Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice is a dish that combines the bright, zesty flavors of lemon with the comforting heartiness of slow-cooked chicken and perfectly fluffy rice. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a meal that almost cooks itself. I discovered this dish on a particularly hectic evening, and it quickly became a family favorite due to its simplicity and satisfying flavors. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on other things while it works its magic.

What Makes This Recipe Special

You might ask yourself, “Why this dish?” The answer lies in its remarkable balance of flavors and convenience. It’s a one-pot meal that is budget-friendly, incredibly flavorful, and even kid-approved! Perfect for a busy weeknight, this dish requires minimal prep but delivers maximum satisfaction. The slow cooking infuses each chicken breast with tangy lemon, fresh herbs, and savory garlic, making every bite a delight. Plus, who can resist the allure of fluffy rice soaked in all that delicious roasting liquid?

“I made this for dinner last night, and my family couldn’t stop raving about how tender the chicken was! The flavors were just perfect!”

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice is as straightforward as it gets. First, you’ll combine your ingredients in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. While the chicken cooks, you prepare your rice separately to ensure it’s fluffy and delicious. The whole process is simple and family-friendly, making it a great choice for cooking novices and seasoned chefs alike.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth (use low-sodium for healthier options)
• 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups rice (white or brown, based on preference)
• 4 cups water or additional chicken broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish

*You can easily substitute fresh herbs with their dried counterparts if that’s what you have on hand.

New Ebook

🍰 30 Easy No-Bake Desserts

A delicious collection of no-bake treats you can make anytime, including:

• ✨ Chocolate lovers’ dreams – fudgy bars, truffles & mousse
• 🍓 Fruity delights – creamy parfaits, lemon & mango desserts
• 🥜 Nutty & indulgent – peanut butter & pistachio bites
• 🍋 Citrus & refreshing – lemon, orange creamsicle & key lime
• 🍪 Classic favorites – icebox cakes & cookie dough cups

👉 Get the Ebook

Instant digital download • Secure checkout via Gumroad

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In your slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, chicken broth, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Set your slow cooker on low and cook for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. About 30 minutes before the chicken is finished, rinse and drain the rice. In a separate pot, bring water or additional chicken broth to a boil.
4. Add the rice to the boiling liquid, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15-18 minutes until the rice is fluffy.
5. Serve the flavorful chicken over the freshly made rice and garnish with fresh parsley.

What to Serve It With

When it comes to serving your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice, the options are endless. Pair it with a simple side salad with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or carrots, can also complement the dish beautifully. If you’re looking to elevate your meal further, slice up some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that incredibly flavored cooking liquid.

Best Way to Store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing this dish is straightforward. Allow the chicken and rice to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze the chicken and rice separately for up to 3 months. Be sure to label your containers with the date for easy tracking. When reheating, make sure it’s heated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Pro Chef Tips

To take your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken to the next level, consider searing the chicken breasts in a hot skillet with a bit of oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This addition will give your chicken a delicious caramelization that adds depth to its flavor. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different herbs or even add in some vegetables like bell peppers or onions for a twist on this classic dish.

Creative Twists

Looking to switch things up? You can try using different citrus fruits like lime or orange for a unique flavor profile. Adding a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can also introduce a bit of heat that pairs wonderfully with the herbaceous flavors. For those who are following dietary restrictions, swapping the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice can make this dish gluten-free and lower in carbs.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

Preparing the ingredients takes about 15-20 minutes, and the slow cooker does the rest, typically cooking for 6-8 hours.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, frozen chicken can be placed directly into the slow cooker; however, ensure they cook for a longer duration to reach a safe internal temperature.

How can I ensure the chicken stays moist?

Avoid overcooking the chicken by adhering to cooking times and ensuring it remains submerged in the broth throughout the cooking process.

By making Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice, you’ll have a dish that’s not only delicious but also embodies comfort and ease, perfect for any occasion!

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice

---

• Total Time: 440 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A family-friendly one-pot meal that combines lemony flavors, tender slow-cooked chicken, and fluffy rice, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups rice (white or brown)
• 4 cups water or additional chicken broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish

---

Instructions

1. In your slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, chicken broth, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Set your slow cooker on low and cook for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. About 30 minutes before the chicken is finished, rinse and drain the rice. In a separate pot, bring water or additional chicken broth to a boil.
4. Add the rice to the boiling liquid, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 15-18 minutes until the rice is fluffy.
5. Serve the flavorful chicken over the freshly made rice and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For added flavor, consider searing the chicken before slow cooking. You can substitute fresh herbs for dried if needed.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 420 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, rice, lemon, herb, weeknight dinner, family meal