Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is the perfect blend of fresh, zesty flavor and cozy comfort. Tender, juicy chicken simmers with fragrant herbs, garlic, and lemon, infusing fluffy rice with a burst of brightness. It’s an elegant yet effortless meal — perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or simply for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fresh & Flavorful: Lemon and herbs bring a bright, uplifting taste to classic chicken and rice.
Effortless Cooking: Just load up the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Balanced & Comforting: The fresh citrus pairs beautifully with the warm, savory rice.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From romantic dinners to family meals, this dish feels special without being fussy.
One-Pot Wonder: Easy prep, minimal cleanup.
Time Needed
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total Time: 6–7 hours (mostly hands-off)
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make It
1️⃣ Combine the Base
In the slow cooker, add rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well.
2️⃣ Add the Chicken
Place chicken thighs directly on top of the rice mixture.
3️⃣ Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and rice is fully cooked.
4️⃣ Fluff & Serve
Fluff rice with a fork, plate the chicken over the rice, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a little butter or Parmesan cheese before serving for extra richness.
- Veggie Boost: Add baby spinach, peas, or chopped asparagus in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Bone-In Option: You can use bone-in chicken thighs — just remove the skin for a lighter dish.
- Extra Lemon: Add thin lemon slices on top of the chicken before cooking for more citrus aroma.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is proof that simple ingredients can create a truly memorable meal. Bright, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, it’s a dish that works equally well for an intimate dinner or a comforting family feast.
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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 7 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is the perfect blend of fresh, zesty flavor and cozy comfort. Tender, juicy chicken simmers with fragrant herbs, garlic, and lemon, infusing fluffy rice with a burst of brightness. It’s an elegant yet effortless meal — perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or simply for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, add rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well.
- Place chicken thighs directly on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and rice is fully cooked.
- Fluff rice with a fork, plate the chicken over the rice, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a creamy twist, stir in butter or Parmesan before serving. Add veggies like spinach or peas for more color and nutrition. Use bone-in thighs for extra flavor — just remove the skin. Thin lemon slices on top of the chicken boost the citrus aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: lemon chicken, rice, slow cooker, herb chicken, one-pot meal