Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
There’s something magical about coming home to the scent of lemon, herbs, and tender chicken simmering away. Hi, I’m Chef Mia, your cozy home-cooking companion who loves transforming simple pantry staples into soul-warming dishes. This slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice is my go-to on busy days—it’s bright, comforting, and feels like sunshine in a bowl.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Lightly grease your slow cooker with olive oil.
- Add rice, broth, lemon juice, zest, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Place chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3 hours, until chicken is tender and rice is fluffy.
- Stir in frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking if using.
- Shred or slice the chicken and fluff the rice before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest for brightness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Lemon zester or microplane
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Pro Tips & Substitutions
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add a splash of white wine for more depth.
- Substitute brown rice (increase cooking time by 1 hour).
- Garnish with feta or parmesan for a creamy touch.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 36g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Herb Slow Cooker Dish
This dish is the definition of easy comfort. Everything cooks together—no sautéing, no watching the stove. The rice absorbs the lemony broth, creating a soft, risotto-like texture while the chicken stays perfectly juicy. It’s light enough for spring but cozy enough for fall, and the aroma of herbs makes your whole kitchen smell incredible.
Make It a Weeknight Staple
When life gets busy, slow cooker meals save the day. Prep this lemon herb chicken and rice in the morning, set your cooker, and let dinner take care of itself. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and reheats beautifully for leftovers. Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a wholesome, balanced meal without the stress.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or lemon juice to keep the rice moist. It also freezes well—just portion into containers, thaw overnight, and reheat for a fresh-tasting meal anytime.
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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A cozy slow cooker meal with lemon, herbs, and tender chicken over fluffy rice.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1½ cups long-grain white rice
3 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon zest
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper
1 cup frozen peas
Fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Lightly grease the slow cooker.
2. Add rice, broth, lemon juice, zest, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken on top.
4. Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3 hours.
5. Add peas at the end and fluff before serving.
Notes
Swap in chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Add white wine for richness.
Garnish with parmesan for creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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