Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken is a wonderful dish for anyone looking for a simple, flavorful meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its hands-off cooking method. You can prep it in the morning and return home to a delicious, cooked dinner. The lemon and herbs give the chicken a fresh, zesty taste that pairs perfectly with rice. This dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also healthy and comforting.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried thyme
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup rice

Directions

In a slow cooker, combine lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken breasts, coating them in the mixture.
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
When the chicken is cooked through, remove it and shred it.
Add rice to the slow cooker, stir, and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on high until rice is done.
Serve chicken over fluffy rice and enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

You can serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken over rice for a hearty meal. Add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to make it even more satisfying. Drizzling a little extra lemon juice on top before serving can enhance the flavors even further.

How to Store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

After cooking, let any leftovers cool down before storing. Place the chicken and rice in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

Make sure to season the chicken well with salt and pepper for more flavor.
Feel free to add other herbs and spices you like, such as rosemary or parsley.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken once cooked, then add cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce and cook on high for a bit longer.

Variation

You can switch the rice with quinoa or couscous for a different texture. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots in the slow cooker can also boost nutrition and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to increase the cooking time by an hour or two if cooking on low.

Can I skip the rice?
Absolutely! You can serve the chicken with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even enjoy it on its own.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as the chicken broth you use is gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.