Description
This Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a zesty lemon and herb broth, combined with leeks and garlic. The slow cooker ensures the chicken remains juicy while infusing the rice with savory, bright flavors, perfect for an easy, hands-off meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup diced leeks
- 1 Tbsp. garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trim any excess fat and discard)
- 3 Tbsp. salted butter, sliced
- 2 cups uncooked Minute Brand rice (do not use regular rice, it won't turn out)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, diced leeks, chopped garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add the chicken: Place the trimmed boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the mixture within the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the broth and herbs.
- Top with butter: Lay the sliced salted butter evenly over the chicken thighs to add richness and flavor during cooking.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW setting for 6 hours. Avoid opening the lid during this time to maintain steady cooking and heat.
- Add the rice: After 6 hours, stir in the 2 cups of uncooked Minute Brand rice into the slow cooker carefully to mix it into the juices and chicken.
- Finish cooking: Cover the lid again and cook on LOW for an additional 25 minutes, allowing the rice to fully absorb the flavors and cook through.
- Serve: Once done, serve the lemon pepper chicken and rice hot. Enjoy this flavorful and easy slow-cooked meal!
Notes
- Use Minute Brand rice as specified because regular rice does not yield the same texture or results in this recipe.
- Do not open the slow cooker lid during the initial 6-hour cooking period to ensure proper cooking and moisture retention.
- Extra lemon juice can be added at serving time if a stronger lemon flavor is desired.
- Chicken thighs are recommended for tenderness and flavor but can be substituted with chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Trim excess fat off the chicken thighs to reduce greasiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
