Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice is the perfect dish for busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe combines tender chicken with bright lemon and fresh herbs, resulting in a tasty meal that everyone will love. The fluffy rice serves as a comforting base, soaking up all the flavorful juices from the chicken. With its wonderful aromas filling your home, you will feel excited to dig into this delightful meal at the end of the day. Serve it for your family, or during a gathering with friends, and it is sure to impress everyone at the table. Get ready to bring this crowd-pleaser into your kitchen!
how to prepare Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Preparing Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice is simple and straightforward. Start by gathering your ingredients which include boneless chicken breasts, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. In a bowl, mix the lemon juice, minced garlic, and herbs together. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the lemon herb mixture over it, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
Next, add chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers if you like, for extra flavor and nutrition. Set the slow cooker on low for about 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, prepare fluffy rice according to the package instructions. Once the chicken is cooked and tender, gently shred it with two forks in the slow cooker and stir it back into the flavorful juices. Serve the chicken over the fluffy rice for a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
You will fall in love with Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice for several reasons. First, it is incredibly easy to make. Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do all the work for you. This recipe is also healthy, full of lean protein and fresh veggies. The bright freshness from the lemon and herbs brings a burst of flavor that you won’t be able to resist.
Another great thing about this dish is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or serve it with different sides. It is also perfect for meal prep, making leftovers a delightful treat for next-day lunches or dinners. Not to mention, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is absolutely mouthwatering. Overall, it is a fantastic meal that pleases both the palate and the soul.
tips for success
To ensure you make the best Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice, keep a few tips in mind. First, choose fresh herbs for the brightest flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones work too, but use less since dried herbs are stronger. Also, make sure to season your chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking, as this adds essential flavor.
Next, avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfect tenderness. Finally, let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding it to retain its juiciness. These small steps can make a huge difference in your final dish.
Serving Suggestions
When serving Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice, you have some wonderful options. Start with a light salad on the side, such as a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, to complement the lemony flavors of the chicken. Steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, also pair nicely and add color to your plate.
For those looking for more carbs, garlic bread or crusty rolls can be a great addition to help soak up the delicious juices. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the chicken before serving for an extra touch of freshness. To keep it light, consider serving with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad on the side. No matter how you choose to serve it, this dish is sure to be a hit!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to cook it on the high setting for about 4 to 5 hours to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
2. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken in a regular pot on the stove or bake it in the oven at 375°F for about 25 to 30 minutes.
3. What other herbs can I use?
You can substitute other herbs like oregano, parsley, or dill for different flavor profiles. Experiment and find your favorite combination!
Print
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make lemon herb chicken dish paired with fluffy rice, perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 cups rice
- Optional: 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
Instructions
- Mix lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour the lemon herb mixture over it, ensuring it is well coated.
- Add optional chopped vegetables if desired.
- Set slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Prepare rice according to package instructions about 30 minutes before serving.
- Once chicken is cooked and tender, shred it in the slow cooker and stir back into the juices.
- Serve the chicken over the fluffy rice.
Notes
Use fresh herbs for the best flavor and be careful not to overcook the chicken to retain its juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, lemon herb, easy meals, healthy recipes
