Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a flavorful one-pot meal with tender chicken, fresh herbs, and lemon cooked with fluffy rice.

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a bright, flavorful, and comforting one-pot dinner that’s both simple and satisfying. This recipe combines juicy chicken, fluffy rice, fresh herbs, and the refreshing zest of lemon, all cooked slowly to perfection. It’s the kind of cozy meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

What makes this dish special is the balance of flavors,the tangy citrus cuts through the richness of the chicken, while herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley bring a fresh, aromatic quality. Since it’s made entirely in the slow cooker, it’s also a hands-off recipe, perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 2 tsp fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  • Season chicken breasts with paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden (optional, but adds flavor).

Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

  • Add onion, garlic, rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, and rosemary to the slow cooker.
  • Stir to combine, then place chicken on top of the rice mixture.

Step 3: Cook

  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until rice is tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Finish and Serve

  • Fluff rice with a fork and stir in fresh parsley.
  • Serve warm with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Variations

  • Creamy Lemon Chicken Rice: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or cream cheese before serving.
  • Vegetable Boost: Add peas, spinach, or carrots in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
  • Mediterranean Style: Add kalamata olives and a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving.

Cooking Notes

  • Rinse rice before cooking to prevent excess starch and stickiness.
  • Don’t overcook,rice can get mushy if left too long in the slow cooker.
  • Browning the chicken first enhances flavor but is optional.
  • If rice isn’t fully cooked, add a splash more broth and continue cooking briefly.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side salad (like Greek salad or cucumber tomato salad).
  • Pair with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
  • Add crusty bread or garlic knots for a complete meal.

Tips

  • Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and juiciness.
  • Fresh lemon juice is key for the best flavor,avoid bottled.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • This dish also freezes well,freeze in airtight containers up to 2 months.

Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 4–5 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, 6 servings)

  • Calories: 360
  • Protein: 31g
  • Sodium: 580mg

FAQs

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

  • Yes, but increase broth to 4 cups and cooking time by about 1 hour.

Q2: Do I need to sear the chicken first?

  • No, but searing adds depth of flavor. You can skip if short on time.

Q3: Can I cook this without rice?

  • Yes, omit rice and reduce broth to 2 cups, then serve chicken with mashed potatoes or couscous.

Q4: How do I prevent mushy rice?

  • Use long-grain rice, rinse before cooking, and avoid lifting the lid often during cooking.

Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?

  • Yes, the base recipe is already dairy-free,just skip creamy add-ins.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a vibrant, flavorful, and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With juicy chicken, fluffy rice, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon kick, it’s a one-pot meal that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. Versatile, family-friendly, and freezer-friendly, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your slow cooker rotation.

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