Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken served with rice in a bowl

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice

by
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

why make this recipe

This slow cooker lemon herb chicken with rice is easy and mild. It gives soft chicken, bright lemon flavor, and warm rice. If you like simple chicken soups and brothy meals, try this chicken pho-style noodle soup for another easy dinner idea.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

introduction

This recipe uses a slow cooker and few ingredients. You set it and forget it. The chicken soaks up lemon, olive oil, and herbs. The rice makes the meal filling. If you want a different braised chicken idea, see this cider-braised chicken with caramelized onions for more flavor ideas.

how to make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice

  1. Put chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker and stir.
  2. Add the chicken breasts and turn them to coat with the mix.
  3. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Cook until chicken is tender and done.
  4. About 30 minutes before you serve, cook the rice as the package says. Use jasmine or basmati for best texture.
  5. Serve the chicken over the rice and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Ingredients :

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups jasmine or basmati rice
  • 4 cups water
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions :

  1. In a slow cooker, mix chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add chicken breasts and coat them in the mixture.
  3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  4. About 30 minutes before serving, prepare rice according to the package instructions.
  5. Once the chicken is done, serve over fluffy rice and garnish with chopped parsley.

how to serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice

Serve the chicken hot over the rice. Spoon some cooking juices over the rice for extra flavor. Add a green side or simple salad. For a crisp side, try these crispy herbed sweet potatoes.

how to store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice

Cool the chicken and rice to room temperature within two hours. Put them in airtight containers. Store in the fridge up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. For longer storage, freeze only the chicken or both in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

tips to make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice

  • Use fresh lemon zest for a brighter taste.
  • Trim extra fat from chicken for a cleaner sauce.
  • If the sauce is thin, thicken it after cooking by simmering on the stove with a little cornstarch slurry.
  • If you want more body in the meal, stir cooked rice into some of the juices before serving.
  • For another hearty chicken and rice idea, look at this curried chicken lentil and rice soup for different spices.

variation (if any)

  • Add sliced carrots and celery to the slow cooker for more vegetables.
  • Swap thyme and rosemary for Italian seasoning or oregano for a different herb note.
  • Use bone-in chicken pieces for richer flavor; increase cook time slightly.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes. Cook time will be longer. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.

Q: Can I cook the rice in the slow cooker with the chicken?
A: This recipe cooks rice separately for best texture. You can add rice to the slow cooker near the end, but timing and liquid may change.

Q: Is this safe for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in separate containers for up to 4 days and reheat well before eating.

Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Yes, but brown rice needs more water and more cooking time. Cook it separately and adjust liquids.

Conclusion

This slow cooker lemon herb chicken with rice is simple, bright, and good for busy days. For a one-pot lemon chicken and rice idea with a similar flavor note, see One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice – Creme De La Crumb.

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice

This easy slow cooker lemon herb chicken with rice features tender chicken soaked in lemon and herbs, served over fluffy rice for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Trim extra fat for a cleaner sauce.
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 2 lemons Use fresh lemon for brighter taste.
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme Can swap for Italian seasoning if desired.
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary Can swap for oregano if desired.
For the rice
  • 2 cups jasmine or basmati rice Cooking time will vary based on rice type.
  • 4 cups water
For garnish
  • to taste chopped parsley Sprinkle over before serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a slow cooker, mix chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add chicken breasts and coat them in the mixture.
  3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  4. About 30 minutes before serving, prepare rice according to the package instructions.
Serving
  1. Once the chicken is done, serve over fluffy rice and garnish with chopped parsley.
  2. Spoon some cooking juices over the rice for extra flavor.
  3. Consider adding a green side or simple salad.

Notes

Cool the chicken and rice to room temperature within two hours. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of water to keep the rice moist. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.