Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Cooking with a slow cooker is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to prepare meals. It allows you to set it and forget it while you take care of other tasks throughout the day. One dish that shines in a slow cooker is the Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice. This tasty recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs. Served over fluffy rice, it creates a delicious meal perfect for any night of the week.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to choose this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice for your next dinner. First and foremost, the slow cooker makes this dish incredibly convenient. You can prepare it in the morning, let it cook throughout the day, and come home to a warm, comforting meal. The chicken becomes tender and falls apart beautifully, infused with the fresh flavors of lemon and herbs.
This recipe is also great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and have leftovers for the next few days. The bright lemony flavor is refreshing but not overpowering, making it suitable for all ages. Plus, this dish is packed with protein thanks to the chicken and carbohydrates from the rice, giving you a balanced and fulfilling meal.
When feeding a family or a group, this recipe is ideal for serving many people. It’s simple yet flavorful, and the ingredients are easy to find, making it a reliable choice for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken
Making Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice is a straightforward process. By following these easy steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy in no time.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups white rice
- 4 cups water
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Start by laying the chicken breasts flat in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they fit comfortably without overlapping too much.Add juice and zest of the lemon to the slow cooker, ensuring no seeds are included.
Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the chicken. Use a grater to zest the lemon peel and add it to the slow cooker too. The lemon gives the chicken a bright and refreshing flavor.Sprinkle dried rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder over the chicken, along with salt and pepper to taste.
Take the dried herbs and garlic powder and sprinkle them evenly over the chicken. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. These herbs will enhance the flavor, giving the chicken a wonderful aroma.Pour chicken broth over the mixture.
Gently pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. This will help the chicken cook evenly and stay moist while infusing more flavor into the dish.Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
After everything is in the slow cooker, put the lid on and either set it to low for a longer cook time or high for a quicker meal. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will be.About 30 minutes before chicken is done, boil 4 cups of water, add 2 cups of rice, and cook according to package instructions.
When you have about 30 minutes left on the slow cooker, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a separate pot. Once boiling, add the 2 cups of rice. Follow the package instructions for the rice to ensure it cooks perfectly.Once chicken is fully cooked, shred it in the slow cooker and stir to mix with the juices.
When the chicken is done cooking, it will be tender enough to shred easily with two forks. Shred it directly in the slow cooker and stir it into the juices to soak up all the delicious flavors.Serve shredded chicken over fluffy rice and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Now it’s time to plate your meal. Serve the shredded chicken over the fluffy rice. If you like, you can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for extra color and flavor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken
When serving Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken, you can make it a complete meal by adding sides. Pair it with fresh steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrition and color. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette nods to the meal’s citrus theme.
You can also serve the chicken and rice in bowls, making it easy for family or guests to help themselves. Consider providing a bread basket with crusty rolls or garlic bread to soak up the delicious juices from the chicken. This not only enhances the meal but also makes it feel more special.
For a cozy evening, serve the dish with a glass of white wine or iced tea, making your dining experience even more enjoyable. If you have leftovers, they can be saved for lunches the next day.
How to Store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken
If you have extra lemon herb chicken, you can easily save it for later. Let the cooked chicken cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Make sure you keep the chicken and rice in separate containers if you plan to save them.
For long-term storage, you can freeze the chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and remove as much air as possible before sealing. This will help prevent freezer burn. The frozen chicken can stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken
Use chicken thighs for a more flavorful dish. While chicken breasts are lean, chicken thighs can add more flavor and become extra tender.
Marinate ahead of time. If you want to prepare your meal in advance, marinating the chicken overnight in lemon juice and herbs can intensify the flavor.
Experiment with herbs. Feel free to swap out the dried rosemary and thyme for other herbs like basil, oregano, or even Italian seasoning for a different twist.
Add vegetables to the mix. Consider adding diced potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
Variation
This Lemon Herb Chicken recipe is versatile, so feel free to mix it up. One popular variation is to add a splash of white wine to the chicken broth for extra depth of flavor. You can also make it a creamy dish by adding a can of cream of chicken soup or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Using brown rice instead of white rice is another twist that adds more fiber and nutrients. Just remember that brown rice may require more cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; however, it is recommended to cook on high for 4-5 hours instead of low to ensure they cook thoroughly.
2. What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or water as a substitute for chicken broth. Just keep in mind that using broth will enhance the flavor of the dish.
3. Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this dish in an oven. Bake the ingredients in a covered casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
With this simple and mouthwatering recipe, you can enjoy a comforting meal that’s perfect for any day. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice!
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker flat without overlapping.
- Add juice and zest of the lemon, ensuring no seeds are included.
- Sprinkle dried rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
- Pour chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before chicken is done, boil 4 cups of water, add 2 cups of rice, and cook according to package instructions.
- Once chicken is fully cooked, shred it in the slow cooker and stir to mix with the juices.
- Serve shredded chicken over fluffy rice and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.