Imagine coming home after a long day or a busy afternoon. The smell of dinner greets you, making everything feel better. In the kitchen, you find a delicious meal ready for you. It’s a slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice recipe that turned simple ingredients into a tasty dish.
Cooking doesn’t have to be hard. It can be relaxing and fun, like with this easy slow cooker recipe. This meal is full of lemon’s zesty flavor and chicken’s juicy taste. It’s great for family dinners or casual parties.
It’s perfect for busy days because it’s so easy to make. You’ll get a tasty meal and more time to spend with your loved ones.
Key Takeaways
- This recipe utilizes a slow cooker for hassle-free cooking.
- Combines tangy lemon with tender chicken and rice for full flavor.
- Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
- One-pot meal means easier cleanup and more time to relax.
- Simple ingredients make it accessible for busy home cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
This slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice recipe is a hit for dinner. It’s a mix of tangy lemon and tender chicken, making it tasty and simple to make. It’s great for busy nights because it’s easy and quick to prepare.
Cleaning up is a snap, so you can spend more time with your family. This recipe is a winner for any meal.
Highlight tangy lemon, tender chicken, one‑pot convenience, and wholesome family appeal.
The lemon’s zesty flavor pairs well with the chicken. It’s a favorite among families, even for the pickiest eaters. Everyone will enjoy this meal, making it a staple in your home.
It’s a meal that brings people together. Your family will love it, making it a go-to choice for dinner.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Tangy Flavor | The fresh lemon juice adds a vibrant taste that enhances the dish. |
| Tender Chicken | Slow cooking ensures the chicken remains juicy and flavorful. |
| One-Pot Convenience | Easy cleanup with everything cooked in a single slow cooker. |
| Family Appeal | A meal the whole family will enjoy, suitable for any occasion. |
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
Get ready for a tasty journey with this recipe. It mixes zesty lemon with tender chicken and fluffy rice. It’s great for dinner or a healthy slow cooker meal. Just follow these easy steps for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic (or 1 tsp minced garlic)
- 1/2 cup Jasmine rice (uncooked)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
This recipe is easy to make and full of delicious flavors. It’s perfect for any time. Enjoy making and eating this crockpot chicken dish!
Tips & Variations
Make your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice your own. These tips and variations will help you enjoy this recipe even more. It’s perfect for easy meals and weeknight dinners.
Finishing Touch: extra lemon juice for brightness.
Adding a bit of extra lemon juice before serving can make a big difference. It brings out the bright flavors and makes the dish more enjoyable.
Chicken Swap: breasts work—adjust cook time.
Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to keep the meat juicy and tender.
Rice Options: brown rice—add more liquid/time.
Choosing brown rice makes your dish healthier. You’ll need more liquid and a longer cooking time. It’s a nutritious choice that’s full of flavor.
Add‑Ins: veggies like broccoli, carrots in last 30 min.
Adding veggies like broccoli and carrots towards the end of cooking is a great idea. It boosts nutrition and looks good too. Just cook them for 30 minutes to keep them fresh and colorful.
Storage & Make‑Ahead
For those who love healthy slow cooker meals, storing and preparing ahead is key. This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice can be kept in the fridge for up to five days. This way, you can enjoy it all week long.
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 5 days.
Your chicken and rice will stay fresh and tasty if stored right. Make sure the container seals well. This keeps out odors and moisture.
Reheat with a splash of broth to refresh rice.
When reheating, add a bit of broth to your leftovers. This trick brings back the rice’s moisture. It makes your meal just as good as when it was first made.
Great for meal prep—portion into containers.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. By portioning it out, you can easily grab a healthy meal on busy days. Whether at work or home, you’ll have a quick, nutritious meal ready.
Nutrition & Servings
Understanding nutrition is crucial when making healthy slow cooker meals. This recipe makes about 4 servings, great for families or meal prep. Each serving has around 320 calories, offering a nutritious meal option.
| Macro | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 8g |
Knowing the nutritional details helps you make better choices. It ensures this tasty dish meets your health needs and pleases your taste buds.
Serving Suggestions & Pairing Ideas
Make your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice even better with some great serving ideas. These suggestions will make your meal more enjoyable and look amazing.
Serve with simple green salad, roasted veggies, or lemon-garlic asparagus.
Try a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the rich flavors. Roasted veggies add color and nutrients. Lemon-garlic asparagus brings elegance, matching the chicken’s citrusy taste.
Offer aioli or garlic sauce for dipping.
Adding aioli or garlic sauce can change your meal. These dips add a delicious twist, making it great for family dinners or parties with friends.
Conclusion
The Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is a standout in easy slow cooker recipes. It pleases the palate with its zesty flavors and offers a hassle-free cooking experience. This is great for busy families who want to enjoy hearty, nutritious meals without spending hours cooking.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners. It combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and fluffy rice for a comforting meal. It’s great for any time, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week.
Make this recipe a staple in your kitchen. Its simple prep and delicious results make it a go-to for easy, enjoyable meals. It’s sure to make your mealtime stress-free and satisfying.
Looking to explore more slow-cooked favorites? Try our hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew for another cozy, fuss-free dinner option. If you love the bright lemony profile in this recipe, our Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa is a fresh, protein-packed alternative that’s equally satisfying.
Complete your meal with a classic side like Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes or pair it with vibrant Roasted Veggies for added nutrition and color. For those wanting a lighter or plant-forward dinner idea, our Buddha Bowl with Tahini Dressing offers a refreshing change of pace.
With these ideas, your weeknight meals will be as delicious as they are effortless.
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken And Rice
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 lemon zest and juice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic or 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup Jasmine rice uncooked
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Place the boneless chicken thighs in the Crock-Pot.
- Zest the half lemon into a small bowl, then juice the same half lemon. Mix the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth together in a separate container. Set aside.
- In a small ramekin, whisk together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour the lemon juice mixture over the chicken thighs in the Crock-Pot.
- Evenly sprinkle the seasoning blend over the chicken thighs and lemon juice mixture. Top with minced garlic.
- Cover and cook the chicken thighs on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender and falling apart.
- 20 minutes before serving, add the water and Jasmine rice. Cook covered on low for 20 minutes until the rice is cooked and tender.
- Spoon the lemon chicken and rice into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
For added freshness, squeeze a bit of extra lemon juice over the dish before serving.
