Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: 4 Easy Steps

Jump to Recipe

Some days, dinner needs to be a hug in a bowl—without you having to hover over the stove like a contestant on a cooking show. That’s where Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice comes in. It’s bright from fresh lemon, aromatic from herbs, and cozy from the tender chicken and fluffy rice. Oh, and did I mention it practically cooks itself while you get on with your life?

This dish has become one of my “busy weeknight heroes.” I can toss everything in the slow cooker before school pickup, soccer practice, or my own Zoom meetings, and by the time the evening chaos settles, dinner is warm, fragrant, and ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does 90% of the work—you just get the credit.
Balanced flavors: The lemon brightens up the savory herbs for a fresh twist on comfort food.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love tender chicken and seasoned rice.
Minimal cleanup: One pot, one spoon, one happy cook.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 lemon, juiced and zested
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Build the flavor base
Grab your slow cooker insert and add the rice, chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir so the rice is coated with the broth and the seasonings are evenly distributed. This little mix-up step is important—it helps make sure every bite is bursting with flavor, not just the ones near the bottom.
Add the protein
Place the chicken thighs right on top of the rice mixture. No need to brown them first unless you’re after an extra layer of flavor—it’s totally optional. The slow cooker’s gentle heat will make the chicken juicy and fork-tender without any extra fuss. If you want, you can season the chicken lightly with a pinch more salt and pepper before adding it to the pot for an extra flavor boost.
Set it and forget it
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and choose your cooking setting:
- Low for 6–7 hours if you’re heading out for the day or have a leisurely afternoon ahead.
- High for 3–4 hours if you’re running short on time and need dinner on the table sooner.
  Resist the temptation to peek while it cooks—lifting the lid releases precious heat and steam, which can throw off the cooking time.
Check and fluff
When the time is up, make sure the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internally) and the rice is tender. Fluff the rice gently with a fork—this separates the grains and lets the lemony-herb aroma escape, which is basically an invitation to dinner.
Finish and serve
Place each chicken thigh over a generous scoop of rice, then garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, serve with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add an extra squeeze of brightness.

Cooking Tips for the Best Results

Rice choice matters: Stick with long-grain rice—short-grain or instant rice can get mushy in the slow cooker.
Don’t skip the zest: Lemon zest packs more concentrated flavor than juice alone.
Too thick? If your rice looks a bit dry toward the end, stir in a splash of extra chicken broth before serving.
Extra veggies: Toss in a handful of baby spinach or peas during the last 30 minutes for color and nutrition.

My Little Story with This Recipe

The first time I made this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice, it was during one of those weeks where the laundry pile was taller than me, my email inbox had a vendetta, and dinner was a low priority. I threw this together in the morning and honestly forgot about it until I walked in the door that evening. The smell was like someone had taken the afternoon to cook a beautiful homemade meal just for me. (Spoiler: it was me, but my slow cooker did all the work.)

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice with golden chicken thighs, lemon slices, and fresh herbs served over fluffy white rice in a crockpot. — Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice brings zesty lemon, savory herbs, and tender chicken together for the ultimate one-pot comfort meal.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes—just note that breasts can dry out a bit faster, so check them earlier for doneness.

Can I make this with brown rice?

You can, but you’ll need to increase the liquid slightly and cook longer since brown rice takes more time.

How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist.

Bring Comfort to Your Table Tonight

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is the kind of recipe that quietly makes your day easier—and your evening tastier. With bright lemon, cozy herbs, and tender chicken, it’s a one-pot wonder that will make your kitchen smell like home.

More Cozy Slow Cooker Recipes to Try Next

If you loved the bright, comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice, you’ll definitely want to explore a few more reader-favorite dishes. These recipes are equally simple, delicious, and perfect for busy days:

For another set-it-and-forget-it chicken dinner, try the hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice—a classic that’s creamy, comforting, and family-approved.
If you’re in the mood for zesty, garlicky goodness, you can’t go wrong with Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken, which pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
For something a little indulgent, warm up with a bowl of Creamy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup—a Southwest-inspired favorite that’s rich, tangy, and full of personality.
On those days when you need a true all-in-one comfort meal, the savory Crockpot Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans is the ultimate no-fuss dinner solution.