Easy Lemon Herb Chicken Rice One-Pot Meal

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe brings together tender chicken and fragrant rice with bright lemon and fragrant herbs for a comforting, hands-off meal. The slow cooker does most of the work, infusing every grain of rice and every bite of chicken with citrusy, savory flavor while you go about your day. It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.

With minimal prep and wholesome ingredients, this dinner combines lean protein and hearty grains that appeal to all ages. Whether served with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables, this one-pot meal is warming, nourishing, and rich with herb-infused goodness.

Equipment

• Slow cooker / crock pot
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Fork for fluffing rice

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 4 pieces (about 600–700 g)
• Long-grain white rice – 300 g
• Chicken broth – 480 ml
• Fresh lemon juice – 240 ml (from about 2–3 lemons)
• Dried thyme – 2 teaspoons
• Dried oregano – 2 teaspoons
• Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
• Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
• Lemon, sliced (for garnish) – 1
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish) – small handful

Instructions

• Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• (Optional) Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken briefly until lightly browned; transfer to the slow cooker.
• In a bowl, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, dried thyme, and dried oregano; mix well.
• Pour the rice and broth mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
• Place lemon slices on top for extra citrus aroma.
• Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
• About 30 minutes before serving, check doneness and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Remove chicken, fluff the rice with a fork, and either shred the chicken or serve it whole over the rice.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Recipe Info

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) / 3–4 hours (high)
• Total Time: ~6–7 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Main dish

How to Store

• Let cool to room temperature.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove; add a splash of broth if the rice seems dry.

What Not to Do

• Do not lift the slow cooker lid during cooking — this releases heat and prolongs time.
• Don’t add extra liquid beyond the recipe amounts or the rice may turn mushy.
• Do not skip seasoning the chicken; it’s key for full flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
• Add a handful of peas or chopped carrots during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
• Use jasmine or basmati rice if you want a fragrant variation.
• For stronger lemon flavor, add lemon zest to the rice mixture before cooking.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~380 kcal
• Protein: ~30 g
• Fat: ~8 g
• Carbohydrates: ~38 g
• Fiber: ~1 g
• Sodium: ~650 mg (varies with broth)

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Anderson Jorge

Easy Lemon Herb Chicken Rice One-Pot Meal

Easy Lemon Herb Chicken Rice One-Pot Meal

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – 4 pieces (about 600–700 g)
• Long-grain white rice – 300 g
• Chicken broth – 480 ml
• Fresh lemon juice – 240 ml from about 2–3 lemons
• Dried thyme – 2 teaspoons
• Dried oregano – 2 teaspoons
• Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
• Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
• Lemon sliced (for garnish) – 1
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish – small handful

Method

 

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. (Optional) Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken briefly until lightly browned; transfer to the slow cooker.
3. In a bowl, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, dried thyme, and dried oregano; mix well.
4. Pour the rice and broth mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
5. Place lemon slices on top for extra citrus aroma.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
7. About 30 minutes before serving, check doneness and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Remove chicken, fluff the rice with a fork, and either shred the chicken or serve it whole over the rice.
9. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Calories: ~380 kcal
• Protein: ~30 g
• Fat: ~8 g
• Carbohydrates: ~38 g
• Fiber: ~1 g
• Sodium: ~650 mg (varies with broth)

Conclusion

This slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice delivers a balanced meal with lean protein, flavorful herbs, and satisfying grains — all cooked in one pot with minimal effort. The bright citrus notes uplift the dish while the long cooking time ensures tender results, making it a nutritious and comforting choice for family dinners or meal prep.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used and may yield juicier meat.

Can brown rice substitute white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to add extra liquid and extend cook time.

Can I prepare this ahead?
You can assemble the slow cooker the night before; refrigerate until ready to cook.

Is this gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free chicken broth.