The smell of lemon and garlic slowly fills the house, and suddenly dinner feels effortless. This CrockPot Lemon Chicken and Rice brings comfort and brightness together in one cozy bowl. It’s the kind of meal that quietly cooks while life happens, then greets you with warmth and calm when you’re finally ready to eat.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This CrockPot Lemon Chicken and Rice
This recipe is pure comfort with a sunny twist. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a burst of fresh lemon make every bite feel light yet hearty.
You’ll love how easy it is to prepare — just a few ingredients, one pot, and a handful of pantry staples. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something wholesome and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Also, it’s family-friendly. Everyone from kids to grandparents enjoys this simple, zesty meal that feels both filling and refreshing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric (for color)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: lemon slices and parsley for garnish
Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, clean flavor. Long-grain white rice works best since it holds texture during slow cooking. If you’d like to add more color, toss in peas or spinach during the final hour.
How to Make CrockPot Lemon Chicken and Rice
Step 1 – Prep the CrockPot and Rice
Spray your CrockPot with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Then spread the uncooked rice evenly on the bottom.
Step 2 – Mix the Lemon Broth
In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, lemon juice, zest, garlic, onion powder, thyme, parsley, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the rice.
Step 3 – Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sear chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until they’re lightly golden. This adds rich flavor and keeps the texture firm.
Step 4 – Layer and Cook
Place the chicken on top of the rice mixture. Cover and cook on high for 4–6 hours, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5 – Fluff, Garnish, and Serve
Once done, fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a bright finish. Serve warm and enjoy that comforting aroma that fills your kitchen.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Always use fresh lemon juice and zest — bottled juice can taste dull.
Avoid instant or brown rice because they cook at different speeds.
Add vegetables like peas or spinach during the last hour for extra nutrition.
Before serving, check that both rice and chicken are tender and fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this CrockPot Lemon Chicken and Rice with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies. It also goes perfectly with crusty bread or my Easy Dinner Roll Recipe Without Yeast for Busy Weeknights.
For extra inspiration, you could serve it alongside Potato Salad Recipe Southern Style – A Perfect Side for Chicken Dishes.
If you’re planning a cozy meal night, you might also enjoy my Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings for Comfort Food Nights.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little broth or water over the rice before microwaving to keep it moist.
You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
CrockPot Lemon Chicken and Rice Recipe Card
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CrockPot Lemon Chicken and Rice | Easy Slow Cooker Comfort
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Bright, cozy slow cooker dinner with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh lemon.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
½ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried parsley
¼ tsp ground turmeric (for color)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional: lemon slices and parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Spray Crock-Pot with nonstick spray.
2. Place uncooked rice in the bottom.
3. In a small bowl, combine chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, onion powder, thyme, parsley, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour mixture over the rice.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
6. Place seared chicken on top of the rice mixture in the Crock-Pot.
7. Cover and cook on high for 4–6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
8. Stir rice before serving. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
Searing chicken before slow cooking adds extra flavor and texture.
Add peas or spinach during the last hour for a vegetable boost.
Long grain white rice works best; avoid instant or brown rice as they cook differently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Category: Slow Cooker Recipes
- Method: Slow cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
More Such Recipes
If you liked this one, try these:
- Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Orzo – Hearty and Flavorful
- Quick & Easy Air Fryer Hash Browns as a Side Dish
- What Goes Well with Salmon Patties – Side Dish Inspiration
FAQ About CrockPot Lemon Chicken and Rice
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice takes longer to cook and often stays firm in the slow cooker. For best results, stick to long-grain white rice so it cooks evenly with the chicken.
Do I need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
Searing adds flavor and gives the chicken a golden edge, but you can skip it if you’re short on time. However, I always find that quick searing makes the final dish richer.
How can I make this dish creamier or richer?
You can stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt after cooking. It makes the rice silky and gives the lemon flavor a mellow finish.
Final Thoughts
This CrockPot Lemon Chicken and Rice recipe proves that comfort food can still feel fresh and bright. Each spoonful feels like sunshine after a long day — tender, tangy, and perfectly cozy.
If you try it, share your version with me on Pinterest or Facebook. I’d love to see how it turns out in your kitchen.