Irresistible Crockpot Chicken and Rice – Effortless Comfort Food for Busy Days

If you're looking for an easy, hearty, and crowd-pleasing meal, this Crockpot Chicken and Rice is the perfect dish! Tender chicken, creamy rice, and bold seasonings combine in your slow cooker to create a comforting dinner that practically cooks itself. The best part? It's a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for meal prepping, and it’s so simple to make—no fancy techniques or ingredients required! This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or for a delicious family meal. Grab your crockpot and get ready for a flavor-packed experience!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
  

• 3-4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
  
  

• 1 1/2 cup long-grain brown rice
  
  

• 1 small onion, diced
  
  

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
  

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  
  

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  
  

• 1 teaspoon dried basil
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  
  

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  
  

• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  
  

• 6 whole garlic cloves (for browning)
  
  

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  
  

Directions

1. Brown the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat, then add the chicken. Brown on each side for about 5 minutes or until golden.
   
   

2. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Place the rice, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, butter, lemon juice, oregano, parsley, basil, and lemon zest in the crockpot. Stir well to combine.
   
   

3. Add Chicken to Crockpot: Lay the browned chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in the slow cooker. Don’t worry if it looks like a bit of a tight fit—that’s normal!
   
   

4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours, checking the rice halfway through. If needed, cook until rice is tender and the chicken reaches 160°F (71°C).
   
   

5. Finish and Serve: Once done, remove the chicken and cover with foil to rest. Fluff the rice, and serve the juicy chicken on top for the ultimate comforting meal!
   
   

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 508 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 59g
  
  

• Protein: 42g
  
  

• Fat: 18g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 3g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 98mg
  
  

• Sodium: 859mg
  
  

• Potassium: 881mg
  
  

• Fiber: 3g
  
  

• Sugar: 2g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 300 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 25.3mg
  
  

• Calcium: 58mg
  
  

• Iron: 2.5mg