Description
A comforting and flavorful slow cooker meal made with tender chicken, aromatic herbs, lemon, and fluffy rice. Perfect for a hands-off dinner that’s both hearty and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, peas, carrots, spinach
Instructions
- (Optional) Marinate the chicken with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, thyme, and rosemary for at least 30 minutes.
- In a skillet, lightly sauté diced onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant (about 3 minutes).
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, layer the marinated chicken at the bottom.
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic on top of the chicken, followed by uncooked rice, remaining lemon juice and zest, herbs, salt, pepper, and chicken broth.
- Gently stir to combine the ingredients.
- Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) and rice is tender.
- Optional: Add peas, spinach, or other vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional lemon zest if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs and remove bones before serving. Brown the chicken before adding to the slow cooker for a deeper flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating if desired)
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (LOW) or 4–5 hours (HIGH)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-inspired