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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

A flavorful and effortless slow cooker meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and bright lemon herb flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is simple to throw together and yields a comforting, healthy, and satisfying dish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped or 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • paper towels
  • mixing bowl
  • Forks (for shredding chicken)
  • Serving dish

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. In the slow cooker, combine the chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker, nestling them into the broth mixture.
  4. Sprinkle the rice evenly over the chicken and drizzle with olive oil.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork and the rice is tender.
  6. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  7. Gently fluff the rice with a fork and stir it together with the shredded chicken and juices.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a bay leaf to the slow cooker during cooking. Remove it before serving. Add chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor. This dish freezes well for future meals. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat. For a tangier flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving.