Welcome to a delightful mealtime experience with Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice! This cozy dish is perfect for busy days when you want minimal hassle but maximum flavor. Put your slow cooker to work while you enjoy your day, and come home to a warm, aromatic meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice:
- Bursting with fresh lemon flavor, this dish is bright and refreshing.
- Perfectly tender chicken that practically falls apart with a fork.
- A one-pot meal that simplifies cleanup and cooking time.
- Family-friendly and great for meal prepping throughout the week.
- Hearty and filling, making it a complete dinner solution.
Ingredients Needed:
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Grains:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Liquid:
- 2 cups chicken broth
Produce:
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Fats:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a slow cooker, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and coat them well with the mixture.
- Pour the rice and chicken broth over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and serve the chicken on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Pair this delicious chicken and rice dish with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables for a delightful, well-rounded meal. A glass of chilled lemonade can elevate your dining experience, bringing that extra zest to your table!
Tips for Success with Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon mixture for a few hours before cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; feel free to add other herbs like basil or oregano.
- Ensure that the rice is covered by the liquid for even cooking.
- Use organic chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently in the microwave.
Variations
- Swap the chicken for boneless pork chops for a different protein option.
- Use quinoa instead of rice for a healthy twist.
- Add your favorite vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers to the slow cooker for extra nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but remember that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time. Increase cooking time by about an hour if using brown rice.
What should I do if the rice isn’t cooked properly?
If the rice is undercooked, add a little more broth or water and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Liquid
- 2 cups chicken broth Use organic for richer flavor.
Produce
- 1 piece lemon, juiced and zested
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a slow cooker, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and coat them well with the mixture.
- Pour the rice and chicken broth over the chicken.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and serve the chicken on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
