why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a perfect meal for busy days. This dish is easy to prepare, healthy, and full of flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that your whole family will enjoy. Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to go about your day while it cooks to perfection.
how to make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro for garnish)
Directions:
- In the slow cooker, combine the chicken, rice, chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, onion, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and stir back into the rice.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs.
how to serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice warm. It’s delicious on its own or with a side of steamed vegetables. You can also pair it with a simple salad for a complete meal. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness.
how to store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
To store leftovers, let the dish cool down completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should last for up to 3 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for later use; just ensure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before adding to the slow cooker.
- You can add vegetables like carrots or peas into the slow cooker to make the dish even heartier.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. You can add more herbs or spices if you like it more flavorful.
variation (if any)
You can substitute chicken with turkey if you prefer. For a lighter version, use skinless chicken breasts. If you want a vegetarian option, swap the chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice usually takes longer to cook, so plan for an additional hour on low or 30 minutes on high.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just transfer them to the slow cooker and start cooking.
Is it possible to cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, you can cook this recipe on the stovetop. Sauté the onion and garlic in a pot, add the remaining ingredients, and then simmer until the chicken is cooked and the rice is tender, about 30-40 minutes.
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting, easy-to-make slow cooker meal that’s healthy and full of flavor, perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine the chicken, rice, chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, onion, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 360-420 minutes or on high for 180-240 minutes until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and stir back into the rice.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
Marinate chicken in lemon juice and garlic before cooking for extra flavor. You can add vegetables like carrots or peas for a heartier dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, rice, lemon, easy meal, family dinner
