Craving a delicious, comforting, and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is your answer. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to prepare, bursting with fresh flavors, and perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
What is Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice?
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a delightful and convenient dish where tender chicken and fluffy rice are infused with bright lemon and aromatic herbs. It’s cooked low and slow in a crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The result is a comforting, flavorful, and complete meal that requires minimal effort.
This recipe is perfect for those who want homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken stays incredibly moist and the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors from the lemon, herbs, and chicken juices, creating a symphony of taste in every bite. Are you ready to experience the magic of slow cooking? Give this recipe a try and see for yourself how easy and delicious it can be!
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful and simple slow cooker masterpiece:
- Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs are recommended for more moisture). Trim any excess fat.
- Rice: 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine). Rinse the rice thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker to remove excess starch. This will help prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt content of the dish.
- Lemon: 1 large lemon, juiced and zested. Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor.
- Dried Herbs: 1 tablespoon dried Italian herb blend (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary). Crushing the dried herbs slightly before adding them helps release their aroma.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt, or to taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste.
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley (chopped), lemon wedges, grated Parmesan cheese.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice:
This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is incredibly easy to make. It’s a “set it and forget it” type of dish, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your dinner cooks. The slow cooker method ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, and the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors from the lemon, herbs, and chicken broth. Preparation time is around 15 minutes, and the slow cooker does the rest of the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown slightly. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step adds extra flavor and helps the chicken retain its moisture during slow cooking. If you skip searing, simply place the seasoned chicken directly into the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken.
- Add Rice and Flavorings: Sprinkle the rice over the chicken. Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, dried herbs, and lemon juice to the slow cooker.
- Stir Gently: Gently stir the ingredients to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the chicken broth. Avoid over-stirring, as this can release too much starch from the rice.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. The exact cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker. Check for doneness after the minimum cooking time and adjust as needed. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Fluff and Serve: Once the chicken and rice are cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid. Fluff the rice with a fork and shred the chicken with two forks.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice:
This recipe is a guaranteed winner for many reasons! The primary highlight is its incredible flavor – the tangy lemon and aromatic herbs perfectly complement the moist, tender chicken and fluffy rice. Plus, making this dish at home is significantly more budget-friendly than ordering takeout or dining at a restaurant with each serving costing just a few dollars! The addition of fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese elevate the dish to restaurant-quality.
It’s a comforting, delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. If you enjoy the convenience of one-pot meals, you might also like trying a Slow Cooker Jambalaya for a spicier option. Give this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice a try – you won’t be disappointed!
What to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice With:
To round out your meal, consider serving this flavorful dish with the following:
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts make excellent side dishes.
- A Simple Salad: A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors of the chicken and rice.
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Elevates the meal with buttery, garlicky goodness.
- White Wine: A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the lemon and herb flavors.
Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice:
- Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the rice can result in a sticky, mushy texture. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check for doneness frequently.
- Use the Right Rice: Long-grain white rice, such as basmati or jasmine, works best in this recipe. Brown rice may require additional cooking time and liquid.
- Sear the Chicken: Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker adds extra flavor and helps it retain its moisture.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed.
- Substitute Herbs: If you don’t have dried Italian herbs, you can use a combination of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Fresh Herbs: If you’re using fresh herbs, add them towards the end of the cooking time to preserve their flavor. Chop them finely and stir them in about 30 minutes before serving.
5 Facts about Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice:
- This dish is a great source of lean protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the rice, providing sustained energy.
- The lemon and herbs in this recipe are rich in antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system.
- Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal.
- This recipe is easily customizable. You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
- It’s a perfect make-ahead meal. You can prepare the ingredients in the morning and let the slow cooker do the work while you’re away.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Once your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container. Ensure it’s properly sealed to maintain its freshness. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the leftovers.
Freezing: To freeze, divide the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing them. Properly frozen, the dish can last for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.
Reheating:
- From the Refrigerator: Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
- From Frozen: Thaw the frozen chicken and rice in the refrigerator overnight. Then, follow the reheating instructions for refrigerated leftovers. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it directly from frozen, but be sure to stir frequently and heat until thoroughly warmed.
Final Thoughts:
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Its vibrant flavors, tender chicken, and fluffy rice make it a crowd-pleaser, and its simplicity makes it a go-to recipe for cooks of all skill levels. Give it a try, and you’ll soon understand why this dish is a favorite among slow cooker enthusiasts!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest