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Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice is a delicious and easy meal that anyone can make. Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld together beautifully. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner. The combination of tender chicken, bright lemon, and fragrant herbs makes for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken or chicken pieces
2 lemons (juiced and zested)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups rice
4 cups water
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Directions:

In a bowl, mix lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped rosemary, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the lemon herb mixture over it.
Add chicken broth to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add rice and cook according to package instructions.
Serve the chicken over the fluffy rice and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice

This dish is best served warm. Place a generous portion of fluffy rice on each plate and top it with the tender lemon herb chicken. Drizzle some of the cooking juices from the slow cooker over the top for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or additional thyme, to brighten up the dish.

How to Store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the chicken and rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice

For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the lemon herb mixture for a couple of hours or overnight in the fridge before cooking.
If you prefer, you can use bone-in chicken parts for more flavor.
You can add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete meal in one pot.

Variation

You can easily switch up the herbs based on what you have at home. Try adding oregano or basil for a different taste. For a little spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the lemon herb mixture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to cook it on high for a longer time to ensure it is fully cooked.

2. Can I skip the rice?
Absolutely! You can serve the chicken with a side salad or steamed vegetables if you prefer not to have rice.

3. What can I use instead of fresh herbs?
If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.