Effortless & Delicious Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice (Print Version)
How to make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice with tender chicken, tangy lemon, and aromatic herbs that makes weeknights easy and delicious.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 Hours minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Poultry
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 -
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
03 -
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
04 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
05 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Flavor Builders
07 -
2 lemons (juice and zest)
08 -
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
09 -
4 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
10 -
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
11 -
2 stalks celery, diced
→ Seasonings
12 -
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 -
½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
14 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
→ Finishing Touches
15 -
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
16 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet. Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This builds a delicious base for your meal.
02 -
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Nestle the chicken thighs on top. Sprinkle with salt, freshly ground pepper, and smoked paprika. This prepares the Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice.
03 -
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the fresh lemon juice, zest, chopped rosemary, and thyme. Stir gently to combine the flavors around the chicken. Ensure everything is submerged for even cooking.
04 -
Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be incredibly tender and easily shredded when done. This is the magic of Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice.
05 -
About 45 minutes before serving, stir in the rinsed long-grain white rice. Continue cooking until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid, ensuring a creamy texture. This completes the dish beautifully.
06 -
Gently shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker with two forks. Stir in fresh parsley and optional butter. Serve your delicious Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice warm for a comforting meal.
# Notes:
01 -
Add rinsed rice only during the final 45 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy and overcooked.
02 -
Don't skip sautéing the aromatics first; this crucial step builds a deep, flavorful base for your meal.
03 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; check for off smells before reheating.
04 -
Chicken breasts can substitute thighs, but reduce cooking time slightly to prevent them from drying out.
05 -
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge, alongside a crisp green salad or crusty bread.
06 -
For deeper flavor, sear chicken thighs before slow cooking until caramelized and savory.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker with lid
02 -
skillet
03 -
cutting board
04 -
sharp knife
05 -
vegetable peeler
06 -
lemon zester
07 -
measuring cups
08 -
measuring spoons
09 -
spatula
10 -
two forks
11 -
ladle or serving spoon
12 -
airtight containers
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 360
Total Fat: 17g
Total Carbohydrate: 24g
Protein: 25g