LEMON HERB CHICKEN PERFECTION

Tired of bland weeknight dinners that leave you feeling uninspired? Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of bright, lemony herbs mingling with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice. This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is your ticket to a stress-free, flavor-packed meal that the whole family will adore. Get ready to say hello to your new favorite crockpot creation!

Gathering Your Zesty Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

For the Lemon Herb Chicken:

• 2-3 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs are juicier, but breasts work well too!
• 1 Lemon: You’ll use both the zest and the juice.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For a little richness.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Minced for maximum flavor.
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs: Chopped (Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley, or a blend). Fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch (use 1 tablespoon).
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Adds a lovely depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: To enhance all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground is always best.
• 1 cup Chicken Broth: Low sodium is preferred, so you can control the salt.

For the Creamy Rice:

• 1 cup Long Grain Rice: Rinse it well before adding to remove excess starch.
• ½ cup Heavy Cream: Adds a touch of richness and creaminess. (Optional, but highly recommended!)
• ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: For that salty, cheesy goodness.

Step-by-Step to Slow Cooker Bliss

Now for the fun part! Let’s get this delicious meal cooking. Trust me, it’s easier than you think.

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh herbs, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This is your flavor powerhouse!
2. Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the lemon herb mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
3. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken.

Slow Cooking the Chicken:

1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable with a fork.

Cooking the Rice and Finishing Touches:

1. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
2. Add the rinsed rice to the slow cooker with the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
3. Cover and cook on high for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Keep a close eye on it to prevent sticking.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken, heavy cream (if using), and Parmesan cheese.
5. Cover and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve and enjoy this flavor explosion!

The Secret Sauce: Why This Recipe Works

This isn’t just another slow cooker recipe; it’s a carefully crafted symphony of flavors. The bright lemon zest and juice cut through the richness of the chicken, while the herbs add a fragrant, earthy note. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken is incredibly tender and moist, and the creamy rice ties everything together in a comforting embrace. It’s a one-pot wonder that delivers big on taste!

Herb Your Enthusiasm: Choosing the Right Herbs

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Feel free to experiment with different herbs to create your own signature flavor profile. Rosemary and thyme add a woodsy, savory note, while parsley and chives bring a fresh, vibrant touch. You could even add a pinch of dried red pepper flakes for a little heat. Don’t be afraid to get creative and use what you have on hand!

Rice to the Occasion: Tips for Perfect Rice

Nobody wants mushy or undercooked rice! Here are a few tips to ensure your rice turns out perfectly every time.

• Rinse, Rinse, Rinse: Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch, which prevents it from becoming sticky.
• Liquid Ratio is Key: Using the correct amount of liquid is crucial for perfectly cooked rice. Follow the recipe precisely.
• Resist the Urge to Stir: Stirring the rice while it’s cooking releases starch, which can make it sticky. Leave it alone and let it do its thing!
• Check for Doneness: Start checking the rice for doneness after 30 minutes. It should be tender and the liquid should be absorbed.
• Fluff with a Fork: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains.

Slow Cooker Savvy: Mastering the Art of Slow Cooking

Slow cookers are a busy cook’s best friend, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure success.

• Don’t Overfill: Overfilling the slow cooker can prevent the food from cooking evenly.
• Keep the Lid On: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and can increase the cooking time.
• Adjust Cooking Times: Slow cookers can vary in temperature, so adjust the cooking times accordingly.
• Thicken Sauces if Needed: If the sauce is too thin at the end of cooking, you can thicken it by whisking in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water.

Variations on a Theme: Customizing Your Chicken and Rice

Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms along with the chicken for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Make it Cheesy: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese along with the Parmesan for an extra cheesy dish.
• Use Different Proteins: Try using turkey breast or pork tenderloin instead of chicken.
• Creamy Coconut Version: Substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream for a tropical twist.

Serving Suggestions: Completing the Meal

This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be a perfect complement.

What to do with Leftovers: Repurposing Your Delicious Creation

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they can be easily repurposed into a variety of dishes. You can use them to make chicken salad sandwiches, chicken quesadillas, or chicken pot pie. You can even add them to a soup or stew for extra flavor and protein.

Slow Cooker Safety: Keeping it Food-Safe

Food safety is paramount when using a slow cooker. Always ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken. Don’t leave cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours.

Craving More Crockpot Goodness?

If you are a fan of easy, dump-and-forget dinners, you HAVE to try some of my other favorites. If you are looking for an incredibly rich and decadent dish, then CROCKPOT MARRY ME CHICKEN will blow your mind! Or maybe you are looking for something a little more familiar, then the ULTIMATE CREAMY CHICKEN AND RICE is the recipe for you. If you’re in the mood for Italian, check out CROCK POT CHICKEN PICCATA!. For a sweet and savory combination, I highly recommend Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken. Looking for a simple and classic comfort food? Then you should try Crock Pot Chicken & Rice. If you want a complete meal in one pot, Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes is a great choice!

Final Thoughts: Your Slow Cooker Success Story

This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to delicious, stress-free dinners. With its bright, zesty flavors and tender, juicy chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will impress everyone at the table!

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This slow cooker recipe delivers a flavorful and tender Lemon Herb Chicken served over creamy Parmesan rice. It’s an easy, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. The bright lemon and herbs complement the richness of the chicken and the comforting creaminess of the rice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Lemon zester
• Garlic mincer (optional)
• Ladle or serving spoon

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, or a blend
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup long grain rice
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh herbs, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
• Pour the lemon herb mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
• Pour the chicken broth around the chicken.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable with a fork.
• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
• Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
• Add the rinsed rice to the slow cooker with the chicken broth and shredded chicken. Stir gently to combine.
• Cover and cook on high for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Keep a close eye on it to prevent sticking.
• Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and Parmesan cheese.
• Cover and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

For best results, use fresh herbs. If using dried herbs, reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon total. Rinsing the rice is essential to prevent it from becoming sticky. Adjust the amount of chicken broth depending on your slow cooker and the type of rice used. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until heated through or warm gently in a saucepan over low heat.