One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: Fresh & Flavorful

The aroma of One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice wafts through the kitchen, hitting you like a warm hug. Juicy chicken, bright lemon, and fragrant herbs come together to create a dish that’s as comforting as your favorite childhood blanket.

Picture this: a chaotic weeknight dinner where everyone is hangry, and the kitchen looks like a tornado hit it. But fear not! This dish comes to the rescue, transforming your kitchen chaos into culinary bliss without breaking a sweat.

Nothing beats the satisfied smiles from my family when I pull this one out of my recipe hat—especially after they’ve had a long day at work or school.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender chicken is ideal; use about four breasts for perfect portions.

• Long Grain White Rice: Choose long grain for fluffy texture; it absorbs flavors beautifully.

• Chicken Broth: For added richness; homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine.

• Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens up the dish; use fresh lemons instead of bottled juice for best results.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves give an aromatic kick; don’t skimp on this flavor booster.

• Fresh Herbs (Thyme and Parsley): Use these for freshness; they elevate the flavor profile dramatically.

• Onion: A sweet onion adds depth; sauté until translucent for optimal flavor.

• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavors while keeping things healthy.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust according to taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop the onion and garlic. This step sets you up for success and keeps you organized.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté onion until soft and translucent—about 3-4 minutes—then add minced garlic until fragrant.

Add the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them into the pot. Sear each side until golden brown—roughly 5 minutes per side—creating that delicious crust.

Incorporate Rice and Broth: Stir in rice next. Pour chicken broth and fresh lemon juice over everything. Bring to a gentle simmer while scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in thyme leaves at this point for aromatic goodness. Cover with a lid and let it cook on low heat for about 20 minutes or until rice absorbs liquid.

Add Parsley Before Serving: Once cooked, remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving. This adds color and brightness that your dinner guests will appreciate!

This One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice transforms an ordinary weeknight into something extraordinary with minimal effort. Each bite bursts with zesty flavors that dance joyfully on your palate!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in juices, then sauté garlic and onions before adding rice and broth. This sequence ensures each layer of flavor melds beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color. You can also experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Cooking this dish reminds me of family dinners where everyone gathered around, laughing and sharing stories while savoring every bite. It’s those moments that make cooking worthwhile.

FAQ

What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?

You can use tofu or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian alternative that still packs great flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day before, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat when ready to serve.

How can I enhance the flavor further?

Consider adding a splash of white wine during cooking or incorporating lemon zest for an extra citrus punch.

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One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

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• Author: Rachel Lawson
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a comforting weeknight meal that brings together juicy chicken, fragrant herbs, and zesty lemon in a single pot. This dish not only simplifies cooking but also elevates your dinner experience with vibrant flavors and minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy families, it’s quick to prepare and sure to please everyone around the table.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes; then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot, searing each side for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
4. Stir in rice, then pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer while scraping any bits from the pot.
5. Add thyme leaves and cover. Cook on low heat for about 20 minutes until rice absorbs liquid.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: One Pot
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg