Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.

The scent of lemon and herbs fills the kitchen as this dish simmers away in the slow cooker, creating an inviting atmosphere. Gather around, because this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is simple yet impressive, perfect for busy evenings. The combination of juicy chicken breasts with tender, fluffy rice forms a complete meal that’s both comforting and refreshing.

Using the slow cooker transforms the chicken into a dish bursting with flavors, proving that you don’t need complex techniques to enjoy healthy and delicious food. Each ingredient plays a key role, especially the lemon, which adds brightness, complemented by the depth of dried herbs. This recipe reveals how accessible great cooking can be — let the slow cooker do the hard work for you!

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Fundamentals

Understanding the basics of this dish sets the stage for perfect results every time. The slow cooker serves as your trusty partner, ensuring even cooking and locking in flavors. The chicken breasts provide protein, while the long-grain white rice acts as a satisfying base. Chicken broth enhances the overall taste and moisture, elevating this combination from a simple meal to an unforgettable experience.

In addition to the core ingredients, we use lemon juice and zest, which introduce a bright, zesty flavor that counters the richness of the chicken. Dried thyme and oregano contribute herbs’ earthy notes, giving the entire dish a comforting aroma that feels like home-cooked goodness. Garlic powder adds a savory depth to the mix.

Preparation/Setup

Preparation is straightforward and quick, making this recipe family-friendly, especially for those balancing busy lives. Begin by gathering all ingredients and your slow cooker, which will ensure you have everything on hand for an effortless cooking experience.

To start, rinse the long-grain white rice under cold water. This step removes excess starch and helps achieve fluffy rice. Next, prepare the chicken breasts by trimming any visible fat. Trimmed chicken cooks evenly and absorbs maximum flavor.

It’s essential to combine the rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest in the slow cooker. Adding olive oil and the dried herbs creates a fragrant base. Once everything is in, give it a gentle stir before placing the chicken breasts on top. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Ingredients

1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2. 1 cup long-grain white rice

3. 2 cups chicken broth

4. 1 lemon (juiced and zested)

5. 2 tablespoons olive oil

6. 2 teaspoons dried thyme

7. 2 teaspoons dried oregano

8. 1 teaspoon garlic powder

9. Salt and pepper to taste

10. Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. In the slow cooker, combine the chicken, rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest.

2. Add olive oil, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Stir to combine and place the chicken on top of the rice mixture.

4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.

5. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve garnished with fresh parsley.

Technique

Creating a perfect Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice dish requires understanding the cooking process. Utilizing the low setting on your slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience. This slow approach is essential as it helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.

While cooking, the rice absorbs the chicken broth and lemon essence, creating a wonderfully seasoned side that complements the chicken. The herbs intermingle throughout the dish, ensuring every forkful holds a delicious bite.

The advantage of this slow cooking technique is that it frees you up for other tasks. Just set it and forget it for a few hours. This hands-off approach lets you prepare a wholesome and flavorful meal without needing constant attention.

Tips/Tricks

To perfect this dish, pay attention to your spices and seasonings. Adjust the amount of thyme and oregano to your preference, and feel free to experiment with additional herbs such as basil or rosemary.

Cooking times may vary based on the size of the chicken breasts. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Using a meat thermometer can help achieve that perfectly cooked chicken, ensuring safety and ideal tenderness.

Another tip is to let the dish sit for a few minutes after it finishes cooking. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and the rice to absorb any remaining moisture, maximizing taste.

Perfecting Results

Achieving the ideal balance between chicken and rice comes down to specific steps. If you prefer chicken with a bit more flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices for a few hours before adding it to the slow cooker.

To enhance the presentation, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. It brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh, herbal layer that perfectly complements the lemon flavors.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If you find the rice a bit sticky or clumpy, it might be due to excess moisture or insufficient rinsing. Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to eliminate excess starch, which leads to fluffier grains.

For variations, you can consider adding vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the mixture. These additions will not only contribute to the dish’s flavor but also add vibrant colors. Always add the vegetables in the last hour of cooking to ensure they maintain their texture.

Serving/Presentation

Serving Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is as simple as it is delightful. Use a fork to fluff the rice and arrange it on plates. Place the chicken breast on top and garnish with fresh parsley. Not only does this elevate the presentation, but it also reinforces the dish’s herby flavor.

This dish is versatile and serves beautifully on its own or alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The bright flavors of the lemon and herbs make it ideal for a family dinner or entertaining guests.

Pairings/Storage

While discussing pairings, when storing leftovers, wait for the dish to cool before placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage will help maintain freshness and flavor for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

If you want to keep things fresh, consider serving alongside a light salad for lunch the next day. The left-over chicken can be shredded and tossed with mixed greens and a simple olive oil dressing for a refreshing take.

Cooking should bring joy, and the Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice embodies effortless home cooking. This dish showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create an extraordinary meal with delightful flavors. The use of a slow cooker makes this not just convenient but also ensures the chicken remains tender and moist.

Whether it’s a weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this easy-to-follow recipe makes preparing a wholesome meal a breeze. Revel in the aroma filling your kitchen as you savor every succulent bite. This dish promises to impress family and friends, demonstrating the beauty of cooking with love and simplicity.

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