This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a cozy dish that makes dinner a breeze! With tender chicken, zesty lemon, and fluffy rice, it’s bursting with flavor.
I love how the slow cooker does all the work! Just toss everything in, and let it simmer. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want a tasty meal without much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs offer great flavor and moisture. If you prefer a leaner option, skinless chicken breasts or boneless thighs work well too, but they might cook faster!
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this recipe. However, you could use brown rice, just remember it will need more liquid and a longer cooking time.
Chicken Broth: I choose low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. Vegetable broth is a nice alternative if you want a vegetarian option — just make sure it’s hearty enough to complement the chicken flavors.
Herbs: Fresh herbs are ideal for the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh thyme or rosemary, dried versions are fine. Just reduce the amounts to avoid overpowering the dish.
How Do You Get Perfectly Sear the Chicken?
Searing the chicken is key for locking in flavor. Start by really heating your skillet before adding the oil and chicken. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat — it should shimmer but not smoke.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and herbs before placing them skin-side down.
- Leave them alone for 4-5 minutes until golden brown before flipping. This allows for a great crust!
This step makes a big difference in the overall taste of your dish, so don’t rush it!
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken And Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
For The Rice Mixture:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll let your slow cooker do the work for 4 to 6 hours. Perfect for a busy day when you want a tasty dinner waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and half of the thyme and rosemary. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the skillet and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. When they’re done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Preparing the Rice Mixture:
In your slow cooker, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Then, pour in the long-grain white rice and spread it out evenly. This will create a great base for your chicken to rest on.
3. Combining Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add some flavor! Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the rice and onions, and then squeeze the lemon juice on top. Give everything a gentle stir to combine so that the rice is nicely coated.
4. Adding The Chicken:
Carefully place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. To brighten things up, add the lemon slices on top and sprinkle the remaining thyme and rosemary over everything.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked through, and the rice has absorbed all of that delicious broth.
6. Final Touch and Serving:
Once the cooking time is up, use a fork to fluff the rice. Serve the chicken thighs over a lovely bed of rice. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh thyme or parsley on top for a splash of color. Enjoy your warm, comforting meal!
Can I Substitute Brown Rice for White Rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time! Brown rice usually requires a longer cooking time, so you may need to increase the slow cooking time to 6-8 hours on low. Additionally, you might want to add an extra half cup of chicken broth to accommodate the longer cooking process.
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they can cook a bit faster, so check for doneness at around 4 hours to avoid overcooking them.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and rice in separate containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or peas. Just add them along with the onion and garlic at the beginning. This will not only enhance the flavor but also add nutritional value to your dish!
