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why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a fantastic dish for families and busy individuals. It’s easy to prepare, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. This recipe brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and zesty lemon flavors, making it a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
how to make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- In the slow cooker, combine the rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
- Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
how to serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Serve your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice hot. You can put the chicken and rice directly onto plates or serve it family-style in a large bowl. Add a slice of lemon on the side for extra flavor, and pair it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
how to store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
To store leftovers, let the chicken and rice cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving again.
tips to make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- Make sure to season the chicken well for optimal flavor.
- Use homemade or low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option.
- If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For a creamier dish, you can stir in a little cream cheese or sour cream right before serving.
variation
You can modify this recipe by adding vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Simply toss them in with the rice and broth. For a different flavor, try using lime instead of lemon or adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
Can I cook this dish on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can cook it on medium heat in a pot. Let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, which usually takes about 30-40 minutes.
What if I don’t have rice?
If you don’t have rice, you can substitute quinoa or couscous, but make sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and zesty lemon flavors, perfect for families and busy individuals.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- In the slow cooker, combine the rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
- Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 360-480 minutes or on high for 180-240 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For optimal flavor, season the chicken well and consider using homemade or low-sodium chicken broth. Add red pepper flakes for heat or cream cheese for creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American