Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice: Easy Weeknight Dinner 🍋🍗✨

1. Introduction

Discover the delicious simplicity of making a lemon herb chicken recipe with this effortless slow cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this slow cooker lemon chicken recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken infused with fresh herbs and zesty lemon, all cooked to perfection over fluffy rice. This herb chicken and rice meal is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying, making it an ideal choice for a healthy dinner that the whole family will love.

2. Ingredients for Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 lemon (juiced and zested)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnishing

3. Preparing the Ingredients for a Flavorful Herb Chicken and Rice

Mix the lemon, herbs, and spices

In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This vibrant marinade will infuse the chicken with aromatic flavors and citrus brightness, elevating the herb chicken and rice to a new level of taste. For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or tarragon to enhance the herbal profile.

4. Cooking the Lemon Herb Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Arrange and cook the chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the lemon herb mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Let it cook for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with flavors. During this time, the dish develops rich, aromatic notes typical of a perfect slow cooker lemon chicken recipe.

5. Incorporating the Rice for a Complete Meal

Add rice and broth

About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, open the slow cooker. Add the rice and chicken broth around the chicken breasts. Stir gently to combine, then cover and cook for the remaining 30 minutes. This results in fluffy rice perfectly flavored with the lemon and herbs from the chicken, making this dish a delightful herb chicken and rice combination. For a different twist, you can try using brown rice or jasmine rice for varied textures.

6. Final Touch and Garnishing

Finish and garnish your herb chicken and rice

Once the rice has absorbed the broth and is tender, check the seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra lemon slices for a fresh, vibrant presentation. This step elevates the overall flavor profile and makes your lemon herb chicken recipe visually appealing and irresistibly flavorful.

7. Storage Tips for Leftover Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice

Allow the leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish for up to 2 months, ensuring it is airtight to maintain freshness. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist. To keep the flavors vibrant, consider using a Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker to quickly cool leftovers for safe storage.

8. Serving Suggestions for a Complete and Delicious Meal

This herb chicken and rice pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, or a fresh side salad. For an extra touch, serve with additional lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. For a complementary dish, check out this tropical shrimp avocado mango salsa which enhances the meal with vibrant flavors. You can also serve alongside crusty bread or a light soup for a hearty dinner.

9. Conclusion

The lemon herb chicken recipe made in a slow cooker with rice is a delightful, easy-to-make dinner that combines zesty citrus, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this herb chicken and rice dish is destined to become a weeknight favorite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt with different herbs or grains. Try this flavorful recipe today and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal that is both quick to prepare and impressively delicious on the plate!

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice: Easy Weeknight Dinner