Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a comforting, one-pot meal packed with flavor. Tender, juicy chicken is slow-cooked with aromatic herbs, garlic, and bright lemon, then combined with fluffy rice for a satisfying dish. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe perfect for busy days!
Time Required
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp paprika (optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, juiced and zested
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
For the Rice:
1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice, with adjusted cooking time)
1 ½ cups chicken broth (or water)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For Garnish (Optional):
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra lemon slices
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
1. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, basil, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden (optional but adds flavor).
Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
1. Place the seared chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, butter (if using), and 2 cups chicken broth.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
Step 3: Add the Rice
1. After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set aside.
2. Stir in 1 cup rice and 1½ cups broth.
3. Return the chicken on top of the rice.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 30-40 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Fluff the rice with a fork and mix in fresh parsley.
Serve with extra lemon slices for a fresh touch.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~400 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Vitamin C: 20% DV
For a lower-carb option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice and reduce broth.
Notes & Variations
Brown Rice Option: Use 1¼ cups brown rice and increase broth to 2 cups. Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Extra Veggies: Add diced carrots, bell peppers, or spinach in the last 30 minutes.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Dairy-Free: Omit replace with dairy-free alternative.
Meal Prep Friendly: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.