This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish that’s super easy to make. The chicken gets so tender while soaking in lemony goodness and tasty herbs!
It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love coming home to the yummy smell filling the kitchen. Just toss everything in and relax—dinner is ready when you are!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs add richness and flavor. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use skinless chicken breasts, but they may need less cooking time.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal for this dish. If you’re out of long-grain, you can use jasmine or basmati, but check cooking times, as they may vary slightly.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is great to control salt. Feel free to substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or homemade broth if you have it on hand.
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary are classic choices here. If you’re out of dried herbs, fresh herbs work just as well; just double the amount since they are less concentrated.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. If you don’t have lemons, a splash of vinegar can provide acidity, but the flavor will be different.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Tender and Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker helps achieve tenderness. To ensure your chicken is juicy, follow a few key steps:
- Season the chicken thoroughly to maximize flavor.
- Layer the onions and garlic at the bottom for a nice flavor base and to keep the chicken from sticking.
- Cook on low for the best texture, but if you’re short on time, the high setting works too.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Removing the chicken before fluffing the rice allows you to stir without breaking up the meat, keeping everything intact for a beautiful presentation.
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Rice and Broth:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Lemon slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll need to cook it in the slow cooker for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. In total, you can expect to have your tasty Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice ready in about 6 to 8 hours, including cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Use your hands to rub the spices all over the chicken so that the flavors really soak in.
2. Preparing the Slow Cooker:
Grab your slow cooker and layer the chopped onion and minced garlic at the bottom. This will add a nice flavor to the chicken and rice as they cook!
3. Adding the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic layer. Make sure they are nicely arranged to fit in your slow cooker.
4. Mixing the Broth:
In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. This mixture is going to make your dish super flavorful. Once mixed, pour it carefully over the chicken in the slow cooker.
5. Adding the Rice:
Now, it’s time for the rice! Add the long-grain white rice around the chicken, making sure it is submerged in the delicious broth you just poured. This will allow the rice to absorb all those yummy flavors as it cooks.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and choose your cooking time. Set it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When done, the chicken should be fully cooked and tender, and your rice will be perfectly fluffy!
7. Final Touches:
Once it’s done cooking, carefully remove the chicken thighs. Use a fork to fluff the rice, mixing it gently. This will make sure the rice is nice and light.
8. Serving:
Serve the chicken over the fluffy rice and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and lemon slices for that extra pop of flavor and a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs can be used for this recipe but adjust the cooking time. Cook on low for about 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, as boneless chicken cooks faster than bone-in.
What Can I Substitute for Rice?
If you’re looking for a rice substitute, quinoa works great! Use 1 cup of quinoa and increase the chicken broth to 2.5 cups since quinoa tends to absorb more liquid. Make sure to rinse the quinoa before cooking for a fluffier texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it, but adding a splash of broth will help revive the rice and keep it from drying out!
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and rice! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It should last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to ensure even heating.
