Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice is a delightful dish that brings bright flavors and comfort to your dinner table. With juicy chicken marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mix, paired with fluffy rice, this recipe is simple and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a delicious home-cooked meal without a lot of fuss.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for several reasons. First, it uses a slow cooker, which means you can set it and forget it. The chicken cooks to perfection while you go about your day. Second, the combination of lemon and herbs adds a refreshing twist that enhances the chicken’s flavor. Finally, it’s a complete meal served with fluffy rice, making clean-up easy. You can enjoy a comforting dinner with minimal effort.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 lemons (juiced)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 cup water
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- In a bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them.
- Add chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the rice. Combine rice and water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover, cooking until fluffy.
- Serve the chicken over fluffy rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
To serve this dish, place a scoop of fluffy rice on each plate and top it with the tender chicken. Drizzle some of the cooking juices from the slow cooker over the chicken and rice for added flavor. Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness. This meal pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad.
How to Store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and rice in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They can stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply use the microwave until warm. You can also freeze the chicken and rice for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in freezer-safe containers.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
- Make sure to cut the chicken breasts into even sizes for uniform cooking.
- If you like more flavor, let the chicken marinate in the lemon mixture for a few hours before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of herbs and seasonings according to your taste preferences.
- You can add vegetables like carrots or peppers to the slow cooker for a complete meal in one pot.
Variation
For a twist on this recipe, you can use different herbs like oregano or basil. Additionally, try adding chopped vegetables such as zucchini or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, cooking time may be longer, so ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a covered pot on the stove over low heat. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time, so the chicken doesn’t dry out.
3. What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water. However, chicken broth adds more flavor to the dish.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice!
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 2 lemons lemons (juiced) Juiced for marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced) Freshly minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- to taste Salt and pepper
For cooking
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into even sizes for uniform cooking
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups long-grain rice Adjust amount of rice as desired
- 1 cup water For cooking rice
- to taste Fresh parsley For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them.
- Add chicken broth and stir to combine.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the rice by combining rice and water in a pot, bringing to a boil, then reducing heat and covering until fluffy.
Serving
- Serve the chicken over fluffy rice, garnished with fresh parsley.