Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a warm, cozy, and refreshing dish that works beautifully as a spring crockpot meal, a busy-week slow cooker meal, or an easy fall dinner when you want something healthy and comforting. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs, this dish is flavorful without being heavy making it one of the best crock pot healthy meals for the whole family.

It’s also incredibly convenient: just dump, stir, and let the slow cooker do the work. Perfect for kid friendly crock pot recipes, one pot crockpot meals, crock pot chicken and rice, and even crockpot freezer meals when you want to meal prep ahead.

Simple ingredients, vibrant flavors, and minimal cleanup your new go-to slow cooker chicken recipe!

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3–4 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW
• Total Time: 3–6 hours
• Servings: 6

Ingredients List

Chicken & Rice Base

• 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning & Flavor

• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup peas or diced carrots
• Fresh parsley or dill
• Lemon slices for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just simple kitchen basics:

• Crockpot / slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Prepare the base
   Rinse rice until water runs clear. Add rice, onion, and garlic to the crockpot.
2. Season the chicken
   Sprinkle chicken with thyme, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Layer everything
   Place seasoned chicken on top of the rice.
4. Add liquids
   Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
5. Add butter
   Place butter pieces on top for richness.
6. Slow cook
   Cook:
   • LOW: 5–6 hours
   • HIGH: 3–4 hours
     Chicken will be tender and rice fully cooked.
7. Stir & fluff
   Remove chicken, shred or slice, and stir back into the rice.
8. Add veggies (optional)
   Stir in peas or carrots during the last 30 minutes.
9. Serve warm
   Garnish with parsley and lemon slices.

Pro Tips

1. Use thighs if you prefer extra juicy chicken.
2. Add ¼ cup more broth if your rice absorbs quickly.
3. Want freezer prep?
   Add raw ingredients to a freezer bag (except rice) and freeze up to 3 months.
4. Make it creamy:
   Stir in ¼ cup Greek yogurt or cream cheese at the end.

Nutrition Table

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are estimated and may vary based on brands and preparation. This recipe is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

A bright and comforting slow cooker meal made with lemon, herbs, garlic, and tender shredded chicken over fluffy rice. Perfect for family dinners and meal prep.

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Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 430

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
• 1 cup peas or diced carrots (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• crockpot or slow cooker
• Knife and cutting board
• measuring cups and spoons
• mixing spoon

Method

 

1. Add rinsed rice, diced onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Place chicken on top of the rice mixture.
3. Add lemon juice, zest, and butter over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or until rice and chicken are tender.
4. Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot. Stir in optional peas or carrots. Let sit 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 36gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 2.2mg

Notes

Add peas, carrots, or spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition. Use brown rice for a heartier version, adjusting liquid as needed.

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Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is fresh, cozy, and incredibly easy perfect for any season. Whether you want a spring-inspired slow cooker dish, a healthy fall meal, or a reliable one-pot crockpot recipe, this dinner delivers every time. Delicious, tender, and family-approved!

FAQs