If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make dinner, this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is perfect for you. Packed with bright citrus flavors, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken, this dish is an effortless weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Effortless Cooking – Set it and forget it! Perfect for busy days.
✅ Rich in Flavor – The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs creates an irresistible taste.
✅ One-Pot Meal – Chicken, rice, and seasonings all cook together, making cleanup a breeze.
✅ Nutritious & Filling – A balanced meal with lean protein, healthy carbs, and vitamins.
✅ Family-Friendly – Mild yet flavorful, appealing to kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Rice:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (rinsed and drained)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced carrots (optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Check out: Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet Recipe
Instructions: Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and paprika.
- Rub the seasoning blend evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken on both sides for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. (This step adds extra flavor!)
- Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Add the rinsed rice, minced garlic, diced onion, salt, pepper, basil, and lemon zest to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice.
- Stir the ingredients gently to combine.
- Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2.5-3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- About 30 minutes before cooking time is up, add the peas and carrots (if using).
- Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon slices, and Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice!
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
- Rinse the Rice: Washing the rice removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Sear the Chicken: This step adds a richer, more complex flavor to the dish.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the dish a bright, tangy taste that bottled juice can’t match.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Use Chicken Thighs for More Juiciness: Thighs stay moist and tender during slow cooking.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time. You may need to add extra broth and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the butter or use a dairy-free alternative.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
5. Can I add more seasonings?
Of course! Feel free to add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or cumin for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts: Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a simple, yet flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. With its fresh citrus notes, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken, this meal will become a family favorite.
Try it out and let us know how it turned out in the comments! Happy cooking! 🍋🍗🥘
Read more: Best Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl Recipe
Print
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked with herbs, lemon, and perfectly seasoned rice. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking process, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and wholesome dinner with vibrant citrus and herb flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
For the Rice:
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, thyme, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. (This step is optional but adds extra flavor.)
2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the seared chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add minced garlic, lemon juice, chicken broth, and butter pieces over the chicken.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
4. Add the Rice:
- After the chicken has cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside.
- Stir the uncooked rice, chicken broth, lemon zest, salt, parsley, and oregano into the slow cooker.
- Return the chicken on top of the rice.
5. Finish Cooking:
- Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
- If needed, add extra broth during cooking to prevent dryness.
6. Serve:
- Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with extra lemon wedges. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Brown Rice: If substituting with brown rice, increase the cooking time by 30-40 minutes.
- Add Veggies: Stir in peas, carrots, or spinach in the last 20 minutes for extra nutrients.
- Make it Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or Parmesan cheese at the end for a richer flavor.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Comfort Food, Slow Cooker, Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
Keywords: Slow Cooker Chicken, Lemon Herb Chicken, Crockpot Chicken and Rice, Easy Dinner Recipe