Discover the magic of effortless slow cooker dinners! This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is your ticket to a delicious, hands-off meal. Tender chicken, bright lemon, and fragrant herbs merge with fluffy rice, creating a symphony of flavor. It’s a nourishing, refreshing, and comforting dish.
The Spruce Eats highlights that slow cookers offer energy efficiency and convenience by freeing up your oven and stovetop.
This Mediterranean-inspired meal is perfect for busy families, offering incredible convenience and minimal cleanup. You’ll love bringing this simple, satisfying dinner to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
This recipe is a true weeknight winner for so many reasons. You will quickly understand why it becomes a family favorite.
- Effortless cooking: Simply set it and forget it, letting your slow cooker do all the hard work.
- One-pot convenience: Enjoy delicious results with minimal dishes to clean afterwards.
- Zesty & herbaceous: Experience a fresh, bright flavor profile that invigorates the senses.
- Family-friendly: Mild, comforting tastes ensure everyone at the table enjoys this meal.
- Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to fit various dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients for Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards this flavorful Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice. This simple list provides everything you need for a comforting meal.
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Rice: 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- Liquid: 2 1/4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- Citrus: Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons), Zest of 1 lemon
- Herbs & Spices: 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Aromatics: 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- Fat: 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional Add-ins: 1 cup chopped fresh spinach or frozen peas
- Garnish: Fresh parsley, for garnish; lemon wedges, for serving
Notes & Substitutions
You can make small adjustments to this recipe to suit your taste or what you have available. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the most tender, moist chicken, but breasts work well too if you prefer them. For the best fluffy texture, always stick with long-grain white rice. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the overall saltiness of your dish. If you have fresh herbs, substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh for every teaspoon of dried. Stir in quick-cooking vegetables like spinach or peas during the final minutes of cooking for best results.
Essential Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this wonderful meal.
- A 6-quart slow cooker is essential for this recipe.
- A large skillet is optional if you choose to sear the chicken.
- Grab a cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping.
- You will also need measuring cups and spoons.
- A lemon zester or fine grater helps get all the zest.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is incredibly straightforward, perfect for beginners. Follow these easy steps for a delicious, one-pot meal.
Step 1: Prep All Ingredients.
Before you start cooking, gather, chop, zest, and measure everything. This makes the assembly process smooth and quick. Having all your ingredients ready means you can easily combine them into the slow cooker without rushing.
Step 2: Sear Chicken (Optional).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden. This step significantly enhances the flavor of your chicken, creating a deeper, richer taste. If you’re short on time, you can skip this, and the dish will still be delicious.
Step 3: Assemble Slow Cooker Base.
In the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker, add the uncooked long grain white rice, diced onion, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice. Next, stir in the dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and mix gently until all ingredients are well combined. This forms the flavorful base for your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice.
Step 4: Add Chicken.
Place the chicken thighs (whether seared or raw) on top of the rice mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure to distribute them evenly over the rice. This ensures the chicken cooks thoroughly and infuses its flavors into the rice below.
Step 5: Slow Cook.
Cover your slow cooker tightly with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 4–5 hours, or if you’re in more of a hurry, cook on HIGH for 2.5–3 hours. It’s crucial not to lift the lid during the cooking process. Lifting the lid releases essential trapped steam, which is vital for properly cooking the rice and keeping it fluffy, not mushy.
Step 6: Incorporate Optional Greens.
During the last 15–20 minutes of cooking, gently stir in chopped fresh spinach or frozen peas if you’re using them. These quick-cooking vegetables will wilt and cook perfectly in the remaining heat. Re-cover the slow cooker to allow the greens to steam and become tender.
Step 7: Fluff and Serve.
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. You can shred or cube the chicken as desired. Use a fork to gently fluff the cooked rice, separating the grains. Serve your hot Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness.
Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Achieving the best results with your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is easy with these insider tips.
- Choose the Right Rice: Always use long grain white rice for perfectly fluffy, distinct grains. Other rice types can become mushy.
- Don’t Lift the Lid: Resist the urge to peek! Trapped steam is crucial for cooking rice evenly.
- Sear for Flavor: While optional, searing the chicken beforehand adds a delicious depth of flavor and a lovely golden crust.
- Moist Chicken: Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay moist. If using breasts, watch carefully to prevent overcooking.
- Extra Lemon Zest/Slices: A final sprinkle of fresh lemon zest or a few lemon slices brightens the whole dish.
- Richness Boost: Stir in a pat of butter or a drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving.
- Adjust Liquid: If the rice seems dry, add a splash more broth. If too wet, cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes on high.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Make the most of your delicious Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice with these helpful suggestions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful meal with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette for a balanced plate. Steamed asparagus or broccoli make excellent vegetable side dishes. For soaking up all the flavorful juices, offer warm, crusty bread alongside your meal.
Storage Instructions
Allow any leftover Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
Freezing Instructions
This dish freezes well. Once fully cooled, portion the Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the rice texture might become slightly softer after freezing and thawing.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with canned chickpeas or white beans (drained and rinsed), and use vegetable broth.
- Brown Rice: For brown rice, increase the broth to 2.5-2.75 cups and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice mix for a subtle kick.
- Creamier: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or Greek yogurt at the very end of cooking for a richer texture.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with fresh dill, rosemary, or an Italian herb blend to change the aromatic profile.
Nutritional Information
This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice offers a wholesome meal option.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
Please note: Nutritional information is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden for extra flavor, or skip this step.
- In the slow cooker, combine uncooked rice, diced onion, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chicken broth, stirring well.
- Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2.5-3 hours until chicken is tender and rice is fluffy; do not stir during cooking.
- During the last 15–20 minutes, gently stir in spinach or peas (if using), then cover to allow them to wilt.
- Remove chicken, fluff rice, and serve garnished with fresh parsley and an optional extra squeeze of lemon.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions about making your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice? Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, you can, but adjust the liquid to 2.5-2.75 cups of broth and increase the cooking time on low to 6-7 hours.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
Will the rice get mushy in the slow cooker?
No, if you use long-grain white rice and resist lifting the lid during cooking, the rice will come out perfectly fluffy.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, leftovers freeze well in airtight containers for up to two months, though the rice texture might become slightly softer after thawing.
What if I don’t want to sear the chicken?
Searing is optional; skipping it will result in a slightly less robust flavor but still a very tasty and convenient meal.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Slow Cooker Meal
This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice truly embodies ease, incredible flavor, and the ultimate one-pot convenience. It combines comforting textures with bright, zesty notes and fragrant herbs, making it both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. This recipe is a fantastic addition to any busy schedule, proving that delicious home-cooked meals don’t need to be complicated. Make this simple yet satisfying meal a regular on your menu and enjoy the magic of hands-off cooking!
