SLOW COOKER LEMON HERB CHICKEN AND RICE ULTIMATE

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is a complete, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, freeing you from kitchen duty. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings bright, zesty flavors and comforting textures together with minimal effort. Imagine coming home to the aroma of perfectly cooked chicken infused with lemon and herbs, nestled in fluffy rice—it’s pure comfort food bliss!

It’s a fantastic solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe delivers big on flavor and convenience, making it a new family favorite.

Ingredients You Need

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a truly memorable meal. The combination of lemon, herbs, and chicken is a classic for a reason – it’s simply delicious.

• Chicken Thighs: (They stay juicy and flavorful during the long cooking time).
• Long-Grain Rice: (Provides the perfect texture and doesn’t get mushy).
• Chicken Broth: (Adds depth of flavor to the rice and keeps everything moist).
• Lemon: (The zest and juice brighten the dish and add a tangy kick).
• Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley): (Create an aromatic and flavorful profile).
• Onion: (Adds a savory base to the dish).
• Garlic: (Infuses the chicken and rice with a pungent, aromatic flavor).
• Olive Oil: (Helps to sauté the vegetables and adds richness).
• Salt and Pepper: (Essential for seasoning).

Ingredient Swaps

• Chicken Breasts: Can be used instead of thighs, but watch the cooking time as they can dry out more easily.
• Brown Rice: Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, but increase the cooking time.
• Dried Herbs: If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be substituted, but use about 1/3 the amount.
• Vegetable Broth: Can be used as a substitute for chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
• Shallots: Substitute shallots for onion for a milder, sweeter flavor.

Flavor Twists

Want to kick things up a notch or tailor this recipe to your preferences? Here are a few ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some chopped broccoli, bell peppers, or peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for extra richness and tang.
• Mediterranean Flair: Add some sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken And Rice

This recipe is incredibly easy to follow. Just a few simple steps and you’ll be on your way to a delicious and satisfying meal.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Pour the sautéed onion and garlic into the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the chicken thighs on top of the onion mixture.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Broth

Sprinkle the rice around the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the rice is submerged.

Step 4: Season and Flavor

Zest and juice the lemon over the chicken and rice. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

Consider serving it with a simple green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted vegetables. The bright flavors of the lemon and herbs complement these lighter sides perfectly. For a heartier meal, you could add a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. Or perhaps you’d prefer a Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl for a tropical twist on the rice bowl concept.

Another great option is to serve this dish with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for added richness and tanginess. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation. If you are interested in something different, consider making Chicken And Sweet Potato Rice Bowl.

Sometimes, a simple, hearty dish is all you need. It’s also a great alternative to similar dishes like Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken or even Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken And Potatoes. For a soup version, consider Cozy Chicken Soup or Creamy Chicken And Rice.

Know someone who loves Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken And Rice? Share this recipe with them!

Lady Maria

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

This slow cooker recipe delivers a complete, flavorful, and convenient meal with minimal effort. Juicy chicken thighs, fragrant herbs, and zesty lemon combine to create a comforting and satisfying dish that practically cooks itself.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

• slow cooker
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Lemon zester
• Lemon juicer
• wooden spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Pour the sautéed onion and garlic into the bottom of your slow cooker.
5. Place the chicken thighs on top of the onion mixture.
6. Sprinkle the rice around the chicken.
7. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the rice is submerged.
8. Zest and juice the lemon over the chicken and rice.
9. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper.
10. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
11. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork.
12. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use long-grain rice. Adjust liquid if rice appears dry before chicken is cooked. Check chicken and rice periodically toward the end of cooking. Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs, but watch cooking time. Brown rice can be substituted for long-grain rice, but increase cooking time. Dried herbs can be substituted for fresh, using about 1/3 the amount. Vegetable broth can be substituted for chicken broth. Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for extra richness and tang. Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.