Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice is a delightful dish that combines bright flavors and tender chicken. This recipe is perfect for busy people who want a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The slow cooker allows the chicken to cook gently, making it juicy and full of taste. The fluffy rice complements the chicken well, soaking up the savory lemon herb sauce. This meal is easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe for many reasons. First, it is incredibly simple to make. You just add everything to the slow cooker and let it do the work. Second, the flavors are fresh and vibrant. The lemon adds a zesty touch, while the herbs bring warmth and depth. Third, this dish is filling and satisfying. The fluffy rice makes it a hearty meal. Finally, this recipe is customizable. You can add extra veggies or spices to suit your taste. Overall, Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice is a must-try dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Making Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken is straightforward and requires very few steps. You will need some ingredients, a slow cooker, and about 4 to 6 hours to let it cook. Follow the instructions step by step, and you will have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice, you will need the following equipment:
- A slow cooker
- A measuring cup
- A measuring spoon
- A cutting board
- A knife
- A large spoon for mixing
- A serving dish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups white rice
- 4 cups water or additional chicken broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a slow cooker, combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and coat them well with the mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the rice according to package instructions using water or additional chicken broth for more flavor.
- Once done, fluff the rice and serve alongside the lemon herb chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
HOW TO SERVE Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
To serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice, place a scoop of fluffy rice on each plate. Then, add a piece of the lemon herb chicken on top of the rice. Spoon some of the sauce from the slow cooker over both the chicken and the rice. Garnish with fresh parsley for a beautiful touch. This dish looks great and tastes even better! Enjoy this meal with your family or friends, and watch it disappear quickly.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or reheat it on the stove until warm.
You can also freeze this dish. To do this, let the chicken and rice cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze the meal for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it as mentioned above.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice goes well with many side dishes. Consider serving it with:
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
- A simple green salad with a light dressing
- Garlic bread for a delicious addition
- Roasted potatoes for an extra filling meal
Feel free to mix and match the sides to suit your taste.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to customize this recipe. If you want to add some vegetables, consider adding carrots, bell peppers, or peas to the slow cooker. They will cook along with the chicken and add color and nutrition to the dish.
You can also change up the herbs. If you like different flavors, consider using basil, rosemary, or even Italian seasoning instead of oregano and thyme.
If you want a creamier sauce, stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce at the end before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so to ensure they are fully cooked.
2. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is tender.
3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just add them to the slow cooker and cook them.
4. What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or water with seasonings if you prefer a lighter flavor.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
To make things easier, you can prepare some ingredients ahead of time. Here are some tips:
- Chop the garlic the night before and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Zest and juice the lemon ahead of time and keep it in a small container in the fridge.
- Measure out the dried herbs and store them in a small bag so you can add them quickly in the morning.
- You can even season the chicken the night before and marinate it in the fridge for extra flavor.
By preparing these ingredients ahead of time, you can have an even quicker meal on the day you plan to cook it.
This simple and flavorful dish is sure to become part of your regular meal planning. Enjoy making and sharing Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice!
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Ingredients
Method
- In a slow cooker, combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and coat them well with the mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the rice according to package instructions using water or additional chicken broth for more flavor.
- Once done, fluff the rice and serve alongside the lemon herb chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.