This slow cooker lemon herb chicken is a breeze to make! With juicy chicken cooked in a zesty lemon sauce and blended with creamy rice, it’s a cozy dish your whole family will love.
Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it! I love having dinner ready when I walk in the door. And honestly, who can resist that creamy rice? It’s like a hug on a plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can use chicken thighs instead; they’ll add a richer flavor and remain juicy.
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this dish. If you want a healthier alternative, try brown rice but adjust the cooking time, as it takes longer to cook than white rice.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich and creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk for creaminess without the heaviness.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice is key for brightness. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will work, but fresh is always tastier. I like using lemon zest for extra flavor, but you can skip it if you don’t have a zester.
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken Is Juicy and Flavorsome?
To keep your chicken moist and flavorful, seasoning is key. Make sure to season it generously with salt, pepper, and herbs before cooking. You can sear it in olive oil before adding to the slow cooker, but it’s optional. Searing adds a nice layer of flavor and helps keep moisture locked in.
- Season the chicken well before cooking. Use your favorite herbs as flavor boosters.
- If you choose to sear it first, do so over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until browned.
- Don’t stir the rice and chicken together before cooking; this allows the rice to absorb all those delicious juices.
By following these tips, your chicken will turn out tender and full of flavor, making this dish a family favorite!
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Creamy Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
For the Flavor:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (crushed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take you about 10 minutes of preparation time, with a cooking time of 2-4 hours depending on whether you set your slow cooker to HIGH or LOW. It’s a great way to have a hearty dinner ready without spending too much active cooking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts all over with salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and lemon zest. This will give the chicken a lovely flavor as it cooks!
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional):
If you have a few extra minutes, heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear each chicken breast for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned. This adds extra flavor but isn’t necessary if you’re short on time.
3. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker:
Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
4. Add the Rice:
Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over and around the chicken in the slow cooker. Avoid stirring! The rice will cook perfectly in the flavorful juices below it.
5. Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2-2.5 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked, and the rice should be creamy and delicious.
6. Finish and Serve:
Once cooking is complete, gently stir the rice and creamy sauce together to combine. Taste it and add extra salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch!
7. Serve:
Dish up the chicken breasts on a bed of the creamy rice and enjoy the delightful flavors at your dinner table!
This recipe creates a comforting, lemony chicken with creamy rice, perfect for a warm, family-friendly weeknight dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking. Thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water until thawed.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and the creamy mixture in advance. Just store everything in the slow cooker insert in the fridge overnight and then cook it the next day. It’s a great way to save time on a busy day!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if the rice has thickened too much.
What Can I Serve with Lemon Herb Chicken?
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with steamed vegetables, a simple green salad, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce!
