Description

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and easy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are cooked atop a bed of perfectly seasoned rice in a slow cooker, infused with bright lemon, savory herbs, and garlic. Finished with sweet peas and fresh parsley garnish, this gluten-free dish provides a comforting and nutritious dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Rice and Broth

1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

Finishing Touches

1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Rice: Place the uncooked long grain white rice in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and stir to evenly distribute the rice, ensuring even cooking throughout.
Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until thoroughly mixed to create a flavorful marinade.
Season the Chicken: Rub the lemon herb seasoning evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts to coat them well, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Layer the Chicken: Lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in the slow cooker, making sure they are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and fluffy.
Add Peas: About 15 minutes before the cooking time is complete, gently stir in the frozen peas into the rice and chicken mixture, then re-cover to allow them to heat through.
Finish and Serve: Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Serve each chicken breast over the rice and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

For added depth of flavor, sear the chicken breasts briefly in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker.
You may substitute chicken thighs for breasts, but be sure to monitor and adjust cooking time accordingly.
For a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream just before serving.