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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice – A Bright & Comforting One-Pot Dinner

Few things are more comforting than a warm bowl of chicken and rice. This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice takes that classic combination and elevates it with the fresh, zesty brightness of lemon and the savory depth of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Cooking everything together in the slow cooker means the chicken stays tender and juicy while the rice soaks up all the aromatic flavors from the broth, garlic, and herbs. Add in peas for color and sweetness, and you’ve got a balanced, complete meal that’s hearty enough for family dinners yet light and refreshing enough for any season. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation: minimal prep, set-it-and-forget-it cooking, and reliable results. Serve it straight from the slow cooker for a rustic family meal, or plate it up with extra lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a dinner-party-worthy presentation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat
  • 2 lbs Chicken breasts boneless and skinless
Vegetables & Aromatics
  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 cup Frozen peas
Pantry & Liquids
  • 4 cups Chicken broth low sodium if available
  • 1 cup Long-grain white rice
  • 2 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
Oils & Seasonings
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp Dried thyme

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker / Crockpot (5–6 quart recommended)
  • Cutting board & sharp knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Mixing Spoon
  • Zester (for lemon zest)

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
  1. Chop onion, mince garlic, zest lemon, and chop parsley.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional)
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. (This adds flavor but is optional if you’re short on time.)
Step 3: Add to the Slow Cooker
  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Add onion, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Step 4: Add Rice & Broth
  1. Pour rice evenly around the chicken.
  2. Add chicken broth, ensuring rice is submerged.
Step 5: Cook
  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and rice is tender.
Step 6: Stir in Peas & Parsley
  1. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas and fresh parsley.
Step 7: Serve Hot
  1. Shred chicken gently with two forks or slice into pieces.
  2. Serve with extra lemon wedges and parsley if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months (rice may soften slightly).
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if rice has thickened.
🥄 Variations
Brown Rice Option: Use brown rice but increase cook time by 1–2 hours.
Herb Swap: Use fresh rosemary and thyme instead of dried for stronger flavor.
Veggie Boost: Add carrots, celery, or spinach for more nutrition.
Cheesy Twist: Stir in Parmesan cheese at the end for extra richness.
Mediterranean Touch: Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes—thighs stay extra tender and flavorful.
2. Do I need to sear the chicken first?
It’s optional but adds depth of flavor.
3. Can I use instant rice?
No, it will overcook—use long-grain white or brown rice.
4. How do I prevent rice from getting mushy?
Don’t overcook; check around the 4-hour mark on LOW.
5. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes—swap chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
6. Can I add dairy for creaminess?
Yes, stir in ½ cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
7. Can I cook this overnight?
Not recommended, as rice may overcook.
8. What’s the best broth to use?
Low-sodium chicken broth gives you more control over salt.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use an 8-quart slow cooker.
10. What sides pair well with this dish?
A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
🏁 Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a cozy, flavorful dinner that’s as simple as it is satisfying. With tender chicken, fragrant herbs, bright lemon, and hearty rice, it’s a complete meal that cooks itself while you go about your day.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family gatherings, this recipe is nourishing, versatile, and guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.