SLOW COOKER LEMON HERB CHICKEN AND RICE EASY

Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? Imagine tender chicken infused with bright lemon and fragrant herbs, nestled amongst fluffy rice, all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker; with this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice, deliciousness is just a few hours away, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is!

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped (such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, or a combination)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup chopped vegetables (such as carrots, celery, or peas)
• 1/4 cup white wine (for deglazing, see instructions)

Let’s Talk Chicken Choices

Listen, I know everyone has their preferences, so let’s chat chicken! This recipe works beautifully with both boneless, skinless chicken thighs and breasts. I personally prefer thighs because they stay incredibly moist and tender in the slow cooker, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture. However, if you’re watching your fat intake or simply prefer chicken breasts, go for it! Just be sure to cut the breasts into 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly and don’t dry out. Think of this as your starting point, and feel free to adapt it to your taste!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Prep Your Ingredients

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.
2. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This is your flavor bomb!

Layer in the Slow Cooker: The Art of the Stack

1. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of your slow cooker. This will provide the liquid needed for the rice to cook properly.
2. Add the rinsed rice evenly over the chicken broth. Spread it out so it cooks evenly.
3. Place the chicken pieces on top of the rice. You want them to be in a single layer for even cooking.
4. Pour the lemon-herb mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat everything well. This is where all that delicious flavor comes from!

Slow Cook to Perfection: Patience is Key

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours. The chicken should be cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the rice should be tender.
2. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness after the minimum cooking time and adjust as needed.

Fluff and Serve: The Final Flourish

1. Once the chicken and rice are cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
2. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve immediately. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Flavor Boosters: Tips & Tricks from Your Kitchen BFF

• Deglazing for Extra Depth: Want to take the flavor up a notch? Before adding the chicken broth to the slow cooker, sauté the garlic in the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Then, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.
• Veggie Power-Up: Feel free to add some chopped vegetables to the slow cooker along with the rice. Carrots, celery, and peas are all great choices and add extra nutrients and texture. This makes it even more of a complete meal! This is a fantastic option when considering Easy Fall Dinner Ideas Healthy.
• Don’t Overcook! Overcooked rice will be mushy, so keep an eye on it. Every slow cooker is different, so your timing may vary.
• Fresh Herbs are Best! While dried herbs will work in a pinch, fresh herbs really make this dish sing. If you’re using dried, use about 1 teaspoon of each herb.
• Make it Creamy (Optional): For a creamier dish, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Adapting for Dietary Needs

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice recipe is incredibly versatile and can easily be adapted to fit various dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. You can also use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a creamy version.
• Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust the salt to your liking.

Making it a Kid-Friendly Crock Pot Recipe

Let’s be honest, getting kids to eat anything can be a challenge! This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is surprisingly kid-friendly, but here are a few tips to make it even more appealing to picky eaters:

• Cut the chicken into smaller pieces: Bite-sized pieces are easier for little ones to manage.
• Add some sweetness: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can help balance the lemon flavor.
• Sneak in some veggies: Finely chop the vegetables so they’re less noticeable.
• Serve with a familiar side: A side of steamed broccoli or green beans can encourage kids to try the chicken and rice.
• This recipe can easily fall under the category of Kid Friendly Crock Pot Recipes.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it works for meal prep. You can easily make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. The rice will absorb some of the liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to keep it moist.

Why You’ll Love This as a Spring Crockpot Meal

As the weather warms up, no one wants to spend hours slaving over a hot stove. This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is the perfect Spring Crockpot Meal because it’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. The bright lemon and fresh herbs are a welcome change from heavier winter dishes, and the slow cooker does all the work for you! Plus, it’s a great way to use up those spring herbs that are starting to pop up in your garden.

More Cozy and Healthy Dinner Recipes to Explore

If you’re looking for more Healthy Cozy Dinner Recipes, you’ve come to the right place! Beyond this incredible recipe, consider trying these other equally delicious and easy chicken recipes:

• For a sophisticated roast, try the Rosemary Lemon Split Roast Chicken.
• For another hands-off chicken dinner, check out Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Ultimate.
• If you’re in the mood for something sweet and savory, the Honey Butter Garlic Chicken And Rice is a must-try.
• And don’t miss out on the classic Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice or the incredibly simple Crock Pot Chicken & Rice.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Dinner

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice is more than just a recipe; it’s a weeknight savior, a meal prep champion, and a crowd-pleaser all rolled into one. It’s the perfect example of how you can create a delicious and healthy dinner with minimal effort. So, go ahead and give it a try – I know you’ll love it as much as I do!