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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

This comforting dish features tender bone-in chicken thighs seared to perfection and slow-cooked with aromatic herbs, lemon, and rice. The rice absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the chicken broth, lemon zest, and herbs, creating a complete meal that's both fresh and satisfying. It's perfect for busy families looking for a hands-off meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon slices, optional for serving

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • skillet

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in skillet and sear chicken skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear for 3-4 minutes more. Set aside.
  2. In slow cooker, combine rice, chicken broth, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir until well combined.
  3. Place seared chicken thighs on top of rice mixture in slow cooker. Do not stir the rice after adding chicken.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
  5. Fluff rice around chicken, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot with optional lemon slices.

Notes

Resist lifting the lid during cooking. If rice is too wet, let sit uncovered for 15-20 minutes. If too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons chicken broth. Reheats beautifully for meal prep - flavors improve overnight.