Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is exactly what you need when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without the fuss. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something special with minimal effort.

There’s something about walking into your kitchen after a long day and being greeted by the aroma of lemon, herbs, and tender chicken that’s been slow-cooking to perfection. This reminds me of those Sunday afternoons at Grandma’s farm, where she’d set her pot on low in the morning and we’d spend the day outside, knowing that when we came back, dinner would be waiting for us. She always said the secret to good cooking was letting time do the work, and this recipe proves she was right. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a meal that tastes like you spent all day preparing it, when really, you just spent 15 minutes in the morning. Your kitchen’s about to smell incredible.

What Makes This Lemon Herb Chicken Special

After years of making weeknight dinners for my family, the recipes we return to again and again are the ones that deliver big flavor with minimal effort. This slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice checks every box for what makes a recipe truly special in a busy household.

Here’s what you’ll love:

• One-pot simplicity means everything cooks together in your slow cooker, which means fewer dishes to wash and more time to spend with your family
• Pantry-friendly ingredients with no specialty items required, you likely have everything you need already
• Foolproof results every time because the slow cooker does the heavy lifting, ensuring tender, juicy chicken that never dries out
• Fresh, bright flavors from the combination of lemon and herbs brings a lightness to this comforting dish that makes it perfect year-round
• Flexible timing lets you cook it on low while you’re at work or on high when you’re home for the afternoon
• Crowd-pleasing appeal that even picky eaters love this mild yet flavorful dish

I’ve served this at countless family dinners, and it never fails to get requests for seconds. There’s something deeply satisfying about a meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles on their faces.

Ingredient Spotlight

Understanding your ingredients helps you make the best version of this dish every single time. Here’s what goes into this comforting meal and why each component matters.

Chicken breasts provide lean protein that stays moist and tender when slow-cooked in liquid, absorbing all those wonderful lemon and herb flavors throughout the cooking process.

Olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics at the beginning, creating a flavorful base that enhances the entire dish.

Onion adds natural sweetness and depth to the broth as it breaks down during the slow cooking process, creating a rich foundation for the rice.

Garlic brings that essential aromatic quality that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. I always use fresh cloves rather than jarred for the best flavor.

Long-grain white rice cooks perfectly in the slow cooker when fully submerged in liquid, becoming fluffy and infused with all the savory broth flavors.

Chicken broth serves as the cooking liquid that transforms into a light, flavorful sauce while keeping everything moist and delicious.

Dried thyme and rosemary create that classic herb profile that pairs beautifully with chicken. In my kitchen, I prefer using dried herbs for slow cooker recipes because they release their flavors gradually over the long cooking time.

Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice bring brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness and keeps the dish tasting fresh rather than heavy.

Frozen peas add a pop of color, slight sweetness, and extra nutrition without any prep work required.

Fresh parsley is my finishing touch because it adds a burst of freshness and makes the presentation beautiful when serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Making this weeknight dinner is easier than you might think. I’ve refined this method over many family meals to ensure perfect results every time.

Step 1. Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Betty always starts with this step because it brings out the natural sweetness in the onion.

Step 2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 3. Transfer the cooked onion and garlic mixture to the bottom of your slow cooker to create a flavorful foundation.

Step 4. Place the chicken breasts directly on top of the aromatics, then sprinkle them evenly with the dried thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5. Add the uncooked rice around the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring it will be covered by the liquid.

Step 6. Pour the chicken broth over everything, making sure the rice is completely submerged. I’ve learned that proper liquid coverage is the key to perfectly cooked rice.

Step 7. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the top, then cover and set your slow cooker to low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours.

Step 8. When the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken breasts and set them aside temporarily while you stir the frozen peas into the rice mixture.

Step 9. Shred or slice the chicken and return it to the slow cooker, mixing everything together gently to combine.

Step 10. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley just before serving. After years of making this, I always keep extra lemon wedges on hand for those who want an extra citrus kick.

Keeping This Chicken and Rice Fresh

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Refrigerator storage: This dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. I typically store mine in individual portions so my family can grab lunch easily during the week. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day. Make sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating to prevent excess condensation.

Reheating methods: For the best texture, I reheat this on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. If you’re using the microwave, add a tablespoon of water or broth and cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the rice from drying out. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. Betty’s method for reheating leftovers always involves adding a little liquid back in, and it makes all the difference in keeping that just-cooked quality.

Freezing guidelines: While this slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice can be frozen for up to 2 months, I’ve found that rice-based dishes sometimes change texture slightly after freezing. If you do freeze it, use freezer-safe containers and leave a bit of space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and be prepared to add extra broth or a pat of butter to refresh the texture.

Perfect Partners for This Chicken Dinner

This dish is wonderfully complete on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can turn a simple weeknight dinner into something really special.

• Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette provides a perfect contrast to the rich, savory chicken and rice, and the acidity in the dressing echoes the lemon notes in the main dish.
• Roasted green beans or asparagus bring a slight char and firmness that balances the soft, tender texture of the slow-cooked meal.
• Warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra broth at the bottom of your bowl. My family always fights over who gets to do this.
• Simple cucumber and tomato salad adds crunch and brightness, especially welcome during warmer months.
• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli doubles down on that savory flavor and adds a nice green vegetable to your plate.
• Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites make this meal extra special if you’re serving guests and want to add protein variety.

FAQs

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked to perfection with zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and fluffy rice. Every bite is a burst of fresh, savory goodness that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless, skinless
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• skillet
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer the cooked onion and garlic mixture to the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Place the chicken breasts on top of the onion and garlic mixture. Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
4. Add the uncooked rice around the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the rice and chicken, ensuring the rice is completely submerged in the liquid.
5. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over everything in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
6. Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and set aside. Stir the frozen peas into the rice and broth mixture, allowing them to warm through.
7. Shred or slice the chicken breasts and return them to the slow cooker. Gently stir to combine the chicken, rice, peas, and broth.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving.

Notes

Make sure the rice is fully submerged in the broth for even cooking. For extra flavor, sear the chicken breasts in the skillet before placing them in the slow cooker. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving. Feel free to substitute the frozen peas with other vegetables like carrots or green beans.