LEMON HERB CHICKEN & RICE

Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of perfectly cooked chicken and rice, infused with bright lemon and fragrant herbs. Tired of complicated recipes that require constant attention? This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero, delivering a mouthwatering, comforting meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Get ready to experience a symphony of taste and convenience!

Gathering Your Aromatic Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this slow-cooked masterpiece. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

For the Flavorful Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into pieces)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped (rosemary, thyme, parsley – a mix is great!)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked (Basmati or Jasmine work well)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tbsp butter

Step-by-Step to Slow Cooker Perfection

Let’s turn these simple ingredients into a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s easier than you think!

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the chicken thighs (or breast pieces) on both sides until lightly browned. This step isn’t essential, but it adds a fantastic depth of flavor. If you’re really short on time, you can skip it!
3. Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Pour the onion and garlic mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh herbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
7. Pour the lemon herb mixture over the chicken.

Cooking the Rice:

1. Pour the uncooked rice and chicken broth over the chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Gently stir to ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid.
3. Dot with butter.

Slow Cooking and Finishing:

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it!
2. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks.
3. If using, stir in the heavy cream for an extra creamy texture.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Why I’m Obsessed With This Recipe

Okay, friends, let me tell you why this recipe is a total game-changer. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the herbs based on what you have on hand. Dill, oregano, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick would be delicious! Second, it’s practically foolproof. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can walk away and come back to a complete meal.

Tackling Common Slow Cooker Challenges

Slow cookers are amazing, but sometimes they can be a little… temperamental. Here are a few tips to avoid common pitfalls:

Avoiding Dry Chicken:

Chicken breasts can sometimes dry out in the slow cooker. That’s why I often prefer using chicken thighs; they’re more forgiving and stay juicy. If you’re using chicken breasts, consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of chicken broth to ensure they stay moist.

Preventing Mushy Rice:

The key to perfect rice in the slow cooker is using the right ratio of liquid to rice. Too much liquid, and you’ll end up with mushy rice. Stick to the 2 cups of broth for 1 cup of rice, and you should be golden. Also, avoid opening the slow cooker lid too often during cooking, as this can release moisture and affect the cooking time.

Thickening the Sauce:

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can easily thicken it up at the end. Remove about 1/2 cup of the liquid from the slow cooker and whisk it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Then, pour the cornstarch slurry back into the slow cooker and stir. Let it cook for a few more minutes until thickened. You can also use a little flour mixed with cold water if you don’t have cornstarch.

Spice It Up: Flavor Variations for Your Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice

This recipe is fantastic as is, but why not experiment with different flavor profiles? Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Mediterranean Twist:

Add a handful of chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Creamy Parmesan Dream:

Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese along with the heavy cream (if using) for an extra creamy and cheesy delight. Consider making something similar with Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes if that sounds tasty.

Spicy Lemon Kick:

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the lemon herb mixture for a little heat. You could even use a squeeze of sriracha at the end for a vibrant kick.

Make It a Meal: Serving Suggestions

This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a complete meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. I love serving it with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus.

Level-Up Your Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also transform the leftovers into new and exciting dishes! Think chicken and rice soup, chicken and rice burritos, or even chicken and rice casserole.

Slow Cooker Secrets: My Best Tips and Tricks

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your slow cooker adventures are always a success:

Layering Your Ingredients:

When using a slow cooker, it’s best to layer your ingredients in the right order. Place the chicken at the bottom, followed by the onions and garlic, and then the lemon herb mixture. This helps to ensure that the chicken stays moist and flavorful.

Don’t Overfill the Slow Cooker:

It’s important not to overfill your slow cooker, as this can prevent the food from cooking evenly. Aim to fill it no more than two-thirds full.

Resist the Urge to Peek:

I know it’s tempting, but avoid opening the slow cooker lid too often during cooking. Each time you open the lid, you release heat and moisture, which can increase the cooking time. Trust the process!

Craving More Chicken and Rice Goodness?

If you are looking for other amazing chicken and rice options, check out ULTIMATE CREAMY CHICKEN AND RICE or even Creamy Chicken & Rice, these are sure to be a hit! For more slow cooker varieties, check out Crock Pot Chicken & Rice.

Another recipe you might enjoy is Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs if you want to use the slow cooker for something else. Or, perhaps you are looking for something similar to this recipe, in which case, check out LEMON HERB CHICKEN PERFECTION.

Ready to Simplify Dinner?

There you have it! A ridiculously easy and flavorful Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you want a delicious and comforting meal with minimal effort. So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of homemade heaven!

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This easy slow cooker recipe delivers a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal effort. Chicken and rice are infused with bright lemon and fragrant herbs, creating a delicious one-pot dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Fork

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked Basmati or Jasmine
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup heavy cream optional
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear chicken thighs (or breast pieces) on both sides until lightly browned. Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
• In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour the onion and garlic mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
• In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh herbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the lemon herb mixture over the chicken.
• Pour the uncooked rice and chicken broth over the chicken in the slow cooker.
• Gently stir to ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid.
• Dot with butter.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
• Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks.
• If using, stir in the heavy cream for an extra creamy texture.
• Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use chicken thighs as they stay juicier in the slow cooker. If using chicken breasts, consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of chicken broth to prevent them from drying out. To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of liquid from the slow cooker, then stir the mixture back into the slow cooker and cook until thickened. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also try adding chopped Kalamata olives and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist, or Parmesan cheese for a creamy version.