Description
Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a bright and comforting one pan dinner packed with juicy chicken, fluffy rice, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic herbs. This easy chicken and rice recipe delivers bold citrus flavor while staying simple enough for busy weeknights. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this healthy chicken and rice dish combines savory broth infused rice with tender seasoned chicken for a satisfying homemade meal.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion finely chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear chicken until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet sauté onion until softened then stir in garlic and cook briefly.
4. Add rice and toast for about one minute while stirring to coat with oil and aromatics.
5. Pour in chicken broth along with lemon juice and lemon zest and stir gently.
6. Return chicken to the skillet nestling it into the rice mixture.
7. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
8. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
9. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor and avoid bottled juice if possible.
Letting the dish rest after cooking helps the rice firm up and absorb extra moisture.
Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts but either can be used with adjusted cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg