Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Comfort Crockpot Recipe
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a dish that feels like comfort in a bowl. The first time I made it, I wanted something simple but satisfying. The lemon aroma filled the kitchen, blending with creamy herbs and tender chicken, and the result was a meal that tasted like it had taken all day. This is one of those 2 hour crockpot recipes that works beautifully for lazy dinners crockpot style or even as dinner ideas when sick. It also doubles as one of the best crock pot meals for two and can be adjusted for easy dinner recipes for family crockpot nights. Whether you are planning summer dinner easy meals, searching for dinners for hot days, or looking for kid friendly crock pot recipes, this dish always comes through. Even picky eaters love it which makes it one of those truly kid approved crockpot meals.
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together the cream of chicken soup, Rotel (if using), 1 cup broth, heavy cream, onion soup mix, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper directly in the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken to the sauce and coat well.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker.
- Stir in uncooked rice and 3 cups of hot water or broth. Ensure rice is submerged.
- Cook covered on HIGH for 20–30 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Stir before serving and garnish with parsley or lemon slices if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is creamy, hearty, and brightened by fresh lemon juice. The flavors are mild enough for kids yet flavorful enough for adults which makes it one of the easiest kid approved crockpot meals. It is budget friendly and relies on pantry staples so you can pull it together without fuss. The slow cooker does most of the work while you relax which is why it belongs on every lazy dinners crockpot list. It works for dinner ideas when sick when you need something soothing and it also fits into summer dinner easy plans since it does not heat up the kitchen. Whether you are cooking crock pot meals for two or easy dinner recipes for family crockpot style, this recipe checks every box.
Ingredients with Tips and Substitutions
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes and Substitutions |
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs | 1.5 to 2 lbs | Thighs stay juicier while breasts are leaner |
| Cream of chicken soup | 1 (10.75 oz) can | Swap with cream of mushroom for variation |
| Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies | 1 (10 oz) can optional | Use regular diced tomatoes if you want mild flavor |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup plus 3 cups later | Vegetable broth works as a substitute |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup | Use milk for a lighter version |
| Dry onion soup mix | 1 packet | Adds depth and savory flavor |
| Dried parsley | 1 tsp | Fresh parsley brightens it up |
| Dried thyme | ½ tsp | Italian seasoning works as well |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp | Replace with 2 cloves of fresh garlic |
| Lemon juice | Juice of 1 lemon | Fresh lemon gives the best result |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Add carefully since soup mix is salty |
| Uncooked long grain white rice | 1.5 cups | Do not use instant rice |
| Hot water or chicken broth | 3 cups | Helps cook rice evenly |
| Garnish | Fresh parsley or lemon slices | Optional but looks beautiful |
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- Mix the sauce base by whisking soup, Rotel, broth, cream, onion soup mix, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken and coat well in the sauce.
- Cook covered on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in uncooked rice with 3 cups of hot water or broth. Make sure rice is submerged.
- Cook covered on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir before serving and garnish with parsley or lemon slices.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice can be served as a light summer dinner easy option with a crisp green salad. For a more filling plate pair it with roasted vegetables or bread. As crock pot meals for two it makes a romantic but easy dinner with lemon wedges on the side. For easy dinner recipes for family crockpot meals serve it with steamed broccoli or corn. When planning dinners for hot days this dish is perfect since it keeps the kitchen cool while delivering a hearty meal.
How to Perfect This Recipe
- Use chicken thighs for maximum tenderness.
- Always add rice at the end so it does not become mushy.
- Taste sauce before adding extra salt because onion soup mix is already seasoned.
- If rice absorbs liquid too quickly add more hot broth.
- Stir in a pat of butter before serving to make the rice silky.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding rice too soon which makes it overcooked.
- Using instant rice which turns gummy.
- Forgetting the lemon which balances out the creaminess.
- Overcooking chicken on high heat which dries it out.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
| Storage Method | Time | Tips |
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Store in airtight container and add splash of broth when reheating |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Best frozen without rice and then add fresh rice later |
| Reheating | Microwave or stovetop | Add broth or water for creaminess |
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is the perfect balance of creamy comfort and bright citrus. It fits beautifully into lazy dinners crockpot meal plans, works as a soothing option for dinner ideas when sick, and is adaptable for crock pot meals for two or easy dinner recipes for family crockpot gatherings. It also makes an excellent choice for summer dinner easy menus and dinners for hot days while staying kid approved. Save this recipe for later or share it with friends because it will become a family favorite in no time.
