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Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Crockpot Recipe

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This easy crockpot recipe features tender chicken breasts, fluffy rice, and a bright blend of lemon and fresh herbs. It’s a comforting, family-friendly dinner that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice (jasmine or basmati work well)
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • Zest from 2 medium lemons
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil, half the salt, and half the pepper. Set aside.
  2. In a bowl, combine chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and remaining olive oil. Stir well.
  3. Add rinsed rice to the slow cooker. Nestle the chicken breasts on top. Pour the broth-herb mixture evenly over the chicken and rice. Sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper.
  4. Cover and cook on high for 3.5-4 hours, or low for 6-7 hours, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  5. If rice looks undercooked after 3.5 hours, add 1/4 cup more broth and continue cooking. If too soupy, lift the lid slightly for the last 30 minutes.
  6. Stir in frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Add spinach or kale now if using.
  7. Once cooking is done, swirl in butter (if using) and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon zest. Let sit uncovered for 5 minutes.
  8. Slice or shred chicken if desired. Serve rice and veggies topped with chicken, and drizzle with extra lemon juice if desired.

Notes

For best results, rinse rice before adding to the crockpot. Chicken thighs can be used for extra juiciness. For dairy-free, omit butter or use a plant-based alternative. Brown rice requires more broth and a longer cook time. Add extra veggies like spinach or kale for a nutrition boost. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb chicken, crockpot chicken and rice, slow cooker, easy family dinner, gluten-free, meal prep, comfort food, chicken and rice recipe

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/lemon-herb-chicken-and-rice-crockpot-recipe-easy-family-dinner/