Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
A flavorful and easy-to-make Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe slow-cooked to tender perfection. This comforting dish combines juicy chicken breasts with aromatic herbs, fresh lemon juice, and fluffy rice, creating a wholesome meal ideal for any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 45 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Rice Mixture
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
Garnish
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly on both sides to build flavor.
- Sear the Chicken (optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped. Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker.
- Combine Rice and Broth: In a bowl, mix the uncooked long-grain white rice, chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried thyme, and dried oregano until well combined.
- Pour Mixture into Slow Cooker: Carefully pour the rice and broth mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed.
- Add Lemon Slices: Place lemon slices on top of the rice for an aromatic citrus flavor infusion during cooking.
- Set the Slow Cooker: Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Check for Doneness: About 30 minutes before serving, check the internal temperature of the chicken to confirm it has reached 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe consumption.
- Fluff the Rice: Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Serve: Either shred the chicken breasts or serve them whole atop the rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Searing the chicken is optional but enhances flavor and texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright citrus taste.
- Check liquid levels during cooking to prevent rice from drying out.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before eating.
- Adjust herbs to taste based on preference.
Keywords: lemon herb chicken, slow cooker chicken and rice, easy chicken dinner, one pot chicken recipe, lemon chicken rice
Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/lemon-herb-chicken-and-rice-recipe/
