Meet your new weeknight hero: Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Rice. Imagine tender, flavorful chicken infused with bright lemon and fragrant herbs, all nestled in perfectly cooked rice. This recipe is quick to prep, incredibly healthy, and bursting with flavor. As a busy parent, I love that I can set it and forget it in the morning, knowing dinner is taken care of when I walk through the door. Let Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Rice simplify your life without sacrificing taste!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, my grandmother always had a pot of something simmering on the stove, filling the house with warmth and delicious aromas. Lemon and herbs were her favorite flavor combination, and this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Rice reminds me of those comforting family dinners. It’s a modern twist on a classic flavor profile, perfect for creating your own cherished memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary), chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned
- Combine Ingredients. Place rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and minced garlic in the slow cooker.
- Add Chicken and Lemon. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Arrange lemon slices over the chicken.
- Slow Cook. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Shred and Serve. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the rice. Serve hot.
Expert Tips for Best Results
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, herbs, and olive oil for at least 30 minutes before searing. This will infuse the chicken with a bright, zesty taste. For the rice, ensure you rinse it thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker. This removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy. If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing step. However, searing adds a depth of flavor and color to the chicken, making it more appealing. Also, resist the urge to frequently open the slow cooker lid during cooking. Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes, and it can extend the cooking time. Finally, for a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Remember to remove the skin after cooking for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Rice is delicious on its own but also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A light, green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast. Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, provide a healthy and colorful addition to the meal. For a more substantial side, consider crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also top the dish with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for added richness and tang. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a vibrant finishing touch. To make it a complete meal, consider adding some protein alternatives such as chickpeas or white beans to the rice during the last hour of cooking time. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Rice offers a delightful combination of convenience, flavor, and health. It’s a recipe that fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles, providing a wholesome and satisfying meal with minimal effort. From its simple preparation to its vibrant taste, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and tender chicken create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling nourished. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and prepare to enjoy a truly exceptional meal that’s both effortless and delicious. Embrace the simplicity and savor the goodness of Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Rice – your taste buds will thank you!
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned
- Combine Ingredients. Place rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and minced garlic in the slow cooker.
- Add Chicken and Lemon. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Arrange lemon slices over the chicken.
- Slow Cook. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Shred and Serve. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the rice. Serve hot.
Notes
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