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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 a comforting meal that combines tender chicken thighs, fluffy rice, and Mediterranean flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 390 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked
  • 2.25 cups chicken broth low sodium
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice about 1 lemon
  • 1 lemon zest from 1 lemon
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup chopped fresh spinach or frozen peas optional
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper, and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden.
  • Prepare the Slow Cooker Base: In the bottom of your slow cooker, add uncooked rice, diced onion, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
  • Add Chicken: Place the chicken thighs (seared or raw) on top of the rice mixture.
  • Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
  • Add Greens (Optional): In the last 15–20 minutes of cooking, gently stir in chopped spinach or peas if using. Cover again and let them wilt from the heat.
  • Fluff and Serve: Once done, remove the chicken, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

You can double the recipe for meal prep—just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate extra rice and liquid. Add a touch of butter or a drizzle of olive oil at the end for added richness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 390kcal
Keyword chicken, herb, Lemon, One Pot Meal, rice, slow cooker
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