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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 lemon, zest and juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup frozen peas The magic of this dish lies in the blend of fresh and simple ingredients. The chicken breast is lean and perfect for slow cooking. The long-grain white rice absorbs all the flavors, making it fluffy and tasty. Chicken broth adds depth to the dish. Aromatics like onion and garlic create a warm base. Fresh herbs, such as thyme and parsley, boost the flavor. Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, giving it a fresh taste. Using olive oil for searing the chicken adds a nice touch. And don't forget the frozen peas! They add color and a slight sweetness. Together, these ingredients create a delightful meal that is easy to make. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I sear the chicken breasts. I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, I add the chicken. I let it cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. This step gives the chicken a nice golden color and adds flavor. If you are short on time, you can skip this step, but I recommend it for taste. Next, I prepare the slow cooker. I start by adding diced onion and minced garlic. Then, I sprinkle long-grain white rice evenly on top. This layer creates a good base for the dish. After that, I season the chicken. I use salt, black pepper, paprika, lemon zest, and fresh thyme. I place the seasoned chicken breasts right on top of the rice. Now I add the liquids. I pour in chicken broth and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and rice. This step adds moisture and flavor. Then, I cover the slow cooker. I set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking makes the chicken tender and allows the flavors to blend. In the last 30 minutes, I add frozen peas without lifting the lid. This keeps the peas bright and fresh. After the cooking time ends, I shred the chicken slightly. I mix it into the rice and serve. If I want to, I can sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a nice touch. Benefits of searing Searing the chicken gives it a nice color and deeper flavor. It also helps keep the juices inside. If you have the time, don’t skip this step. It only takes about 3-4 minutes on each side. How to adjust cooking times based on slow cooker model Every slow cooker cooks a bit differently. If yours runs hot, check the chicken after 5 hours on low. For cooler cookers, you may need the full 7 hours. Always adjust based on your own appliance for best results. Herbs and spices for extra kick Using fresh herbs like thyme and parsley boosts flavor. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. You can also try rosemary or oregano for a different twist. Adjusting lemon levels for preferred tanginess If you love lemon, add extra zest or juice. For a milder taste, use less lemon. Start with the juice of half a lemon, then taste and add more if needed. Serving suggestions for visual appeal Serve the chicken and rice in shallow bowls. This makes it easy to see all the colors. Add a few lemon slices on top for a bright touch. Garnishing options Sprinkle some extra parsley on top before serving. You can also add a few whole peas for a pop of green. This makes the dish look fresh and inviting. Pro Tips Sear for Flavor: Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and creates a delicious crust, but if you're short on time, you can skip this step. Layering is Key: Ensure the rice is evenly spread at the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent it from clumping or burning during cooking. Don't Lift the Lid: Avoid opening the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes when adding peas. Keeping the lid closed helps maintain steam and ensures the peas stay vibrant and tender. Garnish for Appeal: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon slices not only adds color but also enhances the dish's fresh flavor profile before serving. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Turkey is a great choice. It has a similar taste and texture. Just keep the cooking time the same. Fish can also work well. Use firm fish like cod or salmon. Cook it for less time to keep it tender. This keeps the dish light and fresh. If you want to try different grains, quinoa is a fantastic option. It cooks well in the slow cooker and adds protein. Brown rice is another choice. It has a nutty flavor and more fiber. Just remember, both grains may need more liquid. Adjust the broth to ensure perfect cooking. Changing the herbs can make a big difference in flavor. You can try basil or rosemary for a different taste. Adding citrus fruits like lime or orange juice can also brighten the dish. These small tweaks can create new and exciting flavor profiles. Feel free to mix and match until you find your favorite combination. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop. Heat it gently to avoid drying out. Stir in a bit of broth to keep it moist. For freezing, let the dish cool completely. Use a freezer-safe container for best results. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on low heat on the stove, stirring often. This keeps the rice and chicken nice and tender. Yes, you can cook this dish on high heat. If you choose this method, reduce the cooking time. Cook it for about 3 to 4 hours. This change will speed up the process, but check to ensure everything cooks evenly. If you don't have chicken broth, use vegetable broth. Water with added herbs also works well. You can use white wine for a richer flavor. These options will keep your dish tasty and full of life. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. You can also check the chicken visually. It should look opaque and easy to shred. This ensures it is safe and fully cooked. In this blog post, I shared how to create a tasty slow-cooked chicken dish. I covered key ingredients like chicken, rice, and broth, along with aromatics for flavor. I detailed simple steps for preparation and cooking, plus essential tips to improve taste and presentation. You can even try variations with different proteins and grains. By following these guidelines, you’ll enjoy a flavorful meal that’s easy to store and reheat. Remember, cooking is about experimenting and making it your own!

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice

A flavorful and easy slow cooker dish featuring chicken breasts, rice, and a zesty lemon herb sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 piece lemon, zest and juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they're golden brown. This step adds flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
  • In the slow cooker, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and long-grain white rice, ensuring an even layer.
  • Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, lemon zest, and thyme. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice.
  • Pour chicken broth and the lemon juice over the chicken and rice.
  • Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the slow cooker without lifting the lid.
  • Once cooked, shred the chicken slightly, mixing it into the rice. If desired, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken and rice in shallow bowls, garnished with additional lemon slices and fresh parsley for a bright and appealing look.
Keyword chicken, herb, lemon, rice, slow cooker