If you’re searching for the perfect weeknight dinner that’s comforting, flavorful, and a breeze to clean up, look no further than the 5-Star Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: One Pot, Full of Flavor. Imagine juicy, golden chicken thighs nestled on a bed of lemony, herbed rice that’s brimming with sweet carrots and bright peas—all gently cooked together in your trusty slow cooker. This is the kind of meal that gets rave reviews from the whole family, and it’s all done in a single pot with minimal effort, thanks to a medley of zesty, savory, and aromatic ingredients that do all the heavy lifting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a short list of everyday kitchen staples transforms the humble slow-cooker chicken dinner into something truly special. Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding depth, boosting aroma, or contributing a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need for the 5-Star Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: One Pot, Full of Flavor:
- Chicken thighs (4, bone-in, skin-on): Juicy and flavorful, these become incredibly tender while keeping the rice rich and savory.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked): Soaks up all the herby, lemony goodness and delivers the ultimate comfort factor.
- Chicken broth (1 1/2 cups, low-sodium): Infuses the rice and chicken with full-bodied flavor without overwhelming the dish with salt.
- Lemon (juice and zest of 1): The real game-changer, this gives your chicken and rice a vibrant, sunny lift.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve that gorgeous golden sear on the chicken for unbeatable flavor and color.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds a woodsy, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with both chicken and citrus.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Mediterranean flair that rounds out the herb mix for a savory depth.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides all the mellow, robust flavor of garlic with no mincing required.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Subtle sweetness and savoriness that infuses the entire pot.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance every bite.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and balances the other spices.
- Carrots (1 cup, chopped): Sweet pops of color and just the right amount of tenderness after slow cooking.
- Diced onion (1/2 cup): These melt into the rice, lending depth and an almost creamy texture.
- Frozen peas (1/2 cup, add at end): Bright green color and a burst of fresh flavor with every bite.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish): That final flourish adds freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make 5-Star Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: One Pot, Full of Flavor
Step 1: Sear the Chicken Thighs
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While that’s warming up, season your chicken thighs on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. Searing the chicken skin-side down for 3 to 4 minutes does two things: it adds gorgeous golden color, and it locks in the juices while deepening the flavor. Once the skin is beautifully crisp, remove them from the heat–they’ll finish cooking slowly with the rice.
Step 2: Build Flavors in the Slow Cooker
In the bottom of your slow cooker, add the uncooked long-grain white rice, chicken broth, the bright lemon juice and fragrant zest, chopped carrots, and diced onion. Stir it all together so the flavors start mingling, which will give you that irresistible layered taste that makes the 5-Star Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: One Pot, Full of Flavor so unforgettable.
Step 3: Arrange Chicken and Set to Cook
Gently nestle your golden-seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, keeping them skin-side up to preserve their crispy top. Pop the lid on, set your slow cooker to low, and let it work its magic for 5 to 6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fall-apart tender, and the rice is fluffy and infused with lemon and fresh herbs.
Step 4: Add Peas and Finish
Just before you’re ready to serve—about 15 minutes out—lift the lid and stir in the frozen peas. Cover again. This last-minute addition keeps the peas bright green and perfectly tender, adding a welcome contrast to the rich flavors in the pot.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the rice is tender and the peas are warmed through, spoon everything onto plates and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. That final touch brings colors and herbal freshness to every bite, truly capturing the essence of 5-Star Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: One Pot, Full of Flavor.
How to Serve 5-Star Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: One Pot, Full of Flavor
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must—it adds that bright pop of green and a hit of freshness right at the end. If you want to take things up a notch, add extra lemon zest over the finished dish, or even a few paper-thin slices of lemon for a show-stopping presentation. A final drizzle of good olive oil will make everything glisten and taste luxurious.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a complete one-pot wonder, but if you’re feeling ambitious, pair it with a crisp, simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or a side of garlicky green beans. Warm, crusty bread (gluten-free if needed) is also a lovely addition for soaking up every bit of herby, lemony broth left in the bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For weeknight casualness, serve right from the slow cooker family-style. If you have guests, consider plating each chicken thigh over a neat mound of rice with peas and carrots artfully spooned around, garnishing with a flourish of fresh parsley and a bit more lemon zest. You can even serve individual portions in shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic feel that highlights how special the 5-Star Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: One Pot, Full of Flavor truly is.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftovers to room temperature before packing into airtight containers. The chicken and rice keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for easy lunches or dinners later in the week, and the flavor only deepens as everything has a chance to meld.
Freezing
If you want to stash away some hearty comfort food for later, this dish freezes wonderfully. Place cooled portions of chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to 2 months for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of extra chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Cover loosely and microwave until hot, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, warm gently on the stovetop, covered, until heated through—add more broth if needed to keep the rice fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs bring rich flavor and keep the meat juicy, you can use boneless cuts for convenience. Just reduce the cook time by about 30 minutes to prevent overcooking, and keep an eye on moisture levels in your rice.
Does brown rice work in this recipe?
Yes, brown rice is a great whole-grain substitute. To ensure even cooking, increase the chicken broth to 2 cups and extend the cook time to about 6 to 7 hours on low. The final dish will have a slightly nuttier flavor and chewier texture—still delicious!
How do I get really crispy chicken skin?
If crispy skin is your must-have, broil the cooked chicken thighs on a baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes after slow cooking. This gives you that golden, restaurant-worthy finish while keeping all the flavors from the 5-Star Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: One Pot, Full of Flavor intact.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Sure thing! Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker (at least 6 to 7 quarts). Check the rice for tenderness at the 5-hour mark, as a bigger batch may take a little longer to finish cooking evenly.
What if I don’t have dried thyme or oregano?
No worries! Try using Italian seasoning as a substitute, or swap for other dried herbs you enjoy—rosemary or basil would both work nicely. The beauty of 5-Star Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: One Pot, Full of Flavor is how adaptable it can be to what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a meal that combines ease, nutrition, and downright irresistible flavor, and that’s exactly what you get with 5-Star Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: One Pot, Full of Flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to an everyday dinner with extraordinary taste, this recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again. Give it a try and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting—you’ll be delighted by the results!
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5-Star Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: One Pot, Full of Flavor Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This 5-Star Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a flavorful one-pot meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken thighs, fragrant herbs, and zesty lemon creates a dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables:
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear seasoned chicken thighs until golden.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: In the slow cooker, combine rice, broth, lemon juice and zest, carrots, and onion.
- Slow Cook: Place seared chicken on top, cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
- Finish: Add peas 15 minutes before serving, garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For crispier skin, broil the chicken thighs for 2 to 3 minutes after slow cooking.
- Brown rice can be used instead of white rice, but adjust broth amount and cooking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with rice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
