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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

This slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice is a comforting, hands-off meal featuring tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice infused with bright lemon and savory herbs. Perfect for busy days, it delivers a wholesome, flavorful dinner with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs skin-on preferred
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin optional
Base
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth low-sodium
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
Rice & Finish
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken skin-side down for 3 minutes, then flip and cook 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Place diced onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  4. Add seared chicken on top, then pour in chicken broth.
  5. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3.5 hours.
  6. Remove chicken and set aside. Stir uncooked rice into the broth.
  7. Return chicken to the slow cooker on top of the rice. Cook on HIGH for 25–30 minutes until rice is tender.
  8. Stir in spinach during the last 5 minutes until wilted.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

Searing the chicken first adds depth of flavor. Always add rice at the end to prevent it from becoming mushy. Fresh lemon zest enhances the overall brightness of the dish.