This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is super easy! Just toss chicken, rice, and fresh herbs into your slow cooker, add lemon juice, and let it cook until tender and full of flavor.
What’s great about this dish is how juicy the chicken gets! I love making it on busy days; I can set it and forget it, and come back to a delicious meal waiting for me.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for tenderness. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great instead. Just adjust the cooking time a little if using thighs as they can take a bit longer.
Rice: Long grain white rice is perfect for this dish. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute brown rice, but increase the cooking time. Quinoa is another fantastic substitute for a gluten-free spin.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds flavor here, but you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Homemade broth can further enhance the taste if you have some on hand.
Herbs: Fresh herbs bring wonderful flavor; however, dried herbs are a suitable alternative. I prefer using fresh when possible, but dried versions work fine and are convenient.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Tender and Juicy?
The key to juicy chicken is not overcooking it. Here are some tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F.
- Let the chicken cook undisturbed in the slow cooker for the best results.
- If using frozen chicken, increase cooking time slightly and ensure it’s fully thawed for even cooking.
Another tip is to rub the chicken with the herb mixture thoroughly. This maximizes the flavor and keeps it moist as it cooks. Don’t skip the step of letting the mixture marinate for a little before slow cooking if you have time!
Enjoy your slow cooker meal with this simple yet flavorful recipe!
Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After that, you’ll let it cook in the slow cooker for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Plus, it’s an easy “set it and forget it” meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lemon Herb Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will add lots of delicious flavor to your chicken!
2. Layer the Rice and Onion:
Now, grab your slow cooker! Place the uncooked rice and chopped onion at the bottom. Pour the chicken broth over the rice, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
3. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and rub them with half of the lemon herb mixture you made earlier. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice and onion in the slow cooker.
4. Add More Flavor:
Pour the remaining lemon herb mixture over the chicken. This step will ensure the chicken is juicy and full of flavor as it cooks.
5. Cook the Chicken and Rice:
Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F) and the rice is nice and tender.
6. Stir in the Peas:
If you’re using frozen peas, add them about 20 minutes before serving. Stir them in, cover again, and let them heat through. This adds a lovely pop of color and sweetness!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Before you dig in, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness. Now it’s ready to be served! Enjoy your meal of juicy, lemony chicken served over flavorful rice!
This recipe is a comforting, delicious meal that’s perfect for a busy day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will need a longer cooking time—about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Make sure to check for tenderness before serving, as brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.
Can I Substitute Fresh Herbs for Dried Herbs?
Absolutely! If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried herbs. For this recipe, use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano for every tablespoon of fresh herb required. Remember, dried herbs are more potent, so you need less!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it appears dry.
Can I Make This Recipe with Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just extend the cooking time by about 1 hour on low or 30 minutes on high to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature. However, using thawed chicken will yield better results in terms of flavor absorption.
