Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice

There’s something distinctly comforting about a slow cooker meal, wouldn’t you agree? It’s like inviting a warm hug into your kitchen while the tantalizing aromas whisk through your home. One of my all-time favorites is this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice. Imagine tender chicken bathing in a zesty lemon-herb sauce, just waiting to be shredded and served over a cloud of fluffy rice. It’s hearty yet bright—perfect for any weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with friends.

Why you’ll love this recipe

What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity married with explosive flavor. The star is, of course, the chicken, infused with a medley of tangy lemon juice and fragrant herbs. You know how when you try a dish that resonates, it makes you want to jump up and dance a little? That’s what this chicken does! The lemon zest wakes up your taste buds, while the herbs add a depth that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.

And let’s talk about the convenience! You toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. It’s the perfect weeknight solution for busy folks or anyone who simply wants to put an easy, wholesome meal on the table with minimal fuss. Plus, the chicken broth does wonders, yielding a hearty sauce that you can literally bathe in!

Gather these ingredients

So, let’s gather our heroes for this culinary adventure:

• 4 chicken breasts: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their ease and flavor absorption. You could also swap them for thighs for a richer, juicier bite.

• 2 lemons (juiced): Freshly squeezed is best here. If you’re in a pinch, bottled juice will do, but let’s be real; nothing beats that fresh zing!

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A splash of good, fruity olive oil brings everything together, enhancing the herbs and lemon.

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A must-have herb that provides an earthy flavor. If you’re feeling bougie, use fresh oregano for a pop of aroma!

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy and slightly minty, thyme complements the lemon nicely. You could replace it with rosemary for a flavor twist.

• 2 cups chicken broth: Opt for low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake. Homemade is great, but store-bought is just fine!

• 2 cups cooked rice: White, brown, or even cauliflower rice works—whatever floats your boat!

• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing flavors alive—don’t skimp here!

• Fresh parsley for garnish: A sprinkle of green adds freshness and color.

How this recipe comes together

Now let’s put this delightful dish together:

1. Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme all over the chicken breasts. Don’t be shy! Make sure they’re nicely coated.

2. Start the slow cooker: Place those seasoned beauties in the slow cooker, then pour your fresh lemon juice and olive oil over them. This is where the magic begins!

3. Add the broth: Carefully pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged. It’s like a little pool party for your chicken!

4. Choose your cooking time: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or crank it up to high for about 4 hours. The longer, the better for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

5. Shred and stir: Once cooked, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker and give it a good mix with that luscious sauce. Can you smell that? I mean, yum!

6. Serve over rice: Dish out the shredded chicken over your fluffy rice, and don’t forget to sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color!

Best way to enjoy it

You’ve got your lovely chicken and fluffy rice; now how to serve it for maximum joy? This dish shines when you add a side of steamed veggies, like green beans or broccoli, for a well-rounded meal. Want to take it up a notch? A side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the zesty chicken perfectly!

If you’re feeling indulgent—aren’t we all sometimes?—a drizzle of your favorite creamy dressing over the top creates an extra layer of deliciousness. And for that homey vibe, feel free to throw in some crusty bread for sopping up all that flavorful sauce.

Keeping leftovers fresh

Now, what about those glorious leftovers? If you’re like me, you might want to savor this goodness again. Store your chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of broth or water in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep things moist.

If you want to savor this magic even longer, freeze the chicken and sauce in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!

Helpful cooking tips

Want to elevate this recipe to pro-level? Try these insider secrets:

• Toast the herbs: In the slow cooker with a little olive oil before adding the chicken—a bit of toasty flavor always elevates a dish.
• Zest that lemon: Before juicing, use a microplane to zest one of those lemons. Toss the zest in for an extra pop of lemony brightness!
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes if you appreciate a touch of heat.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some delightful variations:

• Add veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even artichokes to steam along with the chicken!
• Swap the herbs: Try fresh basil or cilantro instead of oregano and thyme for a twist to suit different cuisines.
• Switch the grains: Substitute quinoa or barley for a nutty texture, or serve it over mashed potatoes for a downright comforting treat!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 lemons (juiced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked rice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-step instructions

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
2. Place chicken in the slow cooker. Pour lemon juice and olive oil over it.
3. Add chicken broth, ensuring chicken is mostly submerged.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Shred chicken in the slow cooker and mix with the sauce.
6. Serve over fluffy rice and garnish with fresh parsley.

Your questions answered

1. How long does it take to prepare? Prep time is a breeze—about 15 minutes.
2. Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker can handle it!
3. What if I don’t have a slow cooker? You can adapt this recipe for the oven! Bake at 350°F in a covered dish for about 1.5 hours.
4. Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, just increase the cooking time a bit if you’re starting frozen.
5. How spicy can I make it? Feel free to sprinkle in chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to kick things up a notch!

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice isn’t just a meal; it’s an invitation to pause, savor, and enjoy. With its bright notes and cozy texture, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table. So grab a few ingredients, set that slow cooker, and let the magic unfold. Embrace the deliciousness, and don’t forget to share your thoughts or your own twists in the comments below! Happy cooking!

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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice

Cooking Method: Simmering Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 21 hrs

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 450

Best Season: any

Description

Tender chicken infused with zesty lemon-herb sauce, served over fluffy rice for a hearty yet bright meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless preferred)
• 2 pieces lemons (juiced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (preferably fruity)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh for more aroma)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or substitute with rosemary)
• 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 cups cooked rice (any type: white, brown, or cauliflower)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Season the chicken

   Sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme all over the chicken breasts.
   Ensure they are nicely coated.
   Mark as complete

2. Start the slow cooker

   Place seasoned chicken in the slow cooker, pour lemon juice and olive oil over it.
   This is where the magic begins!
   Mark as complete

3. Add broth

   Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring chicken is mostly submerged.
   Like a little pool party for your chicken.
   Mark as complete

4. Choose cooking time

   Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
   The longer, the better for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
   Mark as complete

5. Shred and stir

   Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker and mix with sauce.
   Can you smell that?
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   Dish the shredded chicken over fluffy rice and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 90mg30%

Sodium 500mg21%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 1g

Protein 35g70%

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Vitamin A 150 IU

Vitamin C 30 mg

Calcium 50 mg

Iron 1.5 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.2 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 12 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 20 mcg

Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 250 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.6 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, lemon, herb, rice, easy recipe