Let me introduce you to my latest dinnertime obsession: Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice. This crowd-pleasing meal is zesty, cozy, and so simple to pull together, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it. A citrusy punch from fresh lemon, tender herbed chicken, and fluffy rice—all in one slow cooker pot that makes your home smell absolutely amazing!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of lemon, herbs, and garlic infuses every bite of chicken and rice with incredible brightness and savory depth.
Effortless Weeknight Dinner: With just 15 minutes of hands-on prep and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, dinner practically makes itself!
Family-Friendly Comfort: This dish appeals to all ages, making it an easy win with picky eaters or a hearty meal for guests.
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup is always a bonus—everything cooks together to perfection in your trusty slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients & Substitutions

Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe has a special job—whether it’s for flavor, juiciness, or a pop of color. You don’t need much to make something so comforting, but feel free to swap in what’s already in your pantry!

Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on): These deliver unbeatable richness and keep the meat juicy; feel free to use boneless thighs or even chicken breasts if you prefer.
Long-grain White Rice: The grains stay separate and fluffy; short-grain or jasmine rice can work, but you may need to adjust the liquid.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth—swap for veggie broth if you’d like a lighter taste.
Lemon (zested & juiced): Brings that citrusy zing and brightness that wakes up the whole dish!
Garlic (minced): Provides bold, aromatic flavor throughout the rice and chicken.
Dried Thyme & Oregano: Classic Mediterranean-style herbs that layer in earthy, herby notes.
Salt & Pepper: Don’t be shy—season to your taste, both before and after cooking.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection and unlocking all those complex flavors.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of green and a touch of freshness at the end.
Lemon Slices (optional, for serving): These make your platter look magazine-worthy!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Deep Flavor

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry, then season both sides well with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, nestle your chicken thighs in, skin-side down, and let them sizzle until gorgeously golden—about 5 minutes. Flip, cook the other side another 3 minutes, and enjoy the savory aromas. This step guarantees extra flavor and a beautiful finish!

Step 2: Mix the Rice and Aromatics

While your chicken gets crispy, pour the rice into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add chicken broth, minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, thyme, and oregano. Stir everything together—this becomes the savory, zesty bed that will soak up all the chicken’s juices as it cooks.

Step 3: Layer and Assemble

Arrange your perfectly seared chicken thighs right on top of the rice mixture in your slow cooker. By keeping the chicken above the rice, all those flavorful drippings will infuse down into the grains, making them extra delicious.

Step 4: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it on low for 6–7 hours, or high for 3–4 hours, depending on your schedule. When finished, both the chicken and rice will be irresistibly tender, and the lemon-herb aroma will have worked its way into every bite.

Step 5: Fluff, Garnish, and Serve

After cooking, fluff the rice gently with a fork and top with heaps of chopped fresh parsley. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few lemon slices before serving. This helps brighten the flavors and gives your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice a stunning finishing touch.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

For a burst of freshness and restaurant-worthy good looks, sprinkle your finished dish generously with chopped fresh parsley. Lemon slices make for a cheerful topping and offer extra citrus for those who love zip in every bite. Even a light dusting of cracked black pepper can finish things beautifully!

Side Dishes

I love serving Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette, or perhaps some roasted asparagus, green beans, or steamed broccoli for extra veggies. Warm crusty bread is also amazing for swiping up every last bit of the zesty, herby rice.

Creative Ways to Present

For family style, bring the slow cooker insert right to the table and let everyone help themselves! If you’re plating individually, layer rice onto each plate and top with a golden chicken thigh, a drizzle of juices, and a fan of lemon slices for maximum visual appeal. You can even pack leftovers into bowls for meal prep lunches that’ll brighten up any day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well—just spoon the chicken and rice into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, giving leftovers an even deeper, richer taste.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken and rice cool completely before dividing into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen up the rice. Warm until piping hot, and don’t forget a fresh sprinkle of parsley and squeeze of lemon to revive those bright flavors!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice?

Yes! Chicken breasts work well and will still soak up all those lemony, herby flavors. Just be aware they may not be quite as juicy as thighs, so watch the cooking time to avoid over-drying.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

Absolutely, but brown rice takes longer to cook and may require more liquid. If you use it, add up to 1/2 cup extra broth and cook on low for the full 7 hours for the rice to become tender.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before slow cooking?

While you can skip searing in a pinch, it makes a big difference in the finished flavor and texture. That golden crust really adds depth, so I always recommend taking the extra few minutes to do it!
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy in Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice?

Be sure to use long-grain white rice and measure the liquid carefully. Keep an eye on the cooking time, and once the rice is tender, turn off the slow cooker to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for an effortless meal that sings with fresh, comforting flavors, this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is bound to become a new classic in your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and discover how a handful of everyday staples can turn into something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try it—let me know how it goes!

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe