Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that practically cooks itself, then you’re in for a treat with this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice. This dish has a special place in my heart, and I love making it on busy weeknights or when I have friends over. The moment you walk into your kitchen while it’s cooking, the zesty aroma of lemon and herbs fills the air, making it impossible to resist! Plus, it’s so easy to throw together—perfect for any occasion.

This recipe is great for family gatherings or simply as a cozy dinner at home. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for something delicious and satisfying, this dish delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work!
• Family-Friendly: The flavors are mild yet delicious, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Leftovers: Enjoy it as is, or use the leftovers in wraps or salads for lunch.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and wholesome veggies, this meal is both comforting and healthy.
• Aromatic Goodness: Your kitchen will smell heavenly as it cooks!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you probably already have on hand. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect blend of flavor we all love.

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth

For Flavoring

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Finishing Touches

• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Variations

One of the things I love about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or pantry items. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using boneless skinless turkey breasts or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
• Add more veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
• Change the rice: Use brown rice or quinoa for a different texture and flavor profile—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to give it an extra kick.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Sautéing these aromatics helps build a flavorful base that enhances every bite of chicken.

Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the cooked onion and garlic mixture to the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts on top of this aromatic layer. It’s important to start with this base because it keeps everything moist while cooking.

Step 3: Season Generously

Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken breasts. These herbs pack a punch of flavor that perfectly complements the bright citrus notes from the lemon.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Add uncooked long-grain white rice around the chicken in your slow cooker. Pour chicken broth over everything, ensuring that the rice is submerged in liquid. This step is crucial because it allows the rice to cook properly while absorbing all those wonderful flavors.

Step 5: Drizzle with Lemon Juice

Drizzle fresh lemon juice over everything in your slow cooker. The acidity of lemon juice brightens up all those rich flavors and creates a lovely balance in this dish.

Step 6: Set It & Forget It!

Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours until everything is cooked through. Trust me; you’ll love how easy this part is!

Step 7: Final Touches

Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from your slow cooker and set them aside. Stir frozen peas into the rice mixture so they warm through. Shred or slice your chicken before returning it back into the slow cooker to mix everything together beautifully.

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Gently stir everything to combine—the chicken, rice, peas, and flavorful broth. Taste before serving; adjust seasoning if needed! Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over each portion just before serving. And there you have it—a delightful plate of Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Cooking should be a joy, and with these simple tips, you can make sure your meal is as delicious as it is effortless!

• Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor: While dried herbs work well, using fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the dish with a vibrant taste that dried varieties just can’t replicate.

• Sear the chicken first: If you have a little extra time, searing the chicken breasts in the skillet before adding them to the slow cooker adds a rich depth of flavor and enhances the overall texture.

• Adjust liquid based on rice type: If you choose to use brown rice instead of white, remember that it usually requires more liquid. Aim for about 4 ½ cups of broth for brown rice to ensure everything cooks properly.

• Customize your veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or spinach. Adding seasonal veggies not only boosts nutrition but also brings a lovely color and variety to the dish.

• Let it rest after cooking: Allowing the dish to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together even more, resulting in a tastier meal!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Presentation can make all the difference when serving this comforting dish! Here are some ideas to make your meal visually appealing and even more delightful.

Garnishes

• Lemon slices: Adding thin slices of lemon on top not only enhances the aesthetic but also provides an additional burst of citrus flavor.

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: This simple side adds a nutritious green element and balances out the richness of the chicken and rice with its light crunch.

• Garlic bread: Toasted garlic bread makes for an excellent companion, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your plate!

• Mixed green salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast to the hearty chicken and rice.

• Roasted carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring warmth and sweetness to your meal while providing a lovely visual contrast with their vibrant orange color.

With these tips on serving and garnishing, you’re all set to impress your family or guests with a deliciously cozy dinner! Enjoy every bite of this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is not only a delightful meal but also perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers into airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that may help you get started!

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice usually requires longer cooking. Check your slow cooker instructions for specific times.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice?

To elevate the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for a few hours before cooking. You can also add more fresh herbs or spices as desired during cooking!

Can I make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice without chicken broth?

Absolutely! You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth or water if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it may affect the overall flavor a bit.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping since it stores well in both the fridge and freezer.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice! It’s a heartwarming dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also brings comfort to your table. Enjoy every bite, share it with loved ones, and feel free to experiment with flavors that make it your own. Happy cooking!