Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a great dish to prepare for a busy day. It is simple to make and delivers rich flavors without much effort. Just toss everything into your slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll have a tasty, comforting meal ready by dinner time. Plus, it’s a one-pot recipe, which means less cleanup!
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of rice
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- In a slow cooker, place the chicken breasts.
- Add the rice, chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, onion, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything gently to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Serve this dish straight from the slow cooker with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. It makes a delicious main course that pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
How to Store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
If you have leftovers, let the chicken and rice cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little added broth to keep it moist.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream in the last hour of cooking.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice, but cooking time may increase to about 8 hours on low.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, like peas or carrots. Just toss them in the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Feel free to adjust the herbs to suit your taste, or try adding spices like paprika for a bit of heat.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook it for a little longer, about 8-9 hours on low.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it requires a longer cooking time. It’s best to cook for about 8 hours on low.
3. Is it possible to double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold everything and adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts You can use frozen chicken breasts with adjusted cooking time.
- 1 cup rice White rice is recommended, but brown rice can be used with increased cooking time.
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced) Adds fresh lemon flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish Use to garnish before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a slow cooker, place the chicken breasts.
- Add the rice, chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, onion, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything gently to combine.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables, and crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.