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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice - featured image
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This easy, healthy crockpot dinner features juicy chicken, tender rice, and vibrant lemon-herb flavors. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal perfect for busy nights and effortless meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Juice of 2 medium lemons, divided
  • Zest of 1 lemon, divided
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Optional: extra lemon slices for topping

Instructions

  1. Place chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tbsp olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, half the lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and marinate for 10 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
  2. Optional: Sear chicken in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Skip if short on time.
  3. Add rinsed rice to the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with diced carrots, celery, and onion. Pour in chicken broth.
  4. Lay marinated chicken on top of rice and veggies. Pour any leftover marinade over everything. Add lemon slices if desired.
  5. Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and rice is tender. For brown rice, add 1/2 cup more broth and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours.
  6. About 20 minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas, remaining lemon zest, and juice from the second lemon. Cover and let warm through.
  7. If rice is too firm, add a splash more broth and cook another 15–20 minutes. If too wet, leave lid off for 10 minutes.
  8. Fluff rice, slice or shred chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley. Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon to taste.

Notes

Rinse rice well to prevent clumping. For extra lemon flavor, add lemon slices on top before cooking. Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Leftovers reheat and freeze well. For a dairy-free version, no changes needed. For brown rice, add 1/2 cup more broth and cook longer. Add spinach or kale at the end for more greens.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, crockpot, chicken and rice, lemon herb, healthy dinner, meal prep, family friendly, gluten free

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/slow-cooker-lemon-herb-chicken-and-rice-recipe-easy-healthy-crockpot-dinner/