Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice

A Flavor Explosion You Can’t Resist!

Picture this: tender chicken, bursting with zesty lemon flavor, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice—sounds delightful, right? Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice brings that dream to life! It’s not just your average weeknight dinner; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl, and it practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Perfect for busy evenings or an easy Sunday meal, this recipe is a game-changer.

Why Make This Recipe

Who doesn’t love a dish that’s both easy and delicious? Here’s why you’ll adore this one:

• Minimal cleanup: Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and you’re done. No need for a sink full of dishes!
• Family-friendly: Everyone will feast on this hearty meal. It’s got that “clean plate club” vibe written all over it.
• Budget-friendly: With basic ingredients, this dish won’t break the bank. Plus, it’s homemade goodness—what could be better? 😊

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups water
• Fresh herbs (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. In a slow cooker, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and coat well with the marinade.
3. Pour in the chicken broth.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, add the rice and water to the slow cooker, stirring to combine.
6. Continue to cook until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve the chicken over the rice, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice (Overview)

Let’s break it down, shall we? Toss your marinade into the slow cooker, add the chicken, and watch the magic happen. While that simmers away for several hours, you can get back to your life—maybe binge that show you’ve been dying to catch up on? 😄 About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the rice and water for the grand finale. The result? Tender chicken with bright flavors spanning every delicious bite!

Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic first if you have time—it enhances the flavor by leaps and bounds!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice

The presentation matters! Serve this dish on a large platter, and let the vibrant colors shine. The zesty lemon juice creates a beautiful glaze on the chicken, while the rice is fluffy and pillowy. For that extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top. The aroma? Totally drool-worthy! Pair it with a light salad drizzled with olive oil for a refreshing crunch.

How to Store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice

Storing leftovers? No problem! This chicken dish will keep in the fridge for about 3–4 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. It’ll be just as scrumptious as the first time!

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice

1. Timing is key: Start the slow cooker early, especially if cooking on low. It allows flavors to develop fully.
2. Swap out the chicken: Use bone-in chicken for added flavor, but increase the cooking time a bit.
3. Customize the rice: Want to spice it up? Try using jasmine rice or quinoa for a twist.
4. Add veggies: Toss in some diced carrots or peas with the rice for extra nutrition and flavor.
5. Adjust your herbs: Love thyme or oregano? Feel free to sprinkle a bit more in to suit your taste.

Variation

Don’t hesitate to get creative! To give it a vegan twist, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead. You can also try different herbs, like fresh dill or basil, to change the flavor profile. Feeling adventurous? Add some spice with a hint of red pepper flakes for a little warmth! 🌶️

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes! Just remember to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep everything the night before; just refrigerate the slow cooker insert and pop it in the cooker in the morning.

How can I thicken the sauce?
For a thicker sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice

A tender and zesty chicken dish cooked in a slow cooker, served on a bed of fluffy rice, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sundays.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 lemons 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
• 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup 1 cup chicken broth

For the Rice

• 1 cup 1 cup white rice
• 2 cup 2 cups water

For Garnish

• Fresh herbs (for garnish, optional)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a slow cooker, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and coat well with the marinade.
3. Pour in the chicken broth.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
2. About 30 minutes before serving, add the rice and water to the slow cooker, stirring to combine.
3. Continue to cook until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through.

Serving

1. Serve the chicken over the rice, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

This dish can be customized with different herbs, vegetables, or grains. It stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.