Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: A Delightful Comfort Dish
Imagine a cozy evening, the golden hues of the late afternoon sun spilling into your kitchen as you take in the enticing aromas of lemon and herbs wafting through the air. Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is not just a meal; it’s a nostalgic embrace of comfort, a solution to weekday chaos, and a heartwarming dish that your family will crave again and again.
This easy, kid-friendly recipe, bursting with zesty flavors and vibrant colors, is worth making for its simplicity and ability to transport you back to cherished family gatherings. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you’ll find that this dish is perfect for busy weekday dinners or relaxed weekends. It’s a recipe that brings everyone together, creating moments worth savoring with every bite.
What’s Your Favorite Comfort Food?
Have you ever experienced the sheer delight of a warm, hearty meal that instantly makes you feel at home? Picture this: You’re returning from a bustling day, tired yet eager to enjoy something delicious without the hassle. Isn’t the allure of a comforting Chicken and Rice dish that cooks itself while you unwind irresistible?
When you conjure up the memory of your favorite comfort food, does it have a zesty twist like Lemon Herb Chicken? What’s your go-to dish that draws your family around the table, eager for a taste of nostalgia?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the many reasons you’ll absolutely fall in love with Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is the ease of its preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal fuss, this dish becomes a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Imagine the collective joy as everyone gathers around the table, eager to dig into a dish that’s healthy, balanced, and extraordinarily flavorful. It’s the quintessential crowd-pleaser, full of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant peas, ensuring that every plate is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced, and zest reserved
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
These simple ingredients create a marriage of flavors that dance on your palate: the freshness of lemon zest, the earthiness of thyme, and the fragrant garlic. The long-grain rice absorbs all the savory goodness, transforming into a fluffy, aromatic side that perfectly complements the juicy chicken.
Timing
This dish beautifully marries the quick and indulgent with slow, luxurious flavors. Preparing it only takes around 15 minutes, and, once set in the slow cooker, it transforms into a culinary masterpiece over the next 4 to 5 hours. The waiting time may seem long, but the anticipation only heightens the sheer pleasure waiting for you at dinner.
While you’re wrapping up your day, the magical slow cooker mingles the ingredients, bringing forth a delight that will render your home filled with heartwarming aromas.
Step-by-Step
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring each piece is well-coated in flavor, inviting a divine taste.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Feel the oil shimmer as you sear the chicken, cooking each side until it’s a gorgeous golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker, where the real magic begins.
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In the same skillet, mix in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant — allow those delightful scents to rise and fill your kitchen, about 2 minutes.
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Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir to blend those invigorating flavors and pour this mixture lovingly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
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Rinse the rice under cold water to ensure it’s clean and place it into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the rice is submerged in liquid, ready to soak up all the delicious flavors.
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Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is cooked through, and the rice is tender and fluffy.
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Approximately 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Replace the lid to allow the peas to heat and soften, adding a lovely pop of color and nutrients.
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Just before serving, sprinkle the luscious dish with fresh parsley for that final touch of freshness that will brighten up every plate.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is surprisingly moderate in calories while offering a hearty and satisfying experience.
Typically, one serving provides around 350-400 calories, allowing room for indulgence without guilt. Remember, having a comforting meal doesn’t mean compromising on health!
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to lighten the dish further, consider these swaps:
- Use olive oil spray instead of 2 tablespoons of olive oil to cut calories.
- Substitute the rice with quinoa for a protein-packed version that’s gluten-free.
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to reduce sodium intake significantly while maintaining flavor.
These adjustments ensure that everyone, including the health-conscious, gets to enjoy the vibrant flavors of this dish!
Serving Suggestions
How delightful is it to serve this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice during special occasions with your loved ones? Pair it with a crisp salad for a bright contrast, or perhaps a slice of your favorite bread to soak up the delectable broth.
And for dessert? Why not round off the meal with a scoop of ice cream or a slice of pie? The balance of comforting savory and sweet finishes will create a well-rounded dining experience.
Common Mistakes
Be cautious not to overbake your chicken; it should be juicy and tender! Cooking for too long may lead to dry, rubbery chicken and mushy rice. Maintaining the right balance is essential.
Additionally, pay attention to the texture. If rice isn’t rinsed adequately, it can become sticky or gooey. Rinsing the rice well will ensure that every grain is fluffy and separate, ready to soak up that delicious chicken broth.
Storing Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is often the case, as this dish serves many), let it cool and divide it into portions for freezing. Freeze in airtight containers, which will maintain flavor and texture for up to three months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and then warm it up in a pan or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. A splash of chicken broth can work wonders to restore its creamy goodness!
Tempting Conclusion
If your kitchen isn’t already adorned with the scent of Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice, it’s time to change that! This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a pathway to delightful evenings filled with laughter and shared memories.
Encourage your family to join in the culinary journey, filling your home with warmth and flavor. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a leisurely weekend, go ahead and make this dish—you won’t regret the journey of bringing everyone together over a plate full of love.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, frozen chicken can be used in the slow cooker. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
2. How do I reheat leftovers?
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of liquid for extra moisture if needed.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you choose low-sodium chicken broth, but do ensure that the broth is certified gluten-free.
4. Can I make this dish in the oven?
Yes! Sear the chicken as directed, then combine all ingredients in an oven-safe dish, cover, and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until cooked through.
5. How long can leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to three months for future meals!
Indulge yourself. Your palate deserves this joy!
Print
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 285 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful and comforting dish of chicken and rice infused with lemon and herbs, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced, and zest reserved
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken, about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- Sauté onion and garlic in the same skillet until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder to the skillet, stir, and pour over the chicken.
- Rinse the rice and add it to the slow cooker, then pour in chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours until chicken is cooked and rice is tender.
- In the last 15 minutes, stir in frozen peas and replace the lid.
- Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a lighter version, consider using olive oil spray and low-sodium chicken broth. This dish is naturally gluten-free with the right broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 270 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
