Description
This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe offers a simple yet impressive meal. Tender chicken and fragrant herbs are slow-cooked with zesty lemon over fluffy rice, creating a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the slow cooker.
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the rice evenly over the chicken.
- In a separate bowl, combine chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Pour the broth mixture evenly over the chicken and rice.
- Drizzle the olive oil on top, coating the rice.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Add frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking, if using.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) and rice is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred using two forks, and return to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add more lemon juice or zest.
- Fresh herbs provide a better flavor than dried.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free if gluten-free chicken broth is used.
- Frozen chicken breasts can be used but thaw them first for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: N/A