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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: Easy One-Pot Meal

Jada Parker
A comforting, easy-to-make meal that requires minimal effort, with tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a zesty lemon herb sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice or brown rice for added fiber
  • 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp 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 chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Sear the Chicken (Optional)In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs (or breasts) for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Set aside.
  • Add Ingredients to Slow CookerIn the slow cooker, combine chopped onion, minced garlic, rice, chicken broth, lemon juice and zest, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine.
  • Add ChickenPlace the seared chicken on top of the rice mixture. Spoon some of the liquid over the chicken to keep it moist while cooking.
  • Cook on Low or HighCover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
  • Add Vegetables (Optional)If using peas or spinach, stir them in 20 minutes before the cooking time is up.
  •  
  • Finish & ServeOnce cooked, fluff the rice with a fork, and adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Substitute Options:
    Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. You can also swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based meal.
    For gluten-free, ensure the broth and rice are certified gluten-free.
  • Lemon Boost:
    If you love lemon, add a few lemon slices on top of the chicken before cooking for an even more aromatic experience.
 
  • Cooking Tip:
    If using brown rice, you may need extra liquid and an additional hour of cooking time. Increase broth by ½ cup and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours.
Keyword Chicken and Rice, easy recipe, Healthy Meal, Lemon Herb, Slow Cooker