Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious, you’ve got to try my slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice! Seriously, this meal is a game changer. Imagine tender, juicy chicken melded with perfectly cooked rice, all infused with the bright, zesty flavors of lemon and fresh herbs. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Plus, the best part? You just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do all the work while you kick back and relax. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients List

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 lemon, juiced and zested for that bright flavor
2 cloves garlic, minced for a savory kick
1 teaspoon dried thyme to add a lovely herbaceous note
1 teaspoon dried rosemary for that aromatic touch
Salt and pepper to taste, because seasoning is key!

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, grab your slow cooker and place the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom. Make sure they’re laying flat, so they cook evenly.
Next, sprinkle in 1 cup of uncooked rice. This will soak up all those delicious flavors as it cooks!
Now, pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. This is super important because it keeps everything juicy and flavorful.
It’s time to add the star ingredients! Squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and toss in the lemon zest for an extra zing. Then, sprinkle in those 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Oh, the aroma already! Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste.
Using a spoon, gently stir everything together until well combined. You want all those flavors to mingle beautifully!
Now, cover your slow cooker with its lid. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it to cook on high for 3-4 hours. But if you can wait, go for the low setting and let it cook for 6-8 hours. Trust me, the longer, the better!
Once the cooking time is up, take the lid off and check that chicken. It should be tender and easy to shred! Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot and mix it back into the rice. This is where all the magic happens!
Give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it warm and enjoy this comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a little heads-up! The nutritional information provided for this slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I do my best to give you an accurate estimate, keep in mind that these numbers are just a guideline and not set in stone. Always feel free to adjust based on your own cooking habits and ingredient choices!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure you nail this slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice! Here are my top tips to elevate your dish and make it truly unforgettable:

Seasoning is everything: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper! Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. A little extra lemon juice can brighten everything up, too!
Add veggies: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Toss in some frozen peas or chopped carrots right before serving. They’ll warm up beautifully and add a nice pop of color!
Swap the herbs: If you’re not a fan of thyme or rosemary, try using Italian seasoning or even fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Each brings its own unique flavor to the dish!
Use brown rice: Want a heartier version? Swap regular white rice for brown rice. Just remember, you’ll need to increase the cooking time a bit—about 7-8 hours on low should do the trick.
Chicken thighs for more flavor: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute. They’ll add more moisture and rich flavor to the dish!
Don’t skip the zest: Seriously, the lemon zest is magic in this recipe! It adds a fragrant, zesty kick that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Leftover magic: If you have leftovers, they’re even better the next day! Just store them in an airtight container, and you can enjoy this comforting meal all over again.

With these tips, you’re all set to create a delicious slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! Happy cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work for you!
Flavorful Results: The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken creates a mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and wholesome rice, it’s a nutritious meal that’s still satisfying and delicious.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze—just rinse and go!
Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is fantastic for leftovers, making it a great option for busy weekdays or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or switch up the herbs to make it your own!
Family-Friendly: This dish is a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Variations

One of the things I absolutely love about this slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice is how versatile it is! You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

Add Veggies: Toss in some frozen peas, chopped carrots, or even diced bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious boost. They’ll cook up perfectly and add a nice crunch!
Change Up the Herbs: If you’re feeling adventurous, switch out the dried thyme and rosemary for fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil. Fresh herbs can really elevate the flavors!
Spicy Kick: Want to turn up the heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the mix. It’ll give your dish a fun twist!
Citrus Twist: Experiment with other citrus fruits! Try adding the juice and zest of an orange or lime along with the lemon for a zesty flavor explosion.
Different Grains: Swap out the rice for quinoa or couscous for a different texture and taste. These grains will soak up all that delicious broth just like rice!
Herb-Infused Broth: Use a homemade or store-bought herb-infused broth instead of regular chicken broth for an extra layer of flavor. It’s a simple change that makes a big difference!
Cheesy Goodness: For a creamy twist, stir in some shredded cheese like parmesan or mozzarella right before serving. It’ll melt into the rice and create a delightful cheesy layer!

With these variations, you can make this dish your own and keep it exciting every time you whip it up. Enjoy the creativity and have fun experimenting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made this mouthwatering slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice, and now you’ve got some leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store them properly and reheat them so they taste just as delicious as when they were first made.

First off, let the dish cool completely before storing it. Once it’s cooled, transfer the chicken and rice into an airtight container. This is super important because it keeps the flavors locked in and prevents any drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days—just make sure to label it, so you remember when you made it!

When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, you can reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water to a saucepan and heat over low, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. This will help bring back that moisture and flavor!

If you prefer the microwave, pop a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel (this helps keep it from drying out!), and heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. If it feels a bit dry, just add a tiny bit of broth or water before heating.

And there you have it! Enjoying your slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice as leftovers is just as satisfying, and with these storage and reheating tips, you won’t lose any of that delicious flavor or texture. Happy eating!

FAQ Section

Got questions about my slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my friendly answers:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Just pop those frozen chicken breasts right into the slow cooker. You might need to add an extra hour to the cooking time, but it’ll turn out just as delicious!

What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries at all! You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. Just keep in mind that chicken broth adds a wonderful depth of flavor, so if you can, try to use it!

How do I adjust the cooking time for different rice?
Great question! If you’re using brown rice instead of white, you’ll want to increase the cooking time to about 7-8 hours on low. Brown rice takes longer to cook, but it’s worth it for the texture and nutrition!

Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Just remember to add denser veggies like carrots or bell peppers early on, so they have time to cook through. Leafy greens can be added in the last 30 minutes for a quick wilt.

What should I serve with this dish?
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, a simple side salad or some steamed broccoli would be perfect. It balances the flavors nicely!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and let it work its magic!

What if I want a creamier texture?
If you’re craving a creamier dish, try stirring in a splash of cream or some cream cheese just before serving. It’ll add a luscious richness to the whole meal!

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, absolutely! Just let your leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!

Hope this helps clear up any questions you might have! Enjoy making this cozy dish, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you think of anything else!

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: 7 Comforting Steps

Print Recipe

A delicious slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken and flavorful rice infused with lemon and herbs.

Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken breasts
1 cup rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 lemon, juiced and zested
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Add rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Stir to combine all ingredients.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Once cooked, shred the chicken and mix it back into the rice.
Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Can add vegetables like peas or carrots for more nutrition.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Author: Juanita A. Smith
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice