There’s something magical about the combination of lemon, herbs, and tender slow-cooked chicken. This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice brings the brightness of citrus and the comfort of a one-pot meal together in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of dish that feels as right for a weekday dinner as it does for a cozy Valentine’s meal at home.

The slow cooker does all the work—leaving you with fluffy, fragrant rice infused with garlic and herbs, and juicy chicken that practically melts at the touch of a fork. With a splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley, it’s a dish that tastes like sunshine in every bite. Simple, wholesome, and elegant all at once—this is one you’ll want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love It

Bright and flavorful: Zesty lemon and herbs bring a refreshing twist to classic comfort food.
One-pot wonder: The rice and chicken cook together for minimal cleanup.
Family-friendly: Mild flavors that everyone at the table will love.
Make-ahead magic: Great for meal prep or entertaining without stress.
Elegant yet easy: Looks and tastes impressive but takes just minutes to prep.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 lemon, juiced and zested
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Optional: Brown the chicken For deeper flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. This step is optional but adds a lovely caramelized flavor.
Prepare the slow cooker In the slow cooker, combine rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix everything evenly.
Add the chicken Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Do not stir—this helps the rice cook evenly.
Cook to perfection Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
Finish and serve Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness. Each bite is cozy, fragrant, and perfectly balanced.

Variations to Try

Creamy Lemon Chicken: Stir in 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt or cream cheese at the end for a creamy twist.
Veggie Boost: Add baby spinach or green peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Herb Upgrade: Try fresh dill or basil for a more summery take.
Whole Grain Option: Swap rice for quinoa or brown rice (add 1/2 cup extra broth).

Tips from Chef Emma

Rinse your rice before adding it to prevent gumminess.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor—it brightens the whole dish.
Don’t over-stir while cooking; the rice cooks best undisturbed.
If your slow cooker runs hot, check for doneness early to avoid mushy rice.
Leftovers make a perfect light lunch the next day—just add a splash of broth when reheating.

Nutrition Info per Serving

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 380
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugars: 2g
Fat: 15g
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 540mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but thighs stay juicier during slow cooking. If using breasts, check for doneness a bit earlier.
Q: What kind of rice works best?
A: Long-grain white rice cooks perfectly in the slow cooker. Avoid instant or parboiled rice—it can turn mushy.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough and increase cooking time by about 30 minutes.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is proof that comfort food can also be bright and fresh. With its tangy lemon flavor, tender chicken, and perfectly fluffy rice, it’s a dinner that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for family or someone special, this easy one-pot meal will bring smiles all around. Save this recipe to your Dinner or Slow Cooker board—it’s one you’ll come back to all year long!