Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy, comforting, family-friendly, and made entirely in the slow cooker. The lemon adds brightness, the herbs bring depth, and the chicken and rice cook together into a complete, nourishing meal with minimal cleanup.
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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: A Comforting One-Pot Meal with Bright, Fresh Flavor
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting one-pot slow cooker meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and bright lemon-herb flavors, perfect for an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the chicken on top and season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add the lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and continue cooking on LOW for another 1 to 1.5 hours, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Gently fluff the rice, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear the chicken briefly before adding it to the slow cooker.
- You can substitute brown rice, but cooking time will increase.
- Add vegetables like carrots or peas for a more complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken thighs or chicken breasts
Provide tender, juicy protein that stays moist during slow cooking.
Long-grain white rice
Cooks into fluffy, separate grains while absorbing the lemony broth.
Chicken broth
Forms the flavorful cooking liquid and keeps everything moist.
Lemon juice and lemon zest
Add fresh, bright acidity that balances the richness of the chicken.
Garlic
Infuses the dish with savory depth and aroma.
Onion
Adds subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor base.
Olive oil
Helps carry flavors and prevents sticking.
Dried oregano
Provides classic herbaceous flavor that pairs well with lemon.
Dried thyme
Adds warmth and earthy notes to the dish.
Salt
Enhances and balances all the flavors.
Black pepper
Adds mild heat and seasoning.
Fresh parsley
Brings color and freshness when stirred in at the end.
Directions
Begin by lightly greasing the slow cooker insert with olive oil. Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom, followed by the chopped onion and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, stirring gently to combine.
Season the chicken on both sides with salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. Place the chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Cover and cook on low until the chicken is tender and fully cooked and the rice has absorbed the liquid.
Once cooked, remove the chicken and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and allow everything to rest briefly with the lid off. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4–6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 3–4 hours on high or 6–7 hours on low
Total time: about 6 hours 10 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the rice. This dish also freezes well for up to two months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Greek-Inspired Version
Add olives and a sprinkle of feta before serving.
Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice
Stir in a small amount of cream or Greek yogurt at the end.
Vegetable-Loaded Dish
Add carrots, peas, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Garlic Lover’s Version
Increase the garlic for a bolder savory profile.
Brown Rice Option
Use brown rice and increase cooking time and liquid slightly.
Spicy Lemon Chicken
Add red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Herb Blend Twist
Use rosemary or basil instead of oregano and thyme.
Low-Sodium Version
Choose low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning to taste.
Shredded Chicken Style
Shred the chicken and mix it into the rice before serving.
Mediterranean Citrus Version
Add a splash of orange juice along with the lemon.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier during slow cooking.
Will the rice overcook?
Not if measured correctly and cooked on low heat.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it requires more liquid and longer cooking time.
Should I stir the rice during cooking?
No, leave it undisturbed to cook evenly.
Can I add vegetables at the start?
Yes, firm vegetables like carrots work best.
Is fresh lemon better than bottled?
Fresh lemon provides brighter, cleaner flavor.
Can I cook this on high?
Yes, reduce cooking time to about 3–4 hours.
Does this recipe work for meal prep?
Absolutely, it reheats very well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free.
How do I keep the rice fluffy?
Fluff gently with a fork and avoid over-stirring.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a wholesome, comforting meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and bright citrus-herb flavor in one effortless dish. Perfect for busy days or relaxed family dinners, it delivers warmth, nourishment, and simplicity with every serving. This recipe proves that slow cooking can be both convenient and full of fresh, vibrant flavor.
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