Clean Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken & Rice

Servings: 5–6 | Calories: ~460 per serving | Estimated Cost: ~$8–$10 total

This clean crockpot lemon garlic chicken and rice is a simple, nourishing comfort meal made with whole ingredients and zero seed oils. The chicken cooks low and slow until tender, infusing the rice with rich flavor while staying light, clean, and filling.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • True one-pot crockpot meal
  • Clean, simple ingredients
  • Light but comforting flavor
  • High protein and satisfying
  • Great for leftovers

Ingredients

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 2½ cups chicken broth
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice (dry)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  • Add chicken, broth, garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and thyme to the crockpot.
  • Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
  • Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.
  • Stir in the dry rice, ensuring it is fully submerged.
  • Cook on HIGH for 30–40 minutes, stirring once halfway.
  • Stir in lemon juice.
  • Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
  • Top with fresh parsley if desired.

Clean Ingredient Notes

  • Use broth with only chicken, water, and salt.
  • Long-grain rice holds texture best.
  • Lemon adds brightness without heaviness.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Add spinach during the last 5 minutes.
  • Swap thyme for oregano if needed.
  • Use jasmine rice for a slightly softer texture.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerate up to 4 days.
  • Reheat with a splash of broth.
  • Freezing not recommended due to rice texture.

Clean Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken & Rice

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 460

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 2½ cups chicken broth
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Method
 

  1. Add everything except rice and lemon juice to crockpot.
  2. Cook LOW 6 hours or HIGH 3 hours.
  3. Shred chicken.
  4. Add rice and cook HIGH 30–40 minutes.
  5. Stir in lemon juice and rest 5 minutes.

Notes

  • Rice thickens as it rests
  • Stir once after adding rice
  • Add broth when reheating if needed