Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting, flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts cooked low and slow alongside fragrant rice infused with zesty lemon juice, dried herbs, and savory spices create a deliciously balanced dish with minimal effort. Garnished with fresh lemon slices and parsley, this wholesome meal is both easy and impressive.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Rice Mixture
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
Garnish
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Sear the Chicken (optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each chicken breast for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. This step locks in flavor and adds depth but can be skipped if short on time. Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker.
- Combine Rice and Broth: In a mixing bowl, stir together the uncooked rice, chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, dried thyme, and dried oregano until well combined.
- Pour Mixture into Slow Cooker: Carefully pour the rice and broth mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring the rice is submerged to cook properly.
- Add Lemon Slices: Arrange lemon slices on top of the rice; they impart a subtle citrus aroma and brighten the dish.
- Set the Slow Cooker: Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken and rice to cook slowly and absorb all the flavors.
- Check for Doneness: About 30 minutes before serving, test the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer — it should reach 165°F to ensure safe consumption.
- Fluff the Rice: Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Season further if desired.
- Serve: Plate the chicken whole or shredded over the fluffy lemon herb rice, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Searing the chicken is optional but adds richer flavor and better color.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Make sure the rice is fully submerged in liquid to cook evenly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
- This dish can be paired nicely with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, lemon herb chicken, chicken and rice, easy dinner recipe, one pot meal, slow cooked chicken, lemon chicken recipe
