– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup long-grain rice
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 1 lemon (zest and juice)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Creating Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is easier than you might think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a savory meal waiting for you:
1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and place them on your workspace.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Combine Seasonings: In a bowl, mix the lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend will flavor the chicken and rice beautifully.
4. Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed onions and garlic over the chicken.
5. Add Rice: Sprinkle the uncooked rice over the chicken mixture, ensuring even coverage.
6. Pour Broth: Carefully pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, making sure the rice is fully submerged.
7. Cover and Cook: Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Set it on low heat for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Check occasionally to ensure the rice does not burn.
8. Shred the Chicken: Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts. Shred them using two forks and return the meat to the slow cooker, mixing it into the rice.
9. Taste and Adjust: Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.
10. Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
These straightforward steps make it easy to prepare a delicious dish that surprises guests and delights your family.