Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken is a fantastic dish that brings together bright flavors and tender chicken with ease. On busy weeknights, this recipe becomes a reliable go-to, effortlessly infusing your home with a delightful aroma. It’s perfect for families or anyone needing a meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. With just some fresh chicken breasts, herbs, and a few pantry staples, you’ll have a wholesome dinner that feels restaurant-worthy, minus the fuss.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There’s something uniquely satisfying about the combination of lemon and herbs in this dish. The zesty freshness of the lemon cuts beautifully through the richness of the chicken, while thyme and rosemary deepen the flavor profile. One of the best parts? It’s incredibly quick to prepare and budget-friendly! You can throw everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic for hours, making it ideal for busy families or spontaneous dinner guests.

"This is my favorite recipe for busy nights! The chicken turns out so tender and flavorful; my kids can’t get enough of it!" — Happy Home Cook

How to Prepare This Recipe

This dish might sound intricate, but it’s quite straightforward. You’ll start by mixing a light marinade in your slow cooker, followed by adding in the chicken. While it’s cooking, you can prepare fluffy rice to serve it over. In about 30 minutes of active prep and a few hours in the slow cooker, you’ll transform simple ingredients into a comforting meal.

Gather Your Ingredients

To prepare this delicious meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups water
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Feel free to swap out the herbs for fresh ones if you have them handy, or adjust the garlic to your taste!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In your slow cooker, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly coated in the marinade.
3. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, adding extra flavor and moisture.
4. Cover and set to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, cook the rice according to the package instructions using the 2 cups of water.
6. Once the chicken is finished, shred it with two forks and mix it back into the cooking sauce.
7. Serve the lemon herb chicken over the fluffy rice, garnished with fresh parsley.

Best Way to Serve

For an elevated presentation, consider plating the lemon herb chicken over a bed of rice and adding vibrant green garnishes. You can also add some seasonal roasted vegetables or a light salad on the side. The zesty chicken pairs exceptionally well with a crisp side of steamed broccoli or honey-glazed carrots.

Storage Tips

To ensure the best flavor and safety, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to extend their life, you can also freeze the shredded chicken in individual portions for easy meals later. When reheating, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Pro Chef Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, try marinating the chicken in the lemon and herb mixture overnight! Additionally, feel free to experiment with different herbs or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Serving with a splash of additional lemon juice right before eating can also enhance those bright flavors.

Creative Twists

Don’t hesitate to make it your own! Instead of chicken broth, why not use vegetable broth for a lighter option? Add some chopped spinach or kale into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes for an even healthier dish. You can also turn this into a lemon herb chicken wrap by serving it with tortillas and some fresh veggies.

Your questions answered

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
Prep time is about 15-30 minutes, and then it cooks in the slow cooker for several hours, making it perfect for all-day cooking!

Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried?
Absolutely! You can use about three times the amount of fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Just remember, fresh herbs should be added later in the cooking process to preserve their flavor.

Is it safe to freeze leftovers?
Yes! Just ensure your chicken is cooled properly before storing it in an airtight container. It can last in the freezer for up to three months.

What can I serve instead of rice?
Quinoa, couscous, or even a bed of mixed greens make excellent alternatives to rice for serving this dish.

With these tips and insights, you’ll surely make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken a regular in your meal rotation! Enjoy the effortless preparation and delightful flavors that this dish offers. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

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• Total Time: 270 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A bright and flavorful lemon herb chicken dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups water
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. In your slow cooker, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly coated in the marinade.
3. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, adding extra flavor and moisture.
4. Cover and set to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, cook the rice according to the package instructions using the 2 cups of water.
6. Once the chicken is finished, shred it with two forks and mix it back into the cooking sauce.
7. Serve the lemon herb chicken over the fluffy rice, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For better flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Different herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a personal twist.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: slow cooker, lemon, herb chicken, easy dinner, busy weeknight