Crockpot Recipes

December 28, 2025

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: 5 Bold Flavors Await

📊

Difficulty Easy

Recipe by

Mia

243 Views • 6 min read

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: 5 Bold Flavors Await

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Slow cooking is one of my absolute favorite ways to prepare meals—it’s just so easy and convenient! With minimal effort, you can create dishes that burst with flavor, like this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice. Trust me, the aroma of zesty lemon and fragrant herbs wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible. Plus, everything cooks together slowly, allowing the chicken to become tender and juicy while the rice soaks up all that deliciousness. Whether you’re busy with work or just want to spend more time relaxing, this recipe is your perfect go-to for hearty comfort food that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

Ingredients List

For this delightful Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll gather:

4 chicken thighs: Bone-in or boneless, skin-on adds flavor!
1 cup rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this dish.
2 cups chicken broth: Homemade or store-bought—either will add richness.
1 lemon: Juiced and zested; it brightens the whole dish!
2 cloves garlic: Minced for that lovely aromatic kick.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: A must for that herbal note.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a wonderful earthy flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and flavor.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set for a flavorful, juicy meal that practically cooks itself! Don’t forget to have fun while you’re at it!

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Now, let’s dive into the magic of preparing this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice! The process is super simple, and I promise it’s hard to mess up. First, you’ll want to get your slow cooker ready, and it’s all about layering those flavors. Don’t worry if you’re new to slow cooking; I’m here to guide you through each step!

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice - detail 1

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
Sauté: Heat olive oil in the slow cooker for a few minutes, just until it’s warm.
Add chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ensuring they’re snug but not overcrowded.
Mix the rice mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Stir it well to mix everything together.
Pour over chicken: Gently pour the rice mixture over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook: Set the slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours.

Preparing the Chicken

For the chicken, I like to take my time seasoning. Sprinkle a good amount of salt and pepper all over the thighs, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. Then, sprinkle the dried thyme and rosemary—it’s amazing how just a little seasoning can elevate the taste!

Making the Rice Mixture

Mixing the rice mixture is where the fun begins! In a bowl, combine the rice, chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest for that zing, and the minced garlic. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. This mixture will soak into the chicken, making it oh-so-tender and flavorful!

Cooking Process

After you’ve layered everything in the slow cooker, just cover it and let it do its thing for 6-8 hours on low. It’s best to check for doneness about 30 minutes before the time is up. Make sure the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the rice is tender. If your slow cooker runs hot, you may need to adjust the timing slightly, but trust me, when it’s done, you’ll have a comforting and delicious meal waiting for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a one-pot wonder—less mess, more flavor!
Perfect for busy weekdays, just set it and forget it!
Rich, zesty flavors that brighten up your dinner table.
Healthy and satisfying, packed with protein and wholesome ingredients.
Great for leftovers—tastes even better the next day!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice turns out absolutely perfect, here are my top tips! First, don’t skip on seasoning—give the chicken a generous amount of salt and pepper. If you want to take it up a notch, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for a couple of hours before cooking. Also, check your slow cooker’s heat settings; some cook hotter than others, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. And if you love veggies, feel free to toss in some chopped carrots or peas for added nutrition and color. Trust me, it’ll be delicious!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice! For a different flavor profile, try swapping out the thyme and rosemary for fresh dill and parsley; it gives a lovely fresh taste! You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Want some added crunch? Toss in some chopped bell peppers or green beans during the last hour of cooking. And for a twist on the classic, experiment with adding a can of diced tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair. The possibilities are endless, so let your taste buds guide you!

Nutritional Information

While I strive to provide accurate nutritional information for my Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice, please keep in mind that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. This information is estimated and should be used as a general guide. Enjoy your meal while being mindful of your dietary needs!

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine, but keep in mind they can dry out more easily, so you may want to check for doneness a little earlier.

Can I cook this on high instead of low? Yes, you can! If you’re in a hurry, set your slow cooker to high and it should take about 3-4 hours. Just keep an eye on the chicken to make sure it doesn’t overcook.

What can I serve with this dish? This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is great on its own, but you could pair it with a fresh salad or some steamed veggies for a complete meal!

Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I know when the chicken is done? The chicken should be cooked through and no longer pink in the center. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C) for safety!

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection or explore crockpot recipes for more slow cooking inspiration. If you’re interested in the health benefits of lemon, you can read more about it here.