Bring a little sunshine to your dinner table with Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice! This dish is bright, herby, and deeply comforting—a foolproof one-pot meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Each bite is bursting with zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, juicy chicken, and perfectly fluffy rice, making it a true crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. If you’re yearning for an easy yet impressive dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss, you’re going to fall in love with this recipe.

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how such a modest list of wholesome ingredients can pack so much flavor and color into one meal. The magic of Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is that every element has a special job—whether it’s infusing the chicken with citrus and herbs, keeping the rice irresistibly tender, or adding a fresh final flourish.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean but soak up all the tangy, herbal notes beautifully.
Long Grain White Rice: Rinsed to remove excess starch, this gives the dish a fluffy, non-sticky texture that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
Chicken Broth: The secret to rich, flavorful rice—and it keeps everything moist and tasty as it slow cooks.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and brings out the herbal flavors in every bite.
Lemon Zest: An aromatic boost that gives the final dish an extra layer of fresh, citrusy complexity.
Minced Garlic: Adds warmth, savory depth, and that irresistible aroma.
Dried Thyme: This classic herb brings a woodsy, floral lift to the chicken and rice.
Dried Rosemary: Bold and piney, rosemary adds a beautiful, earthy backbone.
Dried Oregano: Slightly peppery and grassy, oregano ties all the flavors together.
Salt: A fundamental seasoning that deepens all the other flavors.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle bit of heat and sharpness.
Olive Oil: Gives the marinade richness and helps everything blend thoroughly.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish, parsley delivers a final pop of color and freshness at serving time.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Mix the Lemon Herb Marinade

Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. This mixture transforms into liquid gold—the aromatic and zesty magic that will infuse the chicken and rice with its signature flavor. Be generous when zesting the lemon; those fragrant oils are where you get that extraordinary burst of brightness!

Step 2: Layer the Chicken

Lay the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker, making sure there’s room for the marinade to seep in. Pour half of the freshly mixed lemon herb marinade directly over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly so it absorbs all those lovely, citrusy notes while it cooks.

Step 3: Add the Rice

Rinse your long grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear (this helps prevent the rice from clumping or becoming gummy). Then, evenly scatter the rinsed rice right on top of the chicken—it will soak up all the savory, herby juices as it cooks, resulting in incredibly flavorful rice.

Step 4: Pour in Chicken Broth and Remaining Marinade

Pour the chicken broth gently over the rice, ensuring all the grains get moistened. Drizzle the rest of your lemon herb marinade across the top for an extra punch of brightness and depth. This step is where your slow cooker meal starts to really come together—the rice absorbs the broth and all those concentrated flavors as it cooks slowly.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Go ahead—run errands, catch up on your favorite shows, or just relax! When time’s up, you’ll be greeted by the inviting aromas of citrus, garlic, and herbs, with chicken that’s juicy and tender and rice that’s perfectly fluffy. Give everything a gentle stir before serving to combine the goodness.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

Just before serving, sprinkle a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley across the top. Not only does this garnish add a pop of fresh green color, but it gives your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice an extra hit of brightness that pulls the whole dish together.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley lavishly over each serving for a burst of color and a fresh, herbal finish. If you want to make it even prettier, add a couple of thin, freshly sliced lemon rounds or an extra dash of lemon zest just before serving—this gives the plate a gorgeous, vibrant look and teases even more of that sunny citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

While Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is satisfying all by itself, you can round out the meal with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or some oven-roasted seasonal vegetables. For even more texture and color, try serving with steamed green beans, sautéed broccoli, or a crunchy slaw on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken sliced on a platter over a beautiful bed of the fluffy lemon-herb rice, or shred the chicken and gently mix it throughout for a more rustic, one-pot presentation. You could even dish everything into individual bowls, layering the rice on the bottom and nestling the chicken on top with a flourish of garnishes. However you present it, Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice always looks—and tastes—like a warm invite to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice has cooled to room temperature, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to four days—making it a perfect meal-prep option for busy weeks!

Freezing

For longer storage, this dish freezes surprisingly well! Allow your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to squeeze out any excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready for a taste of sunshine, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a lid or damp paper towel—this helps the rice stay moist. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the rice and heat gently until hot. The herbs and citrus will reawaken beautifully!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a wholesome, nutty option, but keep in mind that it takes a bit longer to cook and may require a bit more broth. Just check the rice around the 5-hour mark, and increase the cooking time as needed for perfect texture.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice?

Yes—chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe! They’re a bit juicier and add even more flavor. You can use boneless, skinless thighs and follow the instructions exactly as written, or adjust cook time slightly for bone-in cuts.

Is it necessary to rinse the rice first?

It really makes a difference! Rinsing the rice helps wash away excess starch, ensuring that your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice stays fluffy and individual grains—never sticky or gummy.

What other herbs can I use?

Feel free to get creative—sage, basil, or even a bit of tarragon can be swapped in or added to the herb blend for a personalized twist. If you have fresh herbs on hand, use a bit more, and add them towards the end for a burst of flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just make sure you have a large enough slow cooker. Double all ingredients in equal amounts, and check both chicken and rice for doneness after 5 hours, as it may need a bit more time with a fuller pot.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add an easy, heartwarming favorite to your weeknight rotation, Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is just the ticket. I can’t wait for you to experience how effortlessly this dish comes together—every bite is sure to bring smiles and second helpings. Give it a try and prepare to make it a regular star at your table!

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, flavorful herbs, zesty lemon, and fluffy rice all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. With a touch of freshness from parsley, this gluten-free and dairy-free dish is a hassle-free way to enjoy a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 lemon (for juice and zest)
3 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Rice:

1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
2 cups chicken broth
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Lemon Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Cook in the Slow Cooker: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker, pour half of the lemon herb mixture over them. Add rinsed rice, pour chicken broth over the rice, and drizzle the remaining lemon herb mixture on top. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
Finish and Serve: Stir gently before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.