Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe offers a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts are cooked with aromatic herbs, fresh lemon, and sautéed garlic and onions, combined with long-grain white rice and chicken broth in a slow cooker for a hands-off, delicious dinner that’s ready in just a few hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours (slow cooker low) or 1.5-2 hours (slow cooker high)
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Fresh Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts on top of the aromatics, then evenly sprinkle the dried thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper over the chicken.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Pour the uncooked long-grain white rice around the chicken in the slow cooker. Then pour the chicken broth over the rice and chicken, making sure the rice is fully submerged. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over everything.
- Cook the Dish: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Finish with Peas and Herbs: Remove the chicken breasts and set aside. Stir the frozen peas into the rice and broth mixture, allowing them to warm through. Shred or slice the chicken and return it to the slow cooker, mixing everything together gently.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. Serve hot ensuring both chicken and rice are well plated.
Notes
- Ensure the rice is fully submerged in the broth to guarantee even cooking.
- Searing the chicken breasts before adding them to the slow cooker enhances flavor.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
- Frozen peas can be substituted with other vegetables such as carrots or green beans.
- If using boneless skinless chicken thighs, adjust cooking time to prevent drying.
Keywords: slow cooker lemon herb chicken, lemon herb chicken recipe, easy slow cooker chicken and rice, healthy chicken and rice dinner, crockpot lemon chicken rice
