This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a cozy meal that’s super easy to make. The chicken cooks to tender perfection, soaking up zesty lemon and fresh herbs!
I love how my slow cooker does all the work while I sip my coffee. Just toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it! The house smells amazing by dinner time! ☕️✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are ideal for this recipe as they stay juicy during cooking. If you prefer, boneless thighs or breasts can be used, but adjust the cooking time to avoid dryness.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps in searing the chicken. If you’re out, canola or vegetable oil will work too, but I always prefer olive oil for its taste.
Rice: Long-grain white rice provides the right texture. You can substitute it with jasmine or basmati rice for a slight flavor twist. Just be sure to check the water-to-rice ratio since different grains might need adjustments.
Lemon: The zest and juice add brightness. If you don’t have lemons, lime juice could work as a substitute. For a sweeter flavor, a splash of white wine works in a pinch!
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary give this dish its wonderful aroma. Fresh herbs are lovely too, but double the amount if you opt for dried.
How Do I Get Perfectly Searing Chicken Thighs?
Searing the chicken properly is key to great flavor. It creates a nice golden crust and locks in the juices. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot before adding the oil; this helps achieve a good sear.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to get that crispy skin.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give them enough space to cook evenly.
- Sear skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
Letting the chicken sit for a minute before placing it in the slow cooker ensures it retains all those delicious juices!
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4-6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For The Rice Mixture:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time in the slow cooker—4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. Once it’s done, you’ll have a fantastic dinner ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them until they turn golden brown, around 5-7 minutes. Flip them over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Preparing the Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, layer the bottom with the sliced onion and minced garlic. Evenly spread the long-grain white rice over the onions.
3. Combining the Ingredients:
Next, pour the chicken broth over the rice, and then add the zest and juice of one lemon. Gently stir everything to combine, being careful not to disturb the rice too much.
4. Adding the Chicken:
Now, take the seared chicken thighs and place them right on top of the rice mixture in the slow cooker. Do not stir; letting the chicken sit on top helps it steam and cook thoroughly.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and choose your cooking time: low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it’s fully cooked and tender, and the rice should be nice and fluffy!
6. Serving the Meal:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully take out the chicken thighs. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Serve the chicken over the rice, and for a lovely touch, garnish with lemon slices and fresh thyme. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work! Just reduce your cooking time slightly; cook on low for about 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until fully cooked through. Keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
You can easily substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth if you want a lighter flavor or need a vegetarian option. For a rich taste, homemade broth or stock works great too! Just ensure to keep the same ratio of liquid.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and layer them underneath the rice in the slow cooker. They will cook well alongside the chicken!
