the flavors deepen with time.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Portion the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for gentlest results, or defrost in the microwave if in a hurry.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the rice as needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. It’s best to pre-cook the brown rice slightly or adjust the slow cooker time accordingly to ensure it becomes tender.
Is it necessary to sauté the onions and garlic first?
While you can skip this step to save time, sautéing the onions and garlic boosts their flavor, adding a richer depth to the dish, which makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces for this recipe?
Bone-in chicken works well but may require extending cooking time by 30 minutes or more. Be sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice? Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best bright flavor, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can be used. Keep in mind it may be slightly less vibrant and might alter the final taste subtly.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Measure the rice and broth carefully, and avoid overcooking by sticking to the recommended slow cooker times. Using long-grain rice also helps keep the grains fluffy rather than sticky or mushy.
Final Thoughts
The Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe is such a delightful dish to have in your dinner rotation. It’s simple to prepare, packed with comforting yet fresh flavors, and perfect for feeding the whole family or meal prepping. Give it a try and enjoy the ease and elegance of a home-cooked meal that feels like a special treat any day of the week.
Print
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 4h 0m
- Total Time: 4h 10m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and comforting Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with aromatic herbs, lemon zest, and garlic, combined with fluffy rice and sweet peas for a complete one-pot meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Aromatics
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, releasing sweetness and flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, enhancing the aromatics.
- Transfer Aromatics: Transfer the cooked onion and garlic mixture to the bottom of the slow cooker as the flavor base for the dish.
- Place Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the onion and garlic mixture in an even layer.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle dried thyme, dried rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken breasts for a zesty herb flavor.
- Add Rice: Add the uncooked long-grain white rice around the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, distributing it evenly.
- Pour Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the rice and chicken, making sure the rice is fully submerged to properly cook.
- Add Lemon Juice: Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the contents in the slow cooker for a bright citrus note.
- Cook: Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours until chicken is fully cooked and rice is tender.
- Remove Chicken: When cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts and set aside temporarily.
- Add Peas: Stir frozen peas into the rice and broth mixture in the slow cooker to warm through.
- Shred Chicken: Shred or slice the cooked chicken breasts and return the pieces to the slow cooker, combining with the rice and peas.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently stir everything together to evenly mix the chicken, rice, peas, and broth.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust salt or black pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for freshness and color just before serving.
- Serve: Serve the lemon herb chicken and rice hot with balanced portions of chicken and rice on each plate.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh lemon zest and juice to enhance the flavor brightness.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer darker meat; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken.
- Make sure the rice is fully submerged in the broth to avoid uneven cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently with a splash of broth.
