Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: A Flavorful and Healthy Crockpot Delight 🍋🍗🍚
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for healthy crock recipes that are simple to prepare, incredibly delicious, and packed with wholesome ingredients, look no further than this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe. This dish combines tender, flavorful chicken infused with fresh lemon and herbs with fluffy rice, making it a perfect example of whole food crock pot meals. It’s quick to assemble, easy to cook, and yields a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Whether you’re into light healthy crockpot meals or easy chicken and veggie crockpot recipes, this recipe will soon become a staple in your collection of crockpot chicken recipes.
2. Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or minute rice crockpot recipes for quick prep)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Preparation of Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients and preparing the chicken breasts. Rinse and pat dry, then set aside. Measure out your rice and other seasonings to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Season and Sear the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub this herb mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken in a hot skillet with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side. This step enhances taste but is optional if you’re aiming for a fully hands-off crockpot recipe.
Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker. Add the rice evenly over the chicken, then pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic. This combination provides a perfect balance of flavors for healthy delicious crockpot recipes.
Cook on Low or High
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The goal is for the chicken to be tender and the rice to absorb the flavorful broth perfectly. Check towards the end of cooking time to ensure rice is fluffy and chicken is cooked through.
Finish and Serve
Once cooked, shred the chicken slightly with two forks if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve this light healthy crockpot meal with additional lemon wedges or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded, quick and healthy crockpot meals option.
4. Storage Tips for Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet with a splash of broth for added moisture. This makes it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weekdays.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Meal
Serve the Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice with a side of steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a wholesome dinner. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine or your favorite iced tea, making it a versatile centerpiece for any dinner setting.
6. Variations to Customize Your Crockpot Chicken and Rice
- For a Mediterranean twist, add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
- Replace rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version of this healthy crockpot meal.
- Use different herbs such as basil or tarragon to vary the flavor profile.
7. Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time—about 6-7 hours on low. Be sure to check for doneness before serving. For quicker results, opt for minute rice crockpot recipes.
Is this chicken recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! This healthy crock recipes is perfect for meal prepping. Store portions in airtight containers and enjoy throughout the week for a nutritious, satisfying lunch or dinner.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit any dairy toppings or add dairy alternatives such as almond yogurt or nutritional yeast for added flavor.
8. Final Tips for Cooking the Best Healthy Crockpot Recipes
Ensure your chicken is evenly seasoned, and avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain temperature and moisture. Using quality ingredients, like fresh herbs and high-quality broth, enhances the flavor of this chicken recipe slow cooker dish. Pair it with a quick salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced, nutritious meal.
9. Conclusion
The Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a prime example of healthy delicious crockpot recipes that are effortless to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors. Perfect for busy lifestyles, this whole food crock pot meal combines juicy, herb-infused chicken with fluffy rice, creating an irresistible dish anyone can make. Embrace the ease and health benefits of light healthy crockpot meals, and enjoy a hearty, nutritious, and satisfying dinner tonight!
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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Discover the flavorful and healthy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice, a perfect crockpot meal combining tender, herb-infused chicken with fluffy rice and fresh lemon zest. Ideal for busy weeknights, this nutritious dish is easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients for a wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (substitute with quick-cooking rice for faster prep)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and prepare the chicken breasts by rinsing and drying.
- In a small bowl, combine thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub over the chicken breasts.
- Optional: Sear the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side for enhanced flavor.
- Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. Spread rice evenly over the chicken.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Drizzle with olive oil and add minced garlic.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender and rice is fluffy.
- Shred the chicken slightly with two forks, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
- This recipe can be adapted with brown rice, but cooking time may need to be increased to 6-7 hours on low.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For dairy-free versions, omit dairy toppings and consider dairy alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American