LEMON HERB CHICKEN PERFECTION YUUM

Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of bright, lemony herbs mingling with perfectly cooked chicken and fluffy rice. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, stop dreaming and start doing because this Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe makes that a delicious reality! We’re talking minimal effort, maximum flavor, and a complete, satisfying meal practically waiting for you. Get ready for your new weeknight obsession!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavor-packed dish. Don’t worry, it’s mostly pantry staples!

For the Chicken and Veggies:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces): The star of the show!
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds a savory base.
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped: For a touch of sweetness and color.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: More veggie goodness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better.

For the Lemon Herb Flavor:

• 1/4 cup olive oil: For sauteing and richness.
• 1/4 cup lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best!
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest: Adds a bright, citrusy zing.
• 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs: A perfect blend of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley: For freshness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: To enhance all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat.

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked: The perfect carb complement.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Adds flavor to the rice as it cooks.

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped: For a pop of color and freshness.
• Lemon wedges: For serving.

Step-by-Step to a Slow Cooker Masterpiece

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is super simple, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ve got this.

Getting Started:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the bottom of your slow cooker.

Layering the Flavors:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian herbs, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the lemon herb mixture.
3. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooking to Perfection:

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Cooking the Rice:

1. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked rice and chicken broth into the slow cooker.
2. Cover and continue to cook until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed, about 25-30 minutes.
3. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Serving and Enjoying:

1. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
2. Serve hot and enjoy your Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice!

Why This Recipe is a Winner

Okay, so beyond the incredible flavor and ease, what *really* makes this recipe stand out? Let’s break it down:

• It’s a Complete Meal: Chicken, veggies, and rice all in one pot. Minimal cleanup is always a win!
• Flavor Explosion: The lemon and herbs create a bright, fresh, and comforting flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking. Swap out the veggies, add different herbs, or adjust the spice level.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.

Tips and Tricks for Slow Cooker Success

Even though this recipe is easy, a few tips can help you achieve slow cooker perfection:

• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through but not overdone.
• Adjust the Liquid: Depending on your slow cooker, you may need to adjust the amount of chicken broth. If the rice is still too wet after 30 minutes, remove the lid and cook for another 5-10 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• Use Fresh Herbs (If You Have Them): While dried herbs work great in a pinch, fresh herbs will add even more flavor. Add them in the last hour of cooking to preserve their freshness.
• Don’t Open the Lid Too Often: Opening the lid releases heat and can prolong the cooking time. Try to resist the urge to peek!

Variations to Make it Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Add Different Vegetables: Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little extra heat.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamy texture. This reminds me of the comforting CREAMY CHICKEN AND RICE, but with a zesty lemon twist!
• Make it with Different Cuts of Chicken: While chicken thighs are my favorite for their flavor and tenderness, you can also use chicken breasts or even a whole chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the chicken and rice.
• Add some crusty bread: For soaking up all the delicious sauce!
• Serve with steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus would be great choices.
• Follow it with a light dessert: Lemon bars or a fruit salad would be the perfect ending to this meal.

Slow Cooker Chicken Inspiration

If you’re loving the ease of slow cooker chicken recipes, you might also enjoy these other fantastic options! If you’re looking for something with a similar level of ease but a completely different flavor profile, check out Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Or, for a creamy, irresistible dish, give Crockpot Marry Me Chicken a try. For another simple winner, look at CROCK POT CHICKEN PERFECTION. And of course, don’t forget about the tantalizing Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites. You can even try the ultra flavorful Marry Me Chicken for a unique take on creamy chicken. These all make weeknight dinners a breeze!

Leftover Love: Reheating and Storage

Lucky you if you have leftovers! This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice reheats beautifully.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Recipe Awaits

So there you have it – a simple, flavorful, and satisfying Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. I’m confident you’ll love the bright flavors and how effortlessly it comes together. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this one-pot wonder. Happy cooking!

Lady Maria

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Perfection

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful and effortless one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken with aromatic herbs, bright lemon, and fluffy rice, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker for a complete and satisfying dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

• slow cooker
• large skillet
• medium bowl
• measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Garlic press
• meat thermometer
• Fork

Method

 

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the bottom of your slow cooker.
5. In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian herbs, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the lemon herb mixture.
7. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
9. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked rice and chicken broth into the slow cooker.
10. Cover and continue to cook until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed, about 25-30 minutes.
11. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
13. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

To prevent the rice from drying out during reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water. If using fresh herbs, add them in the last hour of cooking to preserve their freshness. For a creamier dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.