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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is the ultimate easy, healthy comfort food. Juicy chicken breasts simmer slowly with fragrant herbs, garlic, and lemon for a bright, creamy one-pot meal. Perfect for fall dinners in the crockpot, healthy crock pot chicken lovers, or anyone who needs easy weeknight dinner ideas. The citrusy, herb-infused flavor makes it light enough for spring and summer crockpot meals, while the creamy rice keeps it cozy for cooler nights. This dish is also great for crockpot freezer meals and simple family dinners any day of the week.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice rinsed
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional for creaminess
  • Fresh parsley or lemon slices for garnish

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
  2. Lightly grease your slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil.
  3. Season the Chicken:
  4. Rub chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and basil.
  5. Layer Ingredients:
  6. Add chicken to the crockpot, then add rice, minced garlic, and onion.
  7. Add Liquids:
  8. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir gently to mix.
  9. Cook:
  10. On Low: 5–6 hours
  11. On High: 2½–3 hours
  12. (Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker.)
  13. Add Cheese (Optional):
  14. In the last 15 minutes, stir in Parmesan for a creamy texture.
  15. Fluff and Serve:
  16. Once cooked, fluff rice with a fork and garnish with parsley or lemon slices.

Notes

  • Rice Options: Long-grain white rice works best; avoid instant rice to prevent mushiness.
  • Creamier Texture: Stir in Greek yogurt or cream cheese at the end for richness.
  • Freezer Meal Prep: Combine all ingredients (except broth) in a freezer bag and store up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.
  • Protein Swap: Try shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken.