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Easy One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

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A quick and flavorful one-pot meal featuring juicy lemon herb chicken and perfectly cooked rice, ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (190g)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (480ml), homemade or low-sodium
  • 1 large lemon, zest and juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients (10 minutes): Zest and juice the lemon, mince garlic, chop onion and herbs, and pat chicken breasts dry.
  2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little lemon zest.
  3. Sear the Chicken (8-10 minutes): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  4. Sauté Aromatics (3-4 minutes): In the same pan, add chopped onion and garlic. Stir until softened and fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add the Rice: Pour in rice and stir to coat with oil and aromatics. Toast lightly for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Add Broth and Lemon Juice: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  7. Return Chicken to the Pot: Nestle chicken breasts on top of rice. Sprinkle thyme and additional salt and pepper.
  8. Simmer and Cook (20-25 minutes): Cover pan tightly, reduce heat to low, and simmer. Avoid lifting lid. Check rice tenderness and chicken internal temperature (165°F / 74°C) after 20 minutes.
  9. Rest and Finish: Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes.
  10. Add Fresh Herbs and Butter: Stir in parsley and butter (if using). Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
  11. Serve: Plate chicken over rice and spoon extra pan juices on top.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before searing for better browning. Avoid overcrowding pan to prevent steaming. If rice is undercooked after 20 minutes, add more broth or water and cook an additional 5 minutes. Optional butter adds a silky finish. For extra crispness, broil chicken 1-2 minutes at the end. Fresh herbs recommended for best flavor; dried herbs can be substituted.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, lemon herb chicken, chicken and rice, easy dinner, weeknight meal, quick recipe, healthy, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/easy-one-pot-lemon-herb-chicken-and-rice-recipe-for-perfect-weeknight-dinners/