Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal! Juicy, tender chicken is slow-cooked with fragrant herbs, zesty lemon, and fluffy rice for a wholesome family dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty dish with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Season chicken with oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear (optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken on both sides until golden brown for extra flavor.
- Assemble in slow cooker: Add rice, onion, garlic, chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Place chicken on top of the rice mixture.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C) and rice is tender.
- Finish & serve: Fluff the rice, garnish with parsley and lemon slices, and serve warm.
Notes
- For richer flavor, add 2 tbsp of butter when adding rice and broth.
- Substitute white rice with brown rice (increase liquid by ½ cup and cooking time).
- Add veggies like carrots, peas, or spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
