Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly. With tender chicken breasts infused with bright lemon and fragrant herbs, paired with perfectly cooked rice, this dish makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Step 2: (Optional) Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
4. Step 4: Pour the rice mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
5. Step 5: Place lemon slices on top of the rice for added flavor.
6. Step 6: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
7. Step 7: About 30 minutes before serving, check that the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
8. Step 8: Remove the chicken and fluff the rice with a fork. Adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Step 9: Serve the chicken whole or shredded over the rice, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sear the chicken before slow cooking to add a nice golden crust.
• Swap white rice for brown rice, but increase the cooking time to ensure the rice is tender.
• Add vegetables such as peas or diced carrots in the last hour of cooking for a more complete meal.
• Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy during slow cooking. Adjust cooking time as needed if you use bone-in pieces.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken beforehand?

No, searing is optional but adds extra flavor and a nicer color to the chicken. The dish will still be delicious if you skip this step.

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 51 reviews

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts with aromatic herbs, fresh lemon juice, and perfectly cooked rice. Slow cooked to juicy perfection, it offers a hassle-free, wholesome meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Rice Mixture

• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

Garnish

• 1 lemon, sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring each piece is well coated for optimal flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken (optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
3. Combine Rice and Broth: In a separate bowl, whisk together uncooked rice, chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried thyme, and oregano until well combined.
4. Pour Mixture into Slow Cooker: Gently pour the rice mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, distributing it evenly.
5. Add Lemon Slices: Place lemon slices on top of the rice and chicken to infuse a bright, citrus aroma during cooking.
6. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken and rice to cook slowly and absorb all flavors.
7. Check for Doneness: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, verify that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
8. Fluff the Rice: Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and stir in any additional seasoning if desired.
9. Serve: Serve the chicken breasts whole or shredded atop the bed of fluffy lemon herb rice, garnished generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

• Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds depth of flavor but can be omitted to save time.
• You can substitute long-grain white rice with jasmine or basmati rice for a different aroma.
• Adjust herbs and lemon juice quantity according to your taste preference for more or less citrusy flavor.
• Ensure the lid stays closed during cooking to maintain proper temperature and moisture.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, lemon herb chicken, slow cooker rice recipe, easy chicken dinner, lemon chicken slow cooker, chicken and rice slow cooker