Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice – Tender Meal Prep

Indulge your senses with Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice, where tender chicken meets zesty lemon and aromatic herbs. This dish is not only a flavor explosion but also a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any occasion.

Picture this: it’s a busy weekday evening, and the aroma of savory chicken wafts through your home as it slow-cooks to perfection. It’s an ideal meal for family gatherings or cozy nights in, promising excitement with every bite, while making life just a little easier.

Remember that time I made this dish for my friends? Their faces lit up with delight as they took their first bites—it was an instant hit!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best, depending on your crowd size; adjust as needed.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; they work wonders in this recipe!

• Long-Grain Rice: A great choice for fluffy texture; avoid using quick-cooking rice as it may turn mushy.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness; it enhances flavor without being overpowering.

• Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish beautifully; opt for fresh lemons over bottled juice for best results.

• Dried Herbs (Oregano, Thyme): These add depth; feel free to mix herbs based on personal preference.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together; adjust to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness later.

Sauté Garlic and Herbs: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes—before adding dried herbs. This step unlocks their full flavors.

Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Pour in sautéed garlic-herb mixture along with rice, broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir.

Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours. Walk away and let the magic happen! The aroma will fill your home as it cooks.

Check Doneness: After cooking time is complete, check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Fluff and Serve!: Once cooked through, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. Fluff the rice gently before serving—dinner is ready!

This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is not just food; it’s pure comfort served on a plate. Enjoy each tender bite bursting with flavor as you savor the moment!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the chicken for an extra depth of flavor before adding rice and broth.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out herbs or add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for variety.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently in the microwave for best results.

Creating this dish always reminds me of the time my friends devoured it at a potluck, leaving zero leftovers. Their laughter filled the kitchen, proving that good food sparks good times.

FAQ

How long does it take to cook Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice?

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time.

What can I serve with Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice?

Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

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Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a delightful, hassle-free dish that combines tender chicken with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal not only fills your home with mouthwatering aromas but also offers comforting flavors that will warm your soul. Enjoy it as a family favorite or a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Trim excess fat from the chicken breasts and pat dry.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant; add oregano and thyme.
3. Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour in the garlic-herb mixture, rice, broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; stir gently.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Shred the chicken in the pot and fluff the rice before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For an extra flavor boost, consider browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and variety.