Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 5 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A bright and comforting slow cooker meal featuring tender lemon-herb chicken cooked over fluffy, flavorful rice for an easy hands-off dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/3 cup lemon juice (fresh preferred)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the slow cooker with olive oil or nonstick spray.
- Place rinsed rice in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour in chicken broth.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, parsley, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken on top of the rice and dot with butter cubes.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or until chicken is tender and rice is fully cooked.
- Remove chicken, shred or slice if desired, and return to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Serve warm and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add lemon slices on top of the chicken while cooking.
- Use brown rice only if increasing the broth and cooking time (brown rice requires longer cooking).
- For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Chicken breasts or thighs
Chicken provides the protein base. Breasts offer a leaner option, while thighs remain juicier and more flavorful after slow cooking.
Long-grain white rice
This rice variety cooks evenly in the slow cooker and absorbs the broth and lemon flavour beautifully.
Chicken broth
Broth forms the cooking liquid that keeps the dish moist and infuses both the chicken and rice with savoury depth.
Lemon juice and zest
These provide brightness and acidity, adding a refreshing layer of flavour that lifts the entire dish.
Garlic
Garlic deepens the savoury profile and enhances the herb combination.
Onion
Onion contributes sweetness and balance, helping create a well-rounded flavour base.
Thyme
Thyme offers earthy herbal notes that pair naturally with lemon and chicken.
Rosemary
Rosemary adds fragrance and depth, giving the dish a rustic aroma.
Olive oil
A touch of olive oil enriches the chicken and helps keep it tender during slow cooking.
Salt and pepper
These essential seasonings bring out the flavours of the ingredients and provide balance throughout the dish.
Directions
Begin by lightly coating the slow cooker with a small amount of olive oil or non-stick spray. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps ensure even cooking. Add the rice, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice mixture, ensuring it nestles slightly into the liquid without being fully submerged. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the chicken for added richness. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Once finished, gently fluff the rice with a fork. The chicken should be tender enough to shred or slice easily. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning or lemon as needed. The result is a fragrant, comforting one-pot meal with perfectly infused flavours.
Equipment needed :
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: 4–5 hours on low
Total time: 4–5 hours
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep the rice from drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though the rice may soften slightly upon thawing.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice
Stir in a small amount of cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier finish.
Herb-Forward Version
Increase the thyme and rosemary or add parsley for a more botanical flavour.
Vegetable-Packed Bowl
Add peas, carrots, or spinach during the last hour of cooking for more colour and nutrition.
Greek-Inspired Twist
Incorporate oregano and finish with crumbled feta and fresh parsley.
Brown Rice Option
Use brown rice but extend the cooking time and increase the broth slightly.
Garlic-Lemon Upgrade
Roast garlic beforehand and add it to deepen flavour.
Spicy Lemon Chicken and Rice
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Lemon-Honey Finish
Stir in a touch of honey at the end for a sweet, tangy balance.
Chicken Thigh Variation
Use only thighs for extra juicy, flavourful results.
Light and Brothy Version
Add additional broth to create a more risotto-like consistency.
FAQs
Can I use instant rice?
Instant rice is not recommended because it becomes mushy in the slow cooker.
Should I use fresh or dried herbs?
Either works, though fresh herbs provide more vibrant flavour.
Can I substitute brown rice?
Yes, but you will need more broth and extra cooking time.
Why is my rice too soft?
It may have been stirred too much or cooked too long. Rinsing rice before cooking also helps.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, add hardy vegetables at the beginning or quick-cooking ones later.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Frozen chicken is not recommended for slow cooking due to safety concerns.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but ensure your slow cooker is large enough and adjust rice and liquid ratios carefully.
How do I keep the rice from sticking?
Rinsing the rice and lightly greasing the pot help prevent sticking.
Can I use chicken thighs only?
Absolutely, and they stay very tender in the slow cooker.
Can I add more lemon?
Yes, adjust the lemon juice or zest to your preference before serving.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a wholesome, flavourful, and incredibly convenient one-pot meal perfect for busy days. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and bright notes of lemon and herbs, this recipe delivers the comforting warmth you expect from slow cooking while remaining refreshing and light. Its flexibility and ease of preparation make it a reliable addition to your dinner rotation, offering both nourishment and simplicity in every bite.
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