Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is perfect for busy days. This dish requires minimal prep and allows the slow cooker to do all the work while you focus on other tasks. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and bright lemon flavors creates a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s a one-pot recipe, making clean-up a breeze!

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

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

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Transfer the cooked onion and garlic mixture to the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Place the chicken breasts on top of the onion and garlic mixture.
6. Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken breasts.
7. Add the uncooked rice around the chicken in the slow cooker.
8. Pour the chicken broth over the rice and chicken, ensuring the rice is submerged in the liquid.
9. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over everything in the slow cooker.
10. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
11. Once the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and set them aside.
12. Stir in the frozen peas into the rice and broth mixture, allowing them to warm through.
13. Shred or slice the chicken breasts and return them to the slow cooker, mixing everything together.
14. Gently stir the mixture to combine the chicken, rice, peas, and broth.
15. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
16. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving.
17. Serve the lemon herb chicken and rice hot, ensuring each plate gets a portion of both chicken and rice.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Serve this dish hot straight from the slow cooker. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can add a slice of lemon on the side to enhance the lemon flavor even more.

How to Store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, heat it in the microwave or stovetop until it is warmed through.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, salt, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the slow cooker for added nutrition.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth if you want to control the saltiness of the dish.

Variation

You can swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Additionally, using brown rice instead of white rice will require a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just remember to increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the slow cooker for a little kick.

Can I make this dish without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can prepare it on the stovetop in a big pot. Simply combine all the ingredients and cook on low heat until the chicken is done and the rice is tender, about 30-40 minutes.