Description
A comforting dish of tender chicken and flavorful rice enhanced with lemon and herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Build the flavor base by drizzling olive oil into your slow cooker. Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic across the bottom. As they cook slowly, they soften and release a gentle sweetness that forms the backbone of the dish.
- Add the rice and rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear. This keeps it from becoming overly starchy. Spread the rice evenly over the onion mixture and pour in the chicken broth. I always take a moment here to inhale the fresh scent—it is the beginning of something comforting.
- Season the chicken: in a small bowl, mix the oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub this herb mixture all over the chicken breasts. Place them directly on top of the rice. As the chicken cooks, its juices will drip down and infuse the rice with incredible flavor.
- Add the lemon brightness: sprinkle the lemon zest evenly over everything, then drizzle in the fresh lemon juice. This is what gives Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice its signature vibrant finish. The citrus gently tenderizes the chicken while balancing the savory herbs.
- Slow cook to perfection: cook on low for 4–5 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked and the rice has absorbed the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this releases heat and can affect the rice texture.
- Fluff and finish: remove the chicken and fluff the rice with a fork. Slice or shred the chicken, then return it to the pot. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illness.
- Feel free to customize the herbs used based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg