This delightful slow cooker chicken is super easy to make! With juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and fragrant herbs, it’s a comforting meal in just one pot.
Let’s face it, who doesn’t love dishes that cook themselves while you relax? I love coming home to tender chicken and fluffy rice waiting for me. It feels like a warm hug! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for tenderness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs which add more flavor and are less likely to dry out.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is used here for light and fluffy results. You could switch it out for brown rice or quinoa, but be sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time as brown rice will take longer to cook.
Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth enhances flavor. If you’re making this dish vegetarian or want to cut down on sodium, vegetable broth is a great substitute!
Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary can brighten the dish beautifully. Fresh herbs are always my top pick, but if dried is all you have, they work just fine—just use less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is super easy, but getting it just right is key. Give these tips a try:
- Always ensure the chicken breasts are evenly placed at the bottom of the slow cooker for even cooking.
- Keep the lid closed during cooking! This helps maintain the moisture and temperature.
- Check the chicken toward the end of the cooking time. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat.
- If you like your chicken shredded, use two forks to pull it apart once it’s done—so delicious!
Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or lemon slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes to prep with an additional cooking time of 4 to 6 hours in the slow cooker. Perfect for those busy days when you want to come home to a warm, hearty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Flavored Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix well to create a tasty herb sauce.
2. Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker:
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. This will ensure they cook evenly and absorb all those delicious flavors from the sauce.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the herb and lemon mixture over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well coated to infuse it with all those fabulous flavors.
4. Add Rice:
Evenly sprinkle the rinsed rice over the chicken. This will soak up all that yummy broth as it cooks!
5. Pour Liquid:
Gently pour the chicken broth and water over the rice and chicken. This will help the rice cook perfectly and keep the chicken juicy.
6. Cook the Dish:
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld!
7. Fluff and Garnish:
Once cooked, gently fluff the rice with a fork to mix it well. Feel free to garnish with fresh parsley or lemon slices for a burst of color and flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy your Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice! It’s sure to become a family favorite!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! If you prefer brown rice, just remember it takes longer to cook. You may need to increase the cooking time to about 6-8 hours on low, and slightly adjust the liquid to about 2 cups of broth to ensure it cooks properly.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem at all! You can use water instead, but for more flavor, consider substituting with vegetable broth or even a splash of white wine mixed with water to add a bit of acidity.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the rice appears dry when reheating, add a splash of water or broth to moisten it up!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Feel free to toss in some veggies like peas, carrots, or bell peppers before cooking. Just keep in mind that they may change the cooking time slightly, so add them in the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.
