This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, bright lemon, and fragrant herbs, it’s cozy, flavorful, and effortlessly satisfying. Just a few minutes of prep in the morning rewards you with a complete dinner ready by evening—no stress, just comfort.
I love how this recipe fills the kitchen with the aroma of garlic, thyme, and citrus. The chicken turns juicy and flavorful as it simmers, and the rice soaks up all the savory juices. It’s one of those meals that feels like home—warm, hearty, and incredibly nourishing.
You can use chicken thighs for extra richness or breasts for a leaner version. Add carrots or peas for a veggie boost. It’s naturally gluten-free, budget-friendly, and makes fantastic leftovers.
Whether it’s a busy weekday or a slow Sunday, this lemon herb chicken and rice is one of those back-pocket recipes that never fails. Pair with a side salad or roasted veggies, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will love.
PrintSlow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice – Easy Comfort Food Dinner
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender chicken, fluffy rice, lemon, and herbs all slow-cooked together in one pot. This lemon herb chicken and rice is simple, cozy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
2¼ cups chicken broth
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Grease the slow cooker insert with olive oil.
2. Season chicken with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add rice, broth, lemon juice, and zest to the slow cooker. Stir well.
4. Place chicken on top of the rice.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours.
6. Fluff rice before serving and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Add chopped carrots or peas for more color and veggies.
Use chicken thighs for extra moisture and flavor.
Best enjoyed fresh but leftovers reheat well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: slow cooker lemon chicken, crockpot chicken and rice, lemon herb rice, easy slow cooker meals