Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is the kind of cozy, comforting meal that wraps you up in warm citrusy hugs and fragrant herb clouds, all without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. With just 15 minutes of prep and the magic of a slow cooker, you’ll be rewarded hours later with tender chicken breasts that practically melt into a bed of fluffy, aromatic rice. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed Sunday lunch, this dish brings family and friends together around the table, celebrating simple ingredients elevated by bright lemon juice, zingy lemon zest, and classic dried basil and thyme. This is a true beginner-friendly recipe—no fancy techniques or special gadgets required—yet it feels impressively gourmet, striking the perfect balance between effortless and delicious.
I remember the first time I made this recipe for my in-laws: I tossed everything into my trusty slow cooker before heading out for the day, and by dinner time, the house smelled like a cozy bistro. The rice soaked up all that vibrant, lemony broth, and the chicken shredded so easily, you’d think I’d been slaving away for hours. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a celebration, even if it started with a quick 15-minute prep and the flip of a switch. With only 450 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free delight that checks all the boxes—hearty, family-friendly, and bursting with flavor. So let’s dive into this effortless dinner that proves cozy meals don’t have to be complicated!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SLOW COOKER LEMON HERB CHICKEN AND RICE
Every great meal begins with quality ingredients that work together in harmony. In this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice, each component plays an important role in building layers of flavor—from savory depth to bright citrus notes and herby warmth.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
These lean, tender cuts soak up the lemon-herb marinade beautifully, staying moist as they slow-cook to perfection and making shredding a breeze.
- Long-grain white rice
Known for staying fluffy and separate, this rice base absorbs all the flavorful broth without turning mushy, giving you perfectly tender grains in every bite.
- Chicken broth
The cooking liquid that brings richness and depth, infusing the rice with umami and helping the chicken stay juicy.
- Lemon juice
Freshly squeezed zing that brightens the entire dish and balances the savory herbs, creating a lively flavor profile.
- Zest of 1 lemon
Concentrated citrus oils add an extra punch of lemon brightness, elevating the aroma and taste.
- Olive oil
Builds the foundation of the marinade, helping to distribute flavor and keep the chicken succulent.
- Dried basil
Sweet, slightly peppery herb notes that meld beautifully with lemon and thyme for a classic Mediterranean touch.
- Dried thyme
Earthy and aromatic, this herb adds subtle depth and complexity to the overall flavor.
- Garlic powder
Delivers warm, savory undertones without overpowering, blending seamlessly into the marinade.
- Onion powder
Enhances the savory base with a mild onion flavor that rounds out the herb mix.
- Salt
Essential seasoning that elevates all the ingredients, ensuring each bite is well-balanced.
- Black pepper
Adds a gentle heat and peppery bite, waking up the palate without overwhelming the dish.
- Peas (fresh or frozen)
Pops of sweet green color and texture added toward the end of cooking for freshness and visual appeal.
- Fresh parsley
Bright, herbaceous garnish that adds a clean finish and a burst of color.
- Lemon slices (optional)
Decorative accent that reinforces the citrus theme and adds visual flair to the final presentation.
HOW TO MAKE SLOW COOKER LEMON HERB CHICKEN AND RICE
Let’s walk through the simple step-by-step process for transforming everyday ingredients into a slow-cooked masterpiece. Each stage is designed for minimal hands-on time, letting your slow cooker handle the heavy lifting while you get on with your day.
1. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried basil, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir vigorously until you have a smooth, well-blended marinade that’s bursting with citrusy-herb flavor.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and guarantees that each breast will soak up the marinade uniformly.
3. Pour the olive oil and lemon mixture over the chicken breasts, gently turning them so they’re well coated. This step kickstarts the flavor infusion, giving the chicken a bright, herby crust as it cooks.
4. Add the rinsed rice to the slow cooker, evenly dispersing it around and underneath the chicken. The rinsing step is key to preventing stickiness and ensuring fluffy grains.
5. Pour the chicken broth over the rice, making sure it’s fully submerged. The broth will cook the rice and keep the chicken extra juicy.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded and the rice is fully cooked. The low setting gives you maximum tenderness and flavor development.
7. About 15 minutes before serving, add the peas to the slow cooker and gently mix them into the rice and around the chicken. This brief cooking time preserves their vibrant color and sweet snap.
8. Once fully cooked, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and rice. This final herb flourish adds freshness and visual appeal.
9. Serve hot, garnished with lemon slices if desired, for an extra citrusy aroma and a pop of color that makes this dish truly shine.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SLOW COOKER LEMON HERB CHICKEN AND RICE
After all that slow-cooking magic, you’ll want to present your Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice in a way that accentuates its bright, homey appeal. Here are some fun, tasteful suggestions to make every serving feel special and inviting.
- Fresh lemon slices
Arrange thin rounds of lemon on top of the chicken just before serving to reinforce the citrus theme and add a pop of color that says “summer comfort.”
- Side of crisp green salad
A simple mix of baby greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette creates a refreshing contrast in texture and temperature.
- Crusty artisan bread
Serve warm slices of sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the flavorful juices, turning every bite into a savory, chewy delight.
- Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and cracked pepper
Finish individual plates with a swirl of high-quality olive oil and a few turns of fresh cracked black pepper to add richness and visual appeal.
HOW TO STORE SLOW COOKER LEMON HERB CHICKEN AND RICE
Whether you’re planning meals for the week or saving leftovers for an easy lunch, proper storage will keep your Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice tasting just as delightful as the day you made it. Follow these simple tips to maintain freshness, flavor, and texture.
- Refrigerate in airtight containers
Portion the cooled dish into shallow, sealed containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring the rice stays fluffy and the chicken remains moist.
- Freeze for longer storage
Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat gently
To preserve moisture, reheat refrigerated or thawed portions in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth, or warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Separate garnishes
Keep fresh parsley and lemon slices stored separately in small bags or containers to maintain brightness. Add them just before serving for maximum flavor impact.
CONCLUSION
This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe brings together the warmth of home cooking and the simplicity of a set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker masterpiece. In just 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, you’ve created a family-friendly meal that simmers gently for 4–5 hours, yielding tender, flavor-packed chicken nestled atop perfectly cooked, herb-infused rice. The combination of citrus zest, zippy lemon juice, and classic herbs like basil and thyme transforms basic ingredients into something truly special—an easy dinner or lunch that feels as comforting as a warm hug. With only 450 calories per serving, this dish proves that comforting meals can also be mindful ones. Plus, the addition of bright peas and fresh parsley adds a fresh finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Feel free to print this article or save it on your device for easy reference—whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight meal or prepping lunches for the week ahead, this recipe has you covered. Don’t forget there’s an FAQ below to help address any questions you might have, from ingredient swaps to timing tweaks. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Leave a comment with your thoughts, ask any questions, or share your own tips and experiences. Your feedback not only helps me but also inspires fellow home cooks to whip up their own jars of lemony, herby goodness. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delicious, slow-cooked meals ahead!
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Description
Savor the crisp citrus notes and fragrant herbs in this easy slow cooker dish. Tender chicken paired with fluffy rice creates a hearty, comforting dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried basil, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
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Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer.
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Pour the olive oil and lemon mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
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Add the rinsed rice to the slow cooker, evenly dispersing it around the chicken.
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Pour the chicken broth over the rice.
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded and the rice is fully cooked.
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About 15 minutes before serving, add the peas to the slow cooker and gently mix them into the rice and around the chicken. Continue cooking for the remaining time.
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Once fully cooked, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and rice before serving.
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Serve hot, garnished with lemon slices if desired.
Note
- Rinsing the rice ensures it doesn't become sticky as it cooks.
- If you prefer brown rice, adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
- The addition of lemon slices as garnish enhances the visual appeal and adds a fresh lemony aroma.
- This dish is great for meal prep; it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Customize it with your favorite herbs or add some heat with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
