Nothing beats the cozy, comforting aroma of Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice simmering away while you tackle your day. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a bright burst of lemon come together for a wholesome, satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for busy nights, meal prep Sundays, or anytime you crave something simple and delicious. With minimal effort and pantry-friendly ingredients, your slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy the rewards of a hearty, family-friendly dinner.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
You’ll love how effortless this recipe feels from start to finish. The slow cooker gently infuses each bite with lemony freshness, earthy herbs, and savory depth. The chicken turns juicy and fork-tender while the rice soaks up all that aromatic broth for a creamy, risotto-like texture.
It’s a complete one-pot meal, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup. Unlike many slow cooker meals, this one balances bright citrus with comforting warmth, making it perfect for all seasons. Families love it because it’s mild enough for kids but flavorful enough to impress guests. Plus, you can easily adjust the seasoning to fit your taste or toss in extra veggies for added color and nutrition. It’s comfort food that feels fresh and light—a rare and welcome combination.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time (low): 5–6 hours
- Cook time (high): 2½–3 hours
- Total time: About 6 hours
This timing lets you set it and forget it while the slow cooker works its magic. Quick prep, slow payoff, and dinner is served.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with everyday ingredients that pack incredible flavor. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tenderness. Long-grain rice cooks beautifully in the broth, staying light and fluffy instead of sticky. Fresh lemon adds brightness, while herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley create that signature aroma. Garlic and onion bring savory depth, and chicken broth ties it all together. A small amount of butter or olive oil adds richness, and a pinch of salt and pepper keeps flavors balanced. Don’t worry if you don’t have fresh herbs—dried versions work just as well. What makes this dish shine is how these simple staples come together into something comforting, fragrant, and nourishing.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Prep the Ingredients
Start by trimming your chicken to remove excess fat, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Rinse your rice under cool water until it runs clear to remove excess starch. Slice your lemon into thin rounds and mince your garlic. Chop any fresh herbs you’re using so they release their aroma while cooking. This prep step only takes a few minutes and makes a huge difference in flavor.
Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker
Lightly coat the bottom of your slow cooker with olive oil or nonstick spray. Add the rice first, then layer the chopped onions and garlic over it. Place the seasoned chicken on top and pour in the chicken broth until everything is just covered. Arrange lemon slices across the chicken and sprinkle the herbs evenly. This layering method keeps the rice submerged so it cooks evenly while the chicken stays juicy.
Slow Cook Until Tender and Fluffy
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for about 3 hours. Check occasionally to ensure the rice hasn’t absorbed all the liquid too quickly—add a splash of broth if needed. Once done, the chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork, and the rice should be fluffy and infused with lemony herb flavor. Before serving, remove lemon slices and give everything a gentle stir.
How to Serve This Dish
Serve your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice hot, garnished with chopped parsley or an extra squeeze of lemon for brightness. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables. For a cozy meal, add a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. If you’re entertaining, serve it straight from the slow cooker to keep it warm—it looks rustic and inviting right in the pot.
Tips for the Best Results
Rinse your rice before cooking to keep it light and fluffy. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a little butter or grated Parmesan before serving. Don’t overcook the rice; adding it at the beginning works well for white rice but not for brown rice. Keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain heat and moisture. Balance the lemon flavor by starting with half the juice, then adjusting at the end. And always taste before serving—slow cooking mellows herbs, so a sprinkle of salt or squeeze of lemon at the end brightens everything beautifully.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
You can easily make this recipe your own. Try brown rice, but increase the broth slightly and extend the cook time by about an hour. Swap in chicken thighs for richer flavor or turkey for a lighter twist. Add vegetables like carrots, peas, or spinach toward the end of cooking for extra nutrition and color. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano make a lovely alternative to rosemary and thyme. If you’re dairy-free, skip the butter and stick with olive oil. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool completely and portion into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a bit of broth or water to keep the rice moist and microwave gently until warmed through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain the best texture and flavor. It’s also perfect for meal prep—just portion it into individual containers for quick weekday lunches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does rice take in a slow cooker with chicken?
Rice typically takes about 5–6 hours on low or 2½–3 hours on high when cooked with chicken.
How to cook lemon and herb chicken?
Season your chicken, layer it with herbs and lemon, and let the slow cooker infuse everything with flavor while it cooks gently.
How long does it take for chicken to cook in a slow cooker on high?
It usually takes 2½ to 3 hours, depending on thickness.
Is it okay to put raw chicken in a slow cooker with vegetables?
Yes, as long as you cook it until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- creamy slow cooker queso chicken tacos
- crock pot turkey breast with cranberry glaze
- hearty crockpot beef and barley soup
- slow cooker crack potato soup recipe
- slow cooker chicken burrito bowl
- crockpot angel chicken for effortless dinners
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a go-to comfort meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. With tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and bright lemon flavor, it’s a family favorite you’ll want on repeat. Simple prep, effortless cooking, and satisfying results make it the kind of dish that turns any night into something special. Save this recipe, because once you try it, it’ll become a cozy staple in your kitchen. For more inspiration, check out my latest creations on Pinterest.
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- Slow cooker 6-quart recommended
- Measuring cups For accurate ingredient portions
- Mixing spoon To stir before serving
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp paprika (optional for color)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Trim chicken and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Rinse rice under cool water until clear, then drain well. Slice lemon and prepare herbs.
- Lightly grease the slow cooker. Add rice first, followed by garlic and onion. Place chicken on top, then pour in chicken broth until everything is just covered. Layer lemon slices and sprinkle with herbs.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until chicken is tender and rice is fluffy. Stir gently before serving and garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon juice.
