Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice

There’s something enchanting about the combination of lemon and herbs—like licking sunshine off a plate. This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice is one of my go-to comfort meals, especially when life gets busy. It’s so hands-off yet yields a dish bursting with flavor that fills your home with mouth-watering aromas. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday gathering, this recipe never disappoints.

Why cooking this recipe tonight

You might ask, "Why should I whip this up tonight?" Well, let me tell you! This dish is like a warm hug after a long day. Each bite offers a symphony of zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken that feels like a mini celebration on your plate. Imagine coming home to find a slow-cooked wonder waiting for you—there’s hardly any chopping or fuss involved! Plus, cooking in a slow cooker not only keeps your kitchen cool but infuses the chicken with a depth of flavor that’s utterly irresistible. It’s practical, flavorful, and an absolute crowd-pleaser! The fluffy rice soaks up all that delightful chicken broth, making every forkful a cozy experience. Seriously, who wouldn’t want this to be their dinner?

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk about the magic ingredients that bring this dish to life:

• Chicken: You can use 4 chicken thighs or breasts—whatever you have on hand! Thighs offer a juiciness that’s hard to beat, but breasts are leaner and work just as well. You can mix and match, too.
• Lemons: Two bright lemons, juiced and zested. These gems bring acidity, brightness, and a delightful aromatic quality to the chicken. If you’re in a pinch, a splash of vinegar can work as a substitute, but it won’t have the same lovely fragrance.
• Garlic: Four cloves of minced garlic, because let’s face it—nothing elevates a dish like the rich, savory depth of garlic. You can stir in a bit of garlic powder if you’re feeling lazy!
• Thyme and Rosemary: A teaspoon of each dried herb is all you need. These two add layers of flavor. If you’re in the mood for fresh herbs, substitute about a tablespoon of fresh thyme or rosemary instead!
• Salt and Pepper: Season to your liking. They are the unsung heroes of flavor, so don’t skimp!
• Chicken Broth: A cup of this liquid gold helps keep the chicken moist and infuses the rice with even more flavor.
• Rice and Water: You’ll need 2 cups of rice and 4 cups of water for the fluffy base. Feel free to swap the rice for quinoa or riced cauliflower if you want a low-carb version.
• Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Optional, but a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness to your finished dish.

How this recipe comes together

Let’s get to the good stuff—the steps! Here’s how to create this fabulous dish:

1. Prep the Slow Cooker: Grab your slow cooker (a trusty tool in your kitchen arsenal) and toss in the chicken thighs or breasts. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is well-coated; it’s where all the flavor will bloom!
2. Add the Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken mixture. This base is what makes your chicken succulent and helps the rice absorb all that deliciousness later.
3. Set and Forget: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Don’t lift the lid during cooking unless you want to let out all that flavorful steam!
4. Fluffy Rice: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, get that rice cooking. Follow the package instructions, usually bringing water to a boil before adding the rice.
5. Serve: Spoon the chicken over a generous helping of fluffy rice, utilizing that jus left in the slow cooker to make everything even more incredible. Garnish with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy!

Best way to enjoy it

Serving this dish is where you can really let your creativity shine! Pair it with a side salad or some roasted veggies for a colorful plate. You could even add a crusty piece of bread to soak up any leftover lemony broth. When plating, don’t be shy—use a shallow bowl or a plate with a bit of a lip to keep the broth from running off. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for a dash of color and extra freshness. Enjoy every bite!

Keeping leftovers fresh

This dish keeps really well, which is great news for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes or heat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it has dried out a bit. You can even freeze it for up to three months before it starts to lose its magic. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Helpful cooking tips

Just a few extra tips from your trusted kitchen confidante:

• If you’re short on time, you can sear the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker for an added depth of flavor. Toast those spices too, if you have a minute!
• Want to ramp up the flavor? Throw in some chopped onions or bell peppers to the pot. They will add a lovely sweetness.
• For a more indulgent finish, consider adding a splash of cream to the sauce before serving. It’ll elevate the dish to a whole new level.

Creative Twists

Feel like experimenting? Here are some fun variations:

• Change the Protein: Swap out the chicken for pork or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Add Veggies: Throw in baby carrots, green beans, or even broccoli during the last hour of cooking for added nutrients.
• Seasoning: Switch up the herbs! Some dill or oregano would create a whole different vibe.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups rice
• 4 cups water
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour chicken broth over the mixture.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, cook rice in water according to package instructions.
5. Serve the chicken over fluffy rice and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Your questions answered

• What if I don’t have a slow cooker? You can make this in a Dutch oven! Just follow the same steps on the stovetop, but keep an eye on the liquid level.
• How long should this take to prepare? Total time including prep and cooking is about 7-8 hours on low, with only about 10-15 minutes of active prep time.
• Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! It saves wonderfully, as mentioned above.
• Which rice is best? Long grain white rice or Basmati works best, but feel free to try brown rice. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, provided you’re using a gluten-free chicken broth.

So there you have it! You’ve got a flavorful, comforting dish just waiting to brighten your dinner table and warm your heart. I can’t wait for you to try this out! Let your creativity shine, and remember, cooking should be fun and personal. Enjoy every moment in the kitchen, my friend, and share your culinary experience with me!

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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 23 hrs

Cooking Temp: low  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 450

Description

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice is a hands-off comfort meal bursting with flavor, ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken thighs or breasts (Use either or a mix of both.)
• 2 pieces lemons (Juiced and zested.)
• 4 cloves garlic (Minced.)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt (To taste.)
• Pepper (To taste.)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups rice (Long grain white or Basmati recommended.)
• 4 cups water
• Fresh herbs for garnish (Optional, such as parsley or basil.)

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Slow Cooker

   Combine chicken, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
   Ensure chicken is well-coated.
   Mark as complete

2. Add the Broth

   Pour chicken broth over the mixture.
   This will help keep the chicken moist.
   Mark as complete

3. Set and Forget

   Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
   Mark as complete

4. Fluffy Rice

   About 30 minutes before serving, cook the rice according to package instructions using the water.
   Mark as complete

5. Serve

   Spoon chicken over rice and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
   Utilize the jus left in the slow cooker for flavor.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 15g24%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Cholesterol 90mg30%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 50g17%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 1g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin C 20 mg

Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This dish keeps well and tastes even better the next day.

Keywords: slow cooker, lemon chicken, herb chicken, rice, comfort food