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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

  • Author: madison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 240 minutes
  • Total Time: 255 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A comforting dish featuring juicy chicken thighs or breasts, infused with lemon and herbs, served over fluffy rice. Perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (plus zest)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas or chopped spinach (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and make sure everything is ready to go.
  2. Sear the Chicken (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs on both sides for 2–3 minutes for deeper flavor.
  3. Combine in Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Stir in dried thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add Chicken: Nestle the seared (or unseared) chicken thighs into the mixture. Spoon some liquid over the top to keep them moist during cooking.
  5. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 240–300 minutes or HIGH for 120–180 minutes, until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
  6. Add Vegetables (Optional): If using peas or spinach, stir them in during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
  7. Finish: Gently fluff the rice, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a fiber boost, use brown rice instead of white. Adjust cooking times if using brown rice.