This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a tasty dish that cooks itself! Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh lemon combine for a meal that’s bright and comforting.
There’s something magical about the way the flavors come together while I’m busy doing other things. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that practically makes itself? 😊
I love serving this with a simple salad on the side. It’s a flavorful dinner that’s easy to prepare, and my family always wants seconds. Win-win! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their tenderness. If you’re looking for a substitute, try thighs for extra flavor and moisture, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best as it absorbs flavors well. You could use brown rice, but be aware it will need longer cooking time and more liquid. Quinoa is also a good gluten-free option!
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is great if you have it! If not, store-bought works fine. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary are excellent for flavor. If you’re fresh out, Italian seasoning will work too. Fresh herbs are a lovely substitute—just double the quantity!
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream provides a rich texture. For lighter options, use half-and-half, or swap it for coconut milk for a dairy-free choice.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Rice in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking rice in a slow cooker can be tricky, but it’s manageable with a few tips! The trick is in the liquid and timing.
- Make sure to rinse your rice well; this removes excess starch and prevents it from being gummy.
- The standard ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of liquid, which we follow here. Adjust slightly if using brown rice.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid while cooking—the steam is essential for perfect rice!
- Stir the rice carefully after cooking to fluff it up without breaking it.
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 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh thyme sprigs and lemon wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and then 4-5 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH in the slow cooker. Total time is around 4-5 hours, which is mostly hands-off. Enjoy your day while the slow cooker works its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your slow cooker with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray. This will help prevent any sticking later on.
2. Mix Your Liquids:
In a bowl, combine the chicken broth with the zest and juice of the lemon. Add in the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to mix the flavors!
3. Layer the Rice:
Spread the rinsed rice evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. This will serve as a tasty base for the chicken and allow it to absorb all the wonderful flavors.
4. Add the Broth Mixture:
Pour the chicken broth and herb mixture over the rice, ensuring it covers the rice evenly. This will help cook the rice perfectly.
5. Add the Chicken:
Now, place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Make sure they are arranged evenly so they cook through at the same rate.
6. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken for added flavor and moisture. It will make the chicken juicy and delicious!
7. Cook It Up:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine as it cooks!
8. Remove and Serve:
Once cooked through, carefully remove the chicken and rice from the slow cooker and place it onto a serving dish.
9. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Stir the heavy cream into the warm juices left in the slow cooker. Heat it on HIGH for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
10. Pour Over the Meal:
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice, making sure to coat it well for extra flavor!
11. Garnish:
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation and a burst of freshness.
12. Enjoy!
Serve warm, and enjoy this delightful dish with your family and friends!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to cook it on HIGH for about 3-4 hours instead of LOW. Ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rice and chicken mixture in the slow cooker and refrigerate it overnight. Just take it out an hour before cooking to come to room temperature, then cook as directed.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist!
How Can I Customize This Recipe?
This recipe is quite versatile! Try adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition. You can also adjust the herbs according to your taste—basil or parsley can work great for a twist!
