Lemon Herb Chicken With Rice (Print View)
Juicy herb-seasoned chicken slow-cooked with citrus, served over fluffy rice for a satisfying comfort meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Chicken
01 - 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
06 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
07 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
11 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
12 - 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
→ For the Fluffy Rice
14 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
15 - 1 3/4 cups water or chicken broth
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
17 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
# Method:
01 - Rub chicken thighs evenly with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried basil, coating all surfaces.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
03 - Transfer browned chicken to the slow cooker. Scatter minced garlic, chopped onion, lemon zest, and lemon juice over the top.
04 - Pour chicken broth and honey (if using) into the slow cooker around the chicken.
05 - Cover and cook on high setting for 4 hours or on low setting for 7 hours until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and is tender.
06 - Thirty minutes before chicken finishes, combine rinsed rice, water or broth, salt, and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Remove from heat, keep covered, and let stand for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
07 - Plate fluffy rice and top with chicken thighs. Spoon cooking juices from the slow cooker over the chicken and rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
# Insider Tips:
01 -
- Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day
- The lemon and herbs create a bright savory sauce that tastes like you spent hours
02 -
- Skip the browning step if you are rushed but you will miss that deep savory layer
- The honey is not just for sweetness it tames the lemon so nothing tastes too sharp
03 -
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning for the best sear
- Use a microplane for the lemon zest to avoid bitter white pith