Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is just what you need. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh herbs come together in one pot for a wholesome, flavor-packed dinner. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Recipe Overview

This recipe brings together juicy chicken thighs, aromatic herbs, and a bright lemony twist, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a family favorite that requires minimal prep and delivers restaurant-quality flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours (on low)
• Serves: 4–6
• Difficulty: Easy
  This slow cooker dish gives you the comfort of home-cooked food with almost no effort.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have your slow cooker ready and the following kitchen tools:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• A sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Zester (for fresh lemon zest)

INGREDIENTS

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 lemon (zest + juice)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup diced carrots
• ½ cup chopped spinach

PREPARATION

1. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended):
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in flavor.
2. Prepare the Base:
   In your slow cooker, add uncooked rice, garlic, onion, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Add the Chicken:
   Place seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Make sure they’re evenly spaced.
4. Cook Slowly:
   Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Avoid opening the lid too often to prevent heat loss.
5. Final Touch:
   Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork, stir in peas or spinach if using, and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	410 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	38 g
Fat	14 g
Fiber	2 g
Sodium	480 mg

Tips for Perfect Chicken Texture

For juicy, tender chicken, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) is the perfect internal temperature.

Choosing the Right Rice

Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Short-grain or brown rice tends to absorb too much liquid, resulting in mushy consistency.

Enhancing Lemon Flavor

For a bolder lemon flavor, add a few thin lemon slices on top of the chicken before cooking. Fresh lemon zest also brightens the dish beautifully.

Herb Substitutions

If you don’t have thyme or rosemary, try Italian seasoning, basil, or tarragon. Dried herbs work best in slow-cooked dishes since they hold flavor longer.

Adding Vegetables

Boost nutrition by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, bell peppers, or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This adds color and a burst of flavor.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist, then warm in the microwave or on the stove.

FAQs

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is your ticket to a hearty, wholesome meal with minimal effort. Bursting with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, it’s ideal for cozy family dinners or make-ahead lunches. Once you try it, it’ll quickly become a regular in your weekly meal rotation.

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