Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Hey there! Let’s Make Easy Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Together

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you because it’s one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something flavorful but super simple to prepare. This lemon herb chicken and rice combo is like a little hug on a plate — tender chicken infused with fresh herbs and bright lemon, paired with perfectly cooked rice that soaks up all those yummy juices. The best part? You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic! I promise you’re going to love how hands-off yet delicious this is.

Why I Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

This recipe really wins in the “easy weeknight dinner” category. You don’t have to fuss with multiple pots or complicated steps, and the slow cooker means you can prep it in the morning and come home to a hearty, comforting dinner that’s ready to enjoy. Plus, the fresh herbs give it a bright, homemade feel that’s perfect for any season.

The Health Perks of Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Not only is this dish tasty, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits that make me feel good about what I’m feeding myself and my family. Here’s why:

• Chicken thighs provide juicy, flavorful protein and are a great source of vitamins like B6 and niacin.
• Garlic and herbs aren’t just fragrant; they bring antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that boost your immune system.
• Lemon juice adds vitamin C and brightens up the dish, supporting healthy skin and digestion.
• Rice gives you energy with carbohydrates, and when cooked with broth, it’s full of comforting flavor without extra fat.

Quick Variations to Mix It Up

If you want to tweak this recipe to fit your mood or dietary needs, here are a few ideas I love trying:

• Swap the chicken thighs for boneless breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid drying out the chicken.
• Add veggies like sliced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers on top of the rice before cooking for extra nutrition and color.
• Try brown rice
• Make it dairy-free and gluten-free easily by sticking with olive oil and fresh herbs as the recipe calls for. No hidden ingredients needed!
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture.

Here’s How You Make This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ small onion, finely diced (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or ¼ tsp dried)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ¼ tsp dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. This will be your fresh herb rub.
2. Pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub the herb mixture all over each piece, making sure to get under the skin if you can.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, put the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until the skin is golden and crispy—about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for 1 to 2 minutes just to get a little color. Remove the chicken from heat and set aside.
5. In your slow cooker, add the uncooked rice and the diced onion if you’re using it. Pour the chicken broth over the rice, but don’t stir it.
6. Carefully place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice, skin side up. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked, and the rice will be fluffy and soaked in all those lovely juices.
7. Once done, gently remove the chicken and rice from the slow cooker. Fluff the rice carefully with a fork to keep it light and fluffy.
8. Arrange the chicken on top of the rice on a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with thin lemon slices and a sprig of fresh rosemary for a pretty presentation.
9. If you want an extra burst of brightness, squeeze more fresh lemon juice over the dish before you serve it warm. Enjoy every bite!

Handy Tips to Make Your Cooking Even Easier

• Don’t skip searing the chicken: This step adds amazing flavor and makes the skin crispy, so well worth the little extra time.
• If you use brown rice: Be patient—it will take longer to cook, so set your slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
• Want to meal prep? Cook the rice and chicken separately and combine when reheating to keep the chicken juicy.
• Add a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete and balanced meal.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow cooker (6-quart or similar size works perfectly)
• Skillet or frying pan for searing the chicken
• Mixing bowl for the herb rub
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Fork for fluffing rice
• Tongs or spatula to handle chicken

FAQs — Let Me Answer Your Questions!

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
   Yes! Just reduce the cooking time since boneless thighs cook faster—check for tenderness after about 3-4 hours on low.
2. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
   No worries! Dried herbs work just fine. Use about one-quarter the amount of dried since they are more concentrated.
3. Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?
   You can, but I recommend low for more tender chicken and better rice texture. If you use high, check after 2-3 hours.
4. How do I keep the chicken skin crispy?
   The slow cooker softens the skin, but searing it beforehand adds some crispiness and great flavor.
5. Can I add other vegetables to this?
   Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach added on top of the rice before cooking are tasty additions.

Give This Recipe a Try and Share Your Experience!

I really hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this lemon herb chicken and rice as much as I do. It’s simple, bright, and comforting all in one. If you try it, snap a photo and share it with me on Pinterest or social media—I’d love to see your beautiful plates and hear how it turned out! Happy cooking!