This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a cozy dish that is super easy to make. Tender chicken simmers with zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and fluffy rice for a delicious meal!
Honestly, the slow cooker does all the work while you relax. I love coming home to that lemony smell—it’s like a warm hug from dinner! 🍋
Making this is a breeze! Just toss everything in and let it cook. Perfect for busy days, and it’s great as leftovers, too! You’ll want to make this one again and again.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs add moisture and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts can work, but they might not be as juicy. You can also use chicken drumsticks!
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this dish. If you’re in a pinch, basmati or jasmine rice can be used, but keep an eye on the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Chicken Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, use vegetable broth for a lighter taste, or even water with a bit of salt. Homemade broth, if you have it, adds a nice touch!
Lemon: Fresh lemon is key for brightness. If unavailable, bottled lemon juice can be a substitute. Just use a bit less, as it’s usually more concentrated.
Seasonings: Dried thyme and oregano bring a lovely flavor. If you prefer fresh herbs, use about three times more, but add them towards the end of cooking to maintain their brightness!
How Do I Get Perfectly Searing Chicken Thighs?
Searing chicken before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor significantly. It’s all about the heat and oil! Use a skillet over medium-high heat, and don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help them brown better.
- Add olive oil to the skillet and wait until it shimmers before placing the chicken in.
- Cook skin-side down for about 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear for about 3 more minutes. This locks in juices and flavor!
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, optional for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious slow cooker meal takes about 15 minutes to prep, and you can let it cook for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner on a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with a sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear them for about 5 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown. Then, gently flip the thighs and sear the other side for an additional 3 minutes. After they’re nicely browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
Now, it’s time to build the base for our dish! In the bottom of your slow cooker, add the long-grain white rice. Pour in the chicken broth, and then add the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
3. Add the Chicken:
Take the seared chicken thighs you prepared earlier and place them on top of the rice mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is sitting nicely on top; this helps it to keep all those juices flowing down into the rice as it cooks.
4. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When it’s done, the chicken should be perfectly cooked through, and the rice will be tender and flavorful.
5. Serve:
Once cooking is complete, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Sprinkle the top with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot, and if you like, add a few lemon slices for a lovely presentation. Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker meal!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time. If using brown rice, adjust the cooking time to about 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high, and make sure to add an extra cup of chicken broth to ensure it cooks properly.
Can I Substitute Other Proteins for Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts or even pork chops. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly. If using pork, cook the dish for about 6-7 hours on low for best results.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Without a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Prepare the chicken in a skillet as instructed, then add the rice and broth to a pot. Bring it to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
