Description
This comforting Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice features tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory blend of garlic, onions, and zesty lemon. The juicy chicken, combined with fluffy long-grain rice and sweet carrots, creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for a family dinner, this easy recipe fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas while offering a wholesome, hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (e.g., thyme or rosemary)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup diced carrots
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they turn translucent and fragrant.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Sear chicken on both sides until browned (about 4-5 minutes).
- In your slow cooker, combine sautéed onions and garlic with long-grain rice at the bottom.
- Place seared chicken thighs on top followed by diced carrots.
- Pour in chicken broth along with fresh lemon juice.
- Sprinkle chopped thyme or rosemary over everything.
- Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve warm straight from the slow cooker.
Notes
Storage: Allow any leftover Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When freezing, consider portioning the dish for easier thawing and reheating.
Reheating: To reheat from the refrigerator, warm the chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel for about 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before microwaving or gently reheating on the stovetop with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Serving: Serve the Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs or lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor. Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal.
Chef’s Tip: For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This not only enhances the taste but also helps to tenderize the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Slowcooker
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 0