This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a tasty, easy meal that cooks while you do other things. The chicken is tender and juicy, flavored with zesty lemon and fresh herbs.
I love how this dish fills the house with a warm, inviting smell. Just toss everything in, set it, and relax! Perfect for busy days when you want a yummy dinner without much fuss!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts, but adjust your cooking time since they may cook faster.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is a great choice here. However, you could substitute it with jasmine or basmati rice for a slightly different flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a nice flavor, but feel free to use vegetable oil or avocado oil if that’s what you have on hand.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary bring lots of flavor. If you’re out, use Italian seasoning instead. It has a mix of herbs that will work nicely!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for flavor. But if you don’t have any, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Just use a teaspoon instead of cloves.
How Do I Get Crispy Skin on My Chicken?
Achieving crispy chicken skin is all about the searing process. This step ensures a nice texture while adding flavor. Here’s how:
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels. This is key for crispy skin.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Place the chicken skin-side down and don’t move it for the first few minutes to create that golden crust.
- After 4-5 minutes, flip the chicken to crisp up the other side for another 2 minutes.
Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if needed. This technique will make your chicken deliciously crispy!
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken And Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
For Flavor:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus extra lemon slices for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, followed by cooking for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the slow cooker. Perfect for a day when you want to set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them to get crispy later on. Season both sides with generous amounts of salt and pepper, along with half of the thyme and rosemary. This seasoning will really infuse some lovely flavors!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear them until they are golden brown and crisp, about 4-5 minutes. After that, flip the chicken over and cook for another 2 minutes. Once done, remove them from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
In the bottom of the slow cooker, combine the rinsed rice, minced garlic, dried oregano, the rest of the thyme, and rosemary. Pour in the chicken broth and give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. This will be the delicious base for your chicken!
4. Assemble the Dish:
Carefully place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture in the slow cooker. Then, arrange the thin lemon slices over the chicken and rice. This lemon will add a burst of flavor while it cooks!
5. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F and the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth. Trust your slow cooker to do its magic!
6. Fluff and Serve:
Once your dish is cooked, gently fluff the rice around the chicken with a fork. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for! Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and extra lemon slices for a beautiful touch.
7. Enjoy!
Serve this warm, delightful dish and savor the tender chicken paired with the aromatic lemon herb rice. It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to please!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer! Just remember that they will cook faster, so check for doneness around the 2-hour mark on high heat or 3-4 hours on low heat to prevent them from drying out.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water can work in a pinch. However, using broth will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly, so consider adding a little bit of salt if you use water.
How to Store Leftovers?
For any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if the rice has dried out.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add veggies like peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Just toss them in with the rice before adding the chicken, but consider choosing quick-cooking vegetables to ensure they don’t become mushy during the long cooking time.
