This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is like a warm hug on a plate! Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and bright lemon flavors come together perfectly while you relax.
Cooking in a slow cooker means I can just toss everything in and let it do the magic. I love walking in to that comforting smell—it makes my day! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs give the most flavor. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts, but the cooking time may vary a bit.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal for this dish. However, you can substitute with jasmine or basmati rice. Just watch the liquid ratios and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is great if you have it. Store-bought works too. For a lighter dish, you can use vegetable broth instead. Just keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten up the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh is always best for flavor!
Herbs: Dried thyme and oregano are used for seasoning. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to use those. Just use about three times the amount since fresh herbs are milder.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Searing Chicken Thighs?
Searing is a key step in locking in flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding olive oil. This helps the chicken brown nicely.
- Place the thighs skin-side down in the hot oil. Avoid crowding the pan to ensure they sear well.
- Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes.
After searing, transferring to the slow cooker adds all that delicious flavor to the dish! Take your time with this step, and it will be well worth it.
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For The Rice and Broth:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
For Garnishing:
- Fresh thyme
- Lemon slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 2.5 to 5 hours to cook, depending on whether you use the low or high setting on your slow cooker. After the cooking time, you’ll have a lovely dish that is ready to serve. Perfect for a relaxing day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Make sure to rub the seasoning into the chicken well to enhance the flavor. This is an important step for getting that delicious herb taste!
2. Searing the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them until they are golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, flip to sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Once browned, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
3. Sautéing the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they become softened and fragrant. Then, add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet, making sure to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This will add even more flavor to your dish!
4. Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker where the chicken is waiting. Then, add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the chicken. This layer of flavor is going to make your dish extra tasty!
5. Adding the Rice:
Next, sprinkle the uncooked long-grain white rice over the chicken and broth in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to stir it gently, ensuring that the rice gets submerged in the liquid. This helps it cook perfectly!
6. Cooking:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked thoroughly and the rice is tender. Your kitchen will smell wonderful during this time!
7. Fluffing the Rice:
Once the cooking time is up, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Taste it and feel free to add extra seasoning if you think it needs a bit more flavor.
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Finally, garnish your delicious chicken and rice dish with fresh thyme and lemon slices before serving. This adds a lovely touch and makes your meal look beautiful. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time slightly since they cook faster. Aim for about 3-4 hours on low or 1.5-2 hours on high. Just check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating!
What If I Don’t Have Long-Grain White Rice?
No problem! You can substitute with jasmine or basmati rice for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just remember that different rice types may require slight adjustments in liquid and cooking time, so be sure to check package instructions for the correct ratios!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onion and garlic. Just be mindful of the cooking time; denser veggies may need a little more time to become tender, so add them at the start of cooking.
