Crock-pot Lemon Chicken and Rice

Why make this recipe

If you’re looking for an easy and tasty dinner, Crock-pot Lemon Chicken and Rice is a great choice. It’s simple to prepare and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. The combination of chicken, rice, and the bright flavor of lemon makes it a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm, home-cooked meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

How to make Crock-pot Lemon Chicken and Rice

Making Crock-pot Lemon Chicken and Rice is very easy. With just a few steps and minimal effort, you can have a delicious dish ready for your family or guests. Here’s how to do it.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breast
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, rice, chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Stir to mix all ingredients well.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until chicken is tender and rice is cooked.
4. Fluff the rice and shred the chicken with two forks.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your simple yet satisfying meal!

How to serve Crock-pot Lemon Chicken and Rice

Serve Crock-pot Lemon Chicken and Rice hot. It can be a complete meal on its own, or you can pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables. The bright flavors of the lemon really shine, so consider squeezing a little more lemon juice over the top just before serving.

How to store Crock-pot Lemon Chicken and Rice

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to defrost it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to make Crock-pot Lemon Chicken and Rice

• For extra flavor, you can add herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a richer taste.
• If you want to make it a one-pot meal, add vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans during the last hour of cooking.

Variation

If you prefer a creamy version, you can stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream once the dish is done cooking. This will give it a rich and creamy texture that pairs well with the lemon flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of broth, as brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check other ingredients, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.

Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients and place them in the slow cooker insert the night before, then cook it in the morning.

Crock-pot Lemon Chicken and Rice

A simple and tasty slow cooker meal combining chicken, rice, and the bright flavor of lemon, perfect for busy days.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 460

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breast Can substitute with chicken thighs for richer flavor.
• 1 cup long grain rice Can use brown rice but may need to adjust cooking time.
• 4 cups chicken broth Use gluten-free broth if needed.
• 1 piece lemon Use zest and juice for best flavor.
• 1 piece onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, rice, chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Stir to mix all ingredients well.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until chicken is tender and rice is cooked.
2. Fluff the rice and shred the chicken with two forks.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve hot, optionally with a side salad or steamed vegetables. You can add vegetables during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal. For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary.