Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice is a fantastic dish for busy days. It’s an easy recipe that brings a burst of fresh flavors to your table without a lot of fuss. The slow cooker does most of the work for you, letting the chicken soak up the zesty lemon and fragrant herbs, making it tender and juicy. Plus, the fluffy rice perfectly complements the chicken, making each bite a delight.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or additional chicken broth
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro, for garnish)
Directions
- In a slow cooker, combine chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the mixture, making sure they are well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the rice separately according to package instructions, using water or chicken broth.
- Once the chicken is done, shred it in the slow cooker for a more flavorful result.
- Serve the shredded lemon herb chicken over fluffy rice and garnish with fresh herbs.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Serve the chicken hot over a bed of fluffy rice. You can sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top for added flavor and color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables, making it a balanced meal.
How to Store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
To store leftovers, let the chicken and rice cool down to room temperature. Place them in airtight containers and refrigerate. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and rice in freezer-safe bags or containers. When ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
- Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly with the sauce to enhance the flavor.
- For added richness, use chicken broth instead of water for cooking the rice.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Adjust the herbs to your taste; rosemary or basil can also work well.
Variation
You can easily switch up this recipe by adding vegetables. Cut up bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini and place them in the slow cooker with the chicken for a one-pot meal. Alternatively, you can swap the rice for quinoa for a different texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to extend the cooking time by an additional hour or so.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I cook this dish on high heat?
Yes, you can cook it on high heat for about 2-3 hours if you are short on time, but the low heat method gives the best flavor and tenderness.
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth Use for a richer flavor.
- 2 pieces lemons (juiced and zested)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or additional chicken broth Use chicken broth for added flavor.
For garnish
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) For garnish before serving.
Method
Preparation
- In a slow cooker, combine chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the mixture, making sure they are well coated.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the rice separately according to package instructions, using water or chicken broth.
- Once the chicken is done, shred it in the slow cooker for a more flavorful result.
Serving
- Serve the shredded lemon herb chicken over fluffy rice and garnish with fresh herbs.