Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with fragrant rice. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it delivers a burst of zesty flavors while being incredibly simple to prepare. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your busy schedule. Let’s explore how to create this delightful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb
This lemon herb slow cooker dish is perfect for several reasons. First, it’s an effortless meal that requires minimal prep time—ideal for busy weeknights. Second, the combination of lemon and herbs creates a refreshing flavor that elevates the taste of the chicken and rice. Third, it’s a one-pot meal, meaning less cleanup for you. Fourth, this recipe utilizes slow cooker lemon seasoning, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor. Fifth, the chicken turns out incredibly tender and juicy after hours of slow cooking. Sixth, it’s a gluten-free option, making it suitable for various diets. With all these benefits, it’s hard to resist making this easy lemon herb crockpot meal!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lemon Herb
Gather these items:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano. Rub the spices evenly over the chicken.
- Step 3: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Step 4: Lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the onions and garlic.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the rice evenly over the chicken.
- Step 6: Carefully pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring the rice is submerged.
- Step 7: Squeeze the lemon juice and add the lemon zest into the slow cooker.
- Step 8: Drizzle the olive oil over the top for added richness.
- Step 9: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Step 10: After the cooking time, check that the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Step 11: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir to mix it with the rice and broth.
- Step 12: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Lemon Herb
Keep these in mind:
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a slow cooker citrus herb marinade to the chicken before cooking.
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb
Here are some ideas for serving:
- Pair with a fresh garden salad for a light meal.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables to complement the flavors.
- For a hearty option, enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Lemon Herb
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. This meal is perfect for meal prep, making it a great option for busy weeks!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Lemon Herb
What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Lemon Herb?
The secret lies in using fresh herbs and the right lemon zest amount. It enhances the overall flavor profile, making your dish stand out as a citrus herb crockpot recipe.
Can I make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just add them to the slow cooker in the morning for a hassle-free dinner.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Lemon Herb?
Ensure you don’t overcook the chicken, as it can dry out. Also, adding too much liquid can lead to a soupy consistency. Follow the recipe closely for the best results!
Variations of Slow Cooker Lemon Herb You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Swap the chicken for beef in a lemon herb pot roast recipe.
- Add a variety of vegetables like carrots and potatoes for a complete meal.
- Try different herbs such as rosemary or basil for a fresh twist.
For more delicious recipes, check out Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. You can also learn about the health benefits of olive oil to enhance your cooking!
Print
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with fragrant rice.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano. Rub the spices evenly over the chicken.
- Place the chopped onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the onions and garlic.
- Sprinkle the rice evenly over the chicken.
- Carefully pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring the rice is submerged.
- Squeeze the lemon juice and add the lemon zest into the slow cooker.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the top for added richness.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- After the cooking time, check that the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir to mix it with the rice and broth.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg











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