Amazing Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Okay, confession time: there are times when I just want dinner to happen without me hovering over the stove. You know those nights? When the kids have activities, or the day just drags on forever. That’s exactly when my Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice comes to the rescue. Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver! You just toss everything in, and your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, turning simple ingredients into this incredibly flavorful, comforting meal. The smell that fills the house while it cooks? Pure magic. It’s become our absolute go-to for those crazy weeknights, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

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

This dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons:

• Super Easy: Seriously, it’s mostly just tossing things into the slow cooker!
• Packed with Flavor: That bright lemon and aromatic herb combo is just *chef’s kiss*.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters usually devour this one.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It makes fantastic leftovers for lunches or another dinner!
• Busy Weeknight Savior: It cooks while you get other things done.

Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Alright, gathering your ingredients is the first step to dinner success! For this yummy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice, you’ll need some simple things you probably already have hanging around. Trust me, the magic really happens when these come together in the pot. We start with some tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs – they stay so moist and juicy in the slow cooker. Then we’ve got chicken broth and that bright, zesty lemon juice for our liquid base, plus a little olive oil for good measure. For those lovely herbs, we’re using oregano and thyme, and don’t forget the garlic and onion powder for that savory punch, along with salt and pepper to make everything sing. We’ll also need uncooked white rice, some chopped carrots, celery, and onion to make it a full meal! So easy, right?

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get this dinner party started in your slow cooker! It couldn’t be simpler, really. This is the kind of meal where you can genuinely just dump and go, and I absolutely love it for that. You can even use chicken breast if you prefer, though thighs tend to stay more moist in the slow cooker. We’re talking minimal fuss, maximum flavor. So grab your slow cooker insert, and let’s make some kitchen magic happen, shall we? Check out these other crockpot chicken breast recipes for more inspiration!

Preparing the Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Base

First things first, let’s get that flavor base going. You’re going to pop your chicken thighs right into the bottom of your slow cooker. Try to spread them out a bit so they cook evenly. Next, in a separate little bowl, we’re going to whisk up our liquid goodness. Grab your chicken broth, that lovely fresh lemon juice, a splash of olive oil, and all those dried herbs and spices – oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a really good whisk until everything is nicely combined. Then, pour this beautiful fragrant mixture all over the chicken. Now, just toss in your chopped carrots, celery, and onion right on top of everything. Super simple, right?

Cooking Your Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Now for the best part: the waiting game! Pop the lid on nice and snug. You have two options here, both super easy. You can cook it on the LOW setting for about 6 to 8 hours, which is just perfect if you’re starting it in the morning. Or, if you’re on a tighter schedule, you can switch it to HIGH and it’ll be done in about 3 to 4 hours. Just make sure that chicken is cooked through and super tender – it should shred easily with a fork. That’s your cue that it’s ready! Remember, every slow cooker is a little different, so keep an eye on it.

Adding the Rice for Perfect Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Okay, so your chicken and veggies are tender and smelling amazing, but we’re not quite done yet! About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in that uncooked white rice. Give everything a good stir to make sure the rice is submerged in all that delicious liquid. If it looks a little dry, you can always add a splash more chicken broth. Pop the lid back on and let it cook on HIGH for that final half hour, or until the rice is perfectly tender and has soaked up most of that glorious liquid. You want it creamy and delicious, not watery, so keep an eye on it!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Alright, let’s make this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice absolutely shine! I’ve learned a few little tricks over the years that really make a difference. First off, don’t skimp on the fresh lemon juice – and consider adding a little lemon zest when you stir in the rice; it gives an extra pop of brightness! Also, make sure that rice is really submerged in liquid before you start cooking it. If it looks like it’s drying out, just add another quarter cup of broth. I’ve also found that stirring in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream right at the very end, once the rice is cooked, makes it beautifully creamy and even more decadent. It’s these little things that turn a good meal into a *great* one! For more ideas on making your crockpot cooking easy and delicious, check this out!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Recipe

Okay, let’s chat about the goodies in this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice! Chicken thighs are my go-to because they just can’t get dry in the slow cooker, but if you’re out, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work too. Just be a little mindful of cooking time so they don’t get tough. If you’re not a big fan of celery or carrots, feel free to swap them out for other veggies like peas or bell peppers in the last hour of cooking. And for the herbs, fresh is always lovely if you have it – just double the amount! This recipe is really flexible, so make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is fantastic all on its own, but sometimes you want a little something extra, right? I love serving it with a bright, crisp salad, like a classic Caesar salad, to balance out the richness. A side of steamed broccoli or green beans is also a great choice for an extra veggie boost. You could even serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up all that yummy sauce!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers of this delicious Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice? Lucky you! Once it’s cooled down a bit, just pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can do it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop a portion in the microwave. Be sure to add a tiny splash of water or broth when reheating if it seems a bit dry; the rice can soak up moisture over time. Just aim for it to be heated all the way through before you dig in!

Frequently Asked Questions about Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Got questions about this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice? I totally get it! It’s one of those recipes that people love because it’s so versatile and easy. Here are a few things I often get asked:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this slow cooker lemon chicken recipe?

Absolutely! You sure can. While thighs stay incredibly moist, chicken breasts work beautifully too. Just keep an eye on them as they can sometimes get a bit dry if cooked too long. Aim for the shorter cook time on high heat if you’re using breasts.

How do I make this a creamy lemon chicken and rice dish?

Oh, for that extra creamy goodness, it’s super simple! Right at the end, after the rice is cooked, stir in about 2 to 3 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream. It makes it so wonderfully rich and decadent. Trust me, you’ll love it!

Is this recipe considered an easy dump and go meal?

Totally! This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is the definition of a dump and go meal. You literally just put everything into the slow cooker, turn it on, and let it do its thing. Zero fuss, maximum deliciousness, making it perfect for those crazy busy days when you need healthy family dinner ideas that practically make themselves.

Nutritional Information

Just a friendly reminder that these are estimated nutritional values per serving, so they can vary a bit! This hearty Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is packed with goodness. We’re looking at around 450 calories, about 18g of fat (with 4g being saturated), 30g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. It’s a really balanced meal that feels so comforting!

Print