Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

If you’re looking for a comforting, wholesome dinner that basically cooks itself, this slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice is a dream come true. Juicy chicken thighs, fragrant herbs, and tender rice come together in one pot; no babysitting required. This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal that tastes like home. Whether you’re busy during the week or just want a no-fuss weekend dinner, this one’s a keeper. We’ll cover why it works so well, what you need, how to make it, and some tasty twists; including how to make it creamy, spicy, or low-carb.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

There’s something deeply comforting about recipes that cook themselves while filling the house with warmth and rich aromas. That’s exactly what this slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice does. It’s a hands-off dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day. This dish was born out of one of those evenings when I needed something hearty and homemade, but had zero energy left for standing at the stove.

I tossed in a few pantry staples; some chicken thighs, lemon slices, garlic, and dried herbs, and hoped for the best. Hours later, we had a meal that made my husband pause mid-bite and say, “This is restaurant-worthy.” That’s when I knew it wasn’t just a weeknight dinner; it was a keeper.

What really makes this recipe shine is its balance. The lemon brightens everything, cutting through the richness of the chicken. The herbs infuse deep flavor, while the rice soaks it all in, becoming creamy and comforting without a drop of cream. It’s a true one-pot wonder, easy to prep, even easier to clean up.

This is also the kind of recipe you can make your own. Prefer boneless breasts? Use them. Need to stretch the meal? Add veggies. Want a hands-off meal prep for guests? Just double the batch. It’s as versatile as it is delicious.

If you’re into creamy chicken-based dishes like this one, you might also enjoy this Swiss Chicken Casserole, another comfort classic made easy.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or freezing leftovers for a future craving, slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice is a recipe you’ll come back to, again and again.

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

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A comforting one-pot slow cooker recipe with juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and tender herb-infused rice. Perfect for busy weeknights.

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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4–6 bone-in chicken thighs

1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

2 ½ cups chicken broth

1–2 lemons (sliced and juiced)

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 small onion, chopped

1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)

1 tsp dried thyme

½ tsp dried rosemary

1 tsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp butter (optional)

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Optional: Sear chicken thighs in olive oil, 2–3 mins per side.

2. Add rice, garlic, onion, thyme, rosemary, parsley to the slow cooker. Stir in broth.

3. Top with lemon slices and seared chicken. Squeeze lemon juice over everything.

4. Cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until chicken is 165°F and rice is tender.

5. Let rest 5–10 mins, fluff rice, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

Swap thighs for breasts if preferred – reduce cook time slightly.

Add frozen peas in the last hour for a veggie boost.

Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.

For creaminess, stir in Parmesan or a splash of heavy cream before serving.

• Author: Chef Saly
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Slow Cooker
• Method: Slow Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

One of the best things about this dish? It doesn’t ask for anything fancy. If you’ve got chicken, rice, lemon, and a few pantry herbs, you’re halfway there. The flavors build beautifully during the slow cooking process, making it taste like you’ve been in the kitchen all day (even if you haven’t).

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this lemon herb chicken and rice sing.

Pantry & Fresh Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: bone-in and skin-on for flavor, but boneless/skinless also works.
• Long-grain white rice: rinsed well. Avoid instant rice, which gets mushy.
• Chicken broth: low-sodium if possible.
• Lemon: one for slices, the other for juice.
• Garlic: minced.
• Onion: finely chopped.
• Olive oil: to brown the chicken (optional, but recommended).
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Dried parsley or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Butter (optional): for extra richness.
• Fresh parsley (optional): for garnish.

Optional Add-Ins

• Frozen peas or green beans: toss in during the last hour.
• Chopped spinach: stir in at the end for added greens.
• Grated Parmesan: if you want a cheesy finish.

This ingredient list keeps it simple but flavorful. The lemon and herbs do the heavy lifting, while the rice soaks up every drop of savory broth. You could even swap the white rice for brown rice (just increase the cook time), or try chicken breasts if thighs aren’t your thing.

For another cozy casserole-style recipe featuring chicken and simple pantry ingredients, take a peek at this Potato and Chicken Casserole. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and weeknight-approved, just like today’s recipe.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

This slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice is one of those rare recipes that feels like a full meal; meat, grains and flavor with almost no effort. You don’t need to sear the chicken unless you want extra depth, and everything cooks in the same pot. Set it, forget it, and come back to something delicious.

Here’s how to make it step by step.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• 1. Optional but recommended: Sear the chicken
  Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. This helps lock in flavor and gives the skin a nice texture.
• 2. Layer the base in the slow cooker
  Add the rinsed white rice, minced garlic, chopped onion, and dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley) directly to the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently to distribute everything evenly.
• 3. Add the lemon and chicken
  Place lemon slices over the rice, then lay the chicken thighs skin-side up right on top. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything for brightness. Add a small pat of butter on each thigh if you want richer flavor.
• 4. Cook low and slow
  Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken reaches 165°F and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid too often; it slows down the cooking and messes with the moisture balance.
• 5. Rest and fluff
  Once done, let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

This recipe’s beauty is in its simplicity. One pot, minimal cleanup, and maximum comfort. If you love these cozy all-in-one meals, try this Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole next, another set-it-and-forget-it winner with big flavor.

Tips and Variations for the Best Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Once you’ve made this recipe once, you’ll realize how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or looking to change things up week to week, these tips and variations will help you make the most of it without overcomplicating things.

Cooking Tips for Success

• Don’t skip rinsing the rice.
  This removes excess starch and helps avoid sticky, gummy results. Rinse until the water runs mostly clear.
• Layer wisely.
  Keep the chicken on top of the rice so it cooks evenly and the skin (if using) doesn’t get soggy. The juices will drip down and flavor the rice beautifully.
• Avoid peeking.
  Resist opening the lid often; every time you do, it releases heat and increases the cook time.
• Use fresh lemon zest.
  If you want even more lemony brightness, grate a bit of zest over the dish just before serving.
• Low-sodium broth is your friend.
  It gives you better control over salt levels, especially since the chicken and lemon already pack flavor.

Variations to Try

• Make it creamy.
  Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for a richer finish. A handful of shredded Parmesan also works great here.
• Add vegetables.
  Throw in frozen peas, diced carrots, or chopped zucchini during the last hour of cooking for a more complete one-pot meal.
• Use chicken breasts.
  Prefer leaner cuts? Swap thighs for boneless breasts, just reduce the cook time slightly so they don’t dry out.
• Spice it up.
  Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the rice mixture for a gentle kick.
• Make it low-carb.
  Substitute the rice for cauliflower rice. Just stir it in during the final hour so it doesn’t overcook and turn to mush.

Need more cozy chicken ideas that double as family favorites? Check out this Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole; it’s creamy, savory, and endlessly craveable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice is a dish you’ll crave again and again, and for good reason. It’s comforting, full of flavor, and fits effortlessly into busy days. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or freezing portions for future dinners, this one-pot recipe delivers every time.

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