This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is the perfect meal for busy days. Juicy chicken is cooked low and slow with rice, herbs, and a splash of lemon for a bright flavor.
I love how the slow cooker does all the work! Just toss everything in, and a few hours later, you have a tasty dinner. Plus, the smell is amazing—they’ll be asking what’s cooking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish light and juicy. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work wonderfully too—they add more flavor! If you’re in a pinch, frozen chicken works but may need a bit longer to cook.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is my go-to, but you could easily swap in brown rice or a grain blend. Just remember, different grains may require more or less liquid and longer cooking times.
Chicken Broth: Broth adds great flavor, but if you’re low on it, you can use water with a splash of extra seasoning or bouillon cubes. Homemade broth is even better if you have it on hand!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you only have bottled, that works too, but fresh gives the best flavor. For a variation, add some lime juice or vinegar for a different zing!
Herbs: Using dried herbs is convenient, but fresh herbs shine in this dish. Feel free to mix it up with your favorites like oregano or basil if you want a different flavor profile.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Rice in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking rice in a slow cooker can be tricky, but getting it right is easy with these tips! It’s all about the liquid-to-rice ratio and timing. Make sure to measure carefully!
- For long-grain white rice, the typical ratio is 1 cup rice to 1.75 cups liquid. Adjust this if using brown rice, as it may need more.
- Stir the rice and broth together before placing the chicken on top, so it cooks evenly.
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes after cooking. This resting time allows the rice to absorb any extra liquid and fluff up.
Following these tips will help you achieve fluffy rice that complements your juicy chicken perfectly every time!
Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme (or 1.5 tbsp fresh thyme)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley (or 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tsp fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: 2 tablespoons butter for drizzling or making a light sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time and will need to cook in the slow cooker for 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. With very little hands-on time, this meal is perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Add Rice and Broth:
Next, pour the uncooked rice into the slow cooker. Then, pour the chicken broth over the rice evenly. This is what helps the rice cook while soaking up all the delicious flavors!
3. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, minced garlic, thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Rub this herb mixture generously over both sides of the chicken breasts to infuse them with flavor.
4. Add Chicken and Lemon Juice:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts neatly on top of the rice. Next, drizzle fresh lemon juice over both the chicken and the rice to add that refreshing zing!
5. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and let it do its magic! Cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the rice is nice and tender.
6. Finish with Garnish and Optional Sauce:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Fluff the rice with a fork for the perfect texture. If you’d like an extra touch of richness, melt the butter and mix it with a bit of the reserved cooking liquid before pouring it over the chicken.
7. Serve:
Finally, plate up the fluffy rice and top it with the juicy chicken. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a lovely presentation. Enjoy this comforting, zesty meal warm!
This easy slow cooker meal is sure to impress with its tender chicken and flavorful rice that’s infused with bright lemon and fragrant herbs. Enjoy every bite!
If you enjoy flavorful and comforting chicken dishes, you’ll also love our creamy and indulgent Easy Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken, the sweet and savory Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken, and the rich, restaurant-style Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala. Each one is simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Use 2 cups of chicken broth for 1 cup of brown rice and expect to cook it for about 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Lemon Juice?
If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. However, fresh juice adds more vibrant flavor, so try to use it if you can. You could also experiment with lime juice for a different citrus kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth to help it regain moisture while reheating.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers can enhance the meal’s nutrition and flavor. Just chop them and add them to the slow cooker along with the rice and broth for a complete one-pot dish!
Conclusion
Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is the perfect mix of freshness and comfort, with juicy chicken, fragrant herbs, and fluffy rice all cooked together for an effortless meal. For more hearty slow cooker favorites, try the rich and savory Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala or the cozy, veggie-packed Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry. Both are flavorful, simple to prepare, and sure to keep dinner exciting.
If you’re a fan of the bright herb-and-mustard flavors, you’ll love our Mustard‑Herb Baked Chicken, which brings the same aromatic herbs and savory mustard into a comforting oven-baked chicken dish.
