Name: Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 large lemon, zested and juiced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup frozen peas; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Hey y'all! If you're searching for a cozy, satisfying meal that's bursting with bright citrus and savory herbs, this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice will quickly become a family favorite. With juicy chicken, fragrant rice, and a tangy lemon twist, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual get-togethers. The best part? The slow cooker does all the hard work for you! Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Super easy—just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic!
Delivers ultra-tender chicken and fluffy, flavorful rice every time.

Fresh lemon and herbs bring out vibrant, zesty flavors that everyone will love.
Minimal prep and clean up make it perfect for busy days or lazy weekends.
It's a one-pot wonder that reheats beautifully for leftovers or meal planning.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
1 ½ cups long grain white rice, rinsed
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)

2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup frozen peas (added at end)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the bottom and sides of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or a bit of olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Add the rinsed rice to the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, and stir in the lemon zest, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Step 3: Add Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Drizzle with olive oil and give them a quick sprinkle of salt and pepper. You can nestle the chicken slightly into the rice, but don’t fully submerge.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and the rice is tender. For best texture, avoid using HIGH setting; rice cooks more evenly on LOW.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Let the dish sit covered until the peas are heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon slices if desired!

Notes for Success with Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch—this keeps it fluffy instead of sticky (learn more about rice prep here).
Try using chicken thighs for extra juicy results—just adjust cook time if needed.

For added creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving.

Variations on Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Greek-Style: Add ½ cup crumbled feta and ¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives before serving.
Veggie-Packed: Stir in a cup of diced zucchini or bell pepper along with the peas.

Lemon-Garlic: Increase garlic powder to 2 teaspoons and add 4 minced garlic cloves for extra garlicky flavor.

Equipment Needed for Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

6-quart slow cooker (Crockpot or similar)
Sharp kitchen knife and cutting board

Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing spoon

Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, pack portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep things moist.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Pair with a crisp green salad and a drizzle of olive oil-lemon vinaigrette.
Serve alongside roasted vegetables for extra nutrition and color.
Add a slice of crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Don’t overcook—check your chicken at the 3-hour mark to ensure it stays juicy (slow cooker tips).
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, most authentic flavor.
For fluffier rice, let the dish rest, covered, for 10 minutes after cooking before serving (rice cooking tips).

FAQ: Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Can I use brown rice instead of white?: Yes, but increase the broth to 4 cups and extend the cook time by 1–2 hours since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces?: Absolutely! Just check for doneness and remove the bones before serving for easier eating.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?: Use long grain white rice, avoid over-stirring, and don’t overcook. Rinsing rice before adding helps, too!

Enjoy your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice—a comforting, flavorful, and easy meal for any occasion!

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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice