This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish that’s super easy to make. You toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do its magic while filling your home with delicious aromas!
Who knew just chicken, rice, and lemon could taste so good together? I love coming home to a warm meal, ready to eat. Perfect with a side of veggies for a complete dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for their juicy texture and flavor. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or even chicken breasts, just remember they might cook a bit faster.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this dish as it cooks nicely and absorbs flavors well. If you don’t have it, you can swap in jasmine rice or even brown rice, though brown rice may need a longer cooking time.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought works just fine! If you’re watching sodium, opt for low-sodium broth. Vegetable broth can also be used for a lighter protein option.
Herbs: Fresh thyme is fantastic here, but if you only have dried thyme, just reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated. You could also explore dill or oregano for a different flavor twist.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Searing Chicken Thighs?
Searing adds flavor and texture, making your chicken extra delicious. Here’s how to get that perfect sear:
- Heat the oil until it’s shimmering before adding the chicken to ensure a good sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; give each piece space for even cooking.
- Once the chicken hits the pan, resist moving it around. Let it sit to form that golden crust, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Following these steps will help lock in moisture and infuse great flavor into your slow cooker dish!
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Rice:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal requires about 15 minutes for preparation and about 4-5 hours of cooking time in the slow cooker. You’ll spend a bit of time searing the chicken and sautéing the onions and garlic before letting everything simmer together wonderfully. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then carefully place them in the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re nice and golden brown. Once they’re cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and fragrant. This step will add a lovely flavor to your dish!
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Grab your slow cooker and spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. Pour in the chicken broth and add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture on top of the rice. This mix will create a flavorful base for the chicken to cook in.
4. Layer the Chicken:
Now, place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture in the slow cooker. Don’t forget to add those lemon slices and sprinkle the fresh thyme over everything. All these ingredients will come together perfectly during cooking!
5. Cook It Low and Slow:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. As the meal cooks, your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve the chicken and rice warm, and make sure to spoon some of that rich broth over the rice for extra flavor. Enjoy your delightful Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, they can be used in this recipe. However, reduce the cooking time to about 3-4 hours on low, as boneless chicken cooks quicker than bone-in.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Herbs?
If you don’t have fresh thyme or parsley, dried herbs are a great substitute. For thyme, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for every tablespoon of fresh. Dried parsley can be used as well, but add it towards the end of cooking for the best flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers. Just chop them into small pieces and add them to the slow cooker along with the rice and broth for added flavor and nutrition!
