Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a comforting, flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts are cooked alongside aromatic herbs, garlic, and lemon, creating a bright and savory dish that requires minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cooked onion and garlic mixture to the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Place the chicken breasts on top of the onion and garlic mixture.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
6. Step 6: Add the uncooked rice around the chicken in the slow cooker.
7. Step 7: Pour the chicken broth over the rice and chicken, making sure the rice is fully submerged.
8. Step 8: Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over everything in the slow cooker.
9. Step 9: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
10. Step 10: Remove the chicken breasts and set aside. Stir the frozen peas into the rice and broth mixture to warm through.
11. Step 11: Shred or slice the chicken, then return it to the slow cooker. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
12. Step 12: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
13. Step 13: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving.
14. Step 14: Serve hot, ensuring each plate has plenty of chicken and rice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier, more tender result.
• Use brown rice, but increase the cooking time and liquid as needed.
• Frozen peas can be swapped for other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for variety.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the rice.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and tend to stay moist and flavorful. Adjust cooking time if needed, as thighs may cook slightly faster or slower depending on size.

Is it necessary to sauté the onions and garlic first?

Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavor and aroma, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Just add them raw and expect a milder taste.

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 64 reviews

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a comforting, flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked slowly with aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and savory broth to create a perfectly moist and fragrant dish. The addition of sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh parsley enhances the rustic appeal, making it an easy and satisfying family dinner option.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours on low or 1.5 to 2 hours on high
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Herb Mixture

• 2 pounds chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Rice and Vegetables

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts on top of this mixture. Sprinkle dried thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
3. Add Rice and Broth: Add the uncooked long-grain white rice around the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the rice and chicken, ensuring the rice is fully submerged in the liquid. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over all the ingredients.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or on high heat for 1.5-2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
5. Incorporate Peas and Finish: Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts and set aside. Stir the frozen peas into the rice and broth mixture in the slow cooker, allowing them to warm through. Shred or slice the chicken breasts and return them to the slow cooker, mixing gently with the rice and peas.
6. Season and Serve: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. Serve hot, ensuring portions include both chicken and rice.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free.
• If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley can be used, but add less as it is more concentrated in flavor.
• Adjust cooking times based on your specific slow cooker as heat levels can vary.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or Greek yogurt just before serving.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, lemon herb chicken, chicken and rice, one-pot meal, slow cooker recipe, comfort food