Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of slow-cooked comfort? This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a traditional family favorite that’s perfect for busy days when you crave something hearty yet refreshing. 🍋🍗 Imagine tender chicken infused with zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and perfectly cooked rice—all melding together in a single pot of goodness. It’s one of those humble dishes that quietly fills your home with warmth and love, just like Sunday dinners at grandma’s table. 🏡💛

This recipe is not only satisfying but also wonderfully balanced. The bright citrus notes cut through the richness of the chicken, and the herbs give it that timeless Mediterranean flair. Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for a low-effort, high-reward dinner, this dish delivers every time. With just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker will do the rest, leaving you free to enjoy your day while the magic happens. ✨

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Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra tenderness)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the rice:

• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

To finish:

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon slices for garnish 🍋

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep the chicken:
   Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season it on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear each piece for 2–3 minutes per side, just until lightly golden. This step locks in the flavor. 👩‍🍳
2. Build the base:
   In your slow cooker, add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped onion, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
3. Add the chicken:
   Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Don’t worry if they aren’t completely submerged—they’ll release juices as they cook, creating a flavorful broth.
4. Cook slowly and let flavors marry:
   Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2½–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this releases precious steam that helps the rice cook perfectly.
5. Fluff and serve:
   Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Add a few thin lemon slices on top for a lovely presentation and extra zest. 🍋✨
6. Optional twist:
   For a creamy version, stir in ¼ cup of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end of cooking—this adds richness without overpowering the lemony brightness.

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cook Time: 5 hours (Low) | ⏳ Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 550mg
• Sugars: 2g

This meal is packed with lean protein, whole grains, and the brightness of fresh lemon. It’s light yet filling, comforting yet refreshing—exactly the balance that makes it a timeless dinner table favorite. 💛

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️