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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a simple dish. It features tender chicken, fluffy rice, and bright lemon flavor. The slow cooker makes this meal easy and hands-off. - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken provides protein, while the rice acts as a base. Onion and garlic add depth. Lemon brightens the dish with its zest and juice. Finally, herbs bring fresh flavors. You can find the full recipe above for detailed cooking steps! Before you start, season the chicken thighs. Use salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Make sure each piece is well coated. This helps the chicken taste great. You can sear the chicken for extra flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. When it's golden brown, remove it from the heat. If you want to skip this step, just add the raw chicken to the slow cooker. Start by adding chopped onion and minced garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. This base adds a sweet flavor. Next, place the chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic. Evenly sprinkle the rice over the chicken. Pour chicken broth and lemon juice over everything. Make sure the rice gets soaked. Add lemon zest on top. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken will be tender, and the rice will be fluffy. When cooking is done, take the chicken out. Use two forks to shred it into smaller pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Gently stir everything together. This blends the flavors. Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a lovely pop of color. To boost the flavor of your slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice, follow these tips: - Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds great taste. If you can, use it instead of dried. - Sear the Chicken: Searing the chicken adds depth. It's not required but does enhance flavor. - Add Citrus Zest: Lemon zest brings a bright note. Use it right before serving for the best impact. - Include Extra Garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add more. It makes the dish even tastier. Different slow cookers cook at different rates. Here’s how to adjust: - Traditional Slow Cookers: Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. - Programmable Slow Cookers: These may cook faster. Always check for doneness earlier. - High-Efficiency Models: If you have one, reduce cooking time by about 30 minutes for each setting. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a perfect dish: - Skipping the Seasoning: Make sure to season the chicken well. This step is key to flavor. - Overcrowding the Cooker: Don’t add too many ingredients. This can lead to uneven cooking. - Not Checking for Doneness: Always check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F. - Ignoring the Rest Time: Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps flavors meld. For a full recipe, check the detailed instructions to ensure a delightful meal. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ingredients to fit your needs. For gluten-free options, use rice that is certified gluten-free. If you want a low-carb choice, replace rice with cauliflower rice. For dairy-free needs, ensure your broth has no dairy. If you avoid chicken, try tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based meal. These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting your needs. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. You can toss in chopped carrots, bell peppers, or peas. These add color and make the dish more filling. For greens, try spinach or kale. Add them near the end of cooking to keep them vibrant. This way, you get a wholesome meal packed with vitamins. You can change the flavor profile with simple tweaks. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in some cream cheese or coconut milk towards the end. For a zesty twist, mix in capers or olives. Adjusting flavors makes the dish fun and unique every time. For the full recipe, visit the recipe section above. To store leftovers from the Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice, let it cool first. Use airtight containers to keep the meal fresh. This method keeps flavors intact and prevents spoilage. Place the chicken and rice in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Consume leftovers within three to four days for the best taste. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Divide the chicken and rice into smaller portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the date. This way, you can enjoy your meal up to three months later. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat your meal, you have a few options. The microwave is quick, but the stovetop keeps it moist. If using the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth to the pan. Heat over medium until warm. Stir often to avoid sticking. If reheating in the microwave, cover it to trap steam. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy your meal just like the first time with these simple steps! You can store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh and tasty. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white. However, brown rice takes longer to cook. You should cook it on low for six to eight hours instead of four to six. This change ensures the rice cooks fully and absorbs the flavors well. Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and divide it into servings. Just store them in separate containers. It makes for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Some great sides to serve with Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice include steamed broccoli, mixed greens, or a simple salad. You can also add crusty bread or lemon wedges for extra flavor. These sides complement the dish and create a balanced meal. In this post, we explored a simple recipe for slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice. We covered essential ingredients, including chicken, rice, broth, and fresh herbs. You learned how to prepare, cook, and serve this dish, plus tips to boost flavor. We also discussed storage options to keep your meal fresh. Now, you have the tools to make a tasty meal. Try adding your twist to the recipe. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this dish!

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Discover the delightful flavors of Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice, a simple yet delicious dish that will brighten your meal time. With tender chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a zesty lemon and herb mix, this recipe is effortless and satisfying. Perfect for busy days, just throw your ingredients in the slow cooker and let the magic happen. Click through to explore this easy recipe and treat your taste buds!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups chicken broth

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Ensure the chicken is well coated with the herbs.

    Sear the Chicken (Optional): In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you prefer to put everything directly into the slow cooker.

      Layer the Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the chopped onion and garlic at the bottom. Place the seared (or raw) chicken thighs on top.

        Add Rice and Liquids: Sprinkle the rice over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and the lemon juice. Add the lemon zest over the top.

          Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

            Fluff and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs, shred them with two forks and return them to the slow cooker. Gently stir the rice and chicken together to combine.

              Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 6 hours | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of extra parsley and lemon wedges on the side for an inviting look!