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Quick and Delicious One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Discover the delightful flavors of One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and fluffy rice, all cooked together in one pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is both quick and satisfying.

Lemon adds a refreshing zing, while the herbs infuse warmth into every bite. Your family will love this hearty meal that is rich in flavor and nutrition. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow. Enjoy the comforting taste of homemade cooking with just a few ingredients.

Try this One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice today for a delicious and wholesome meal that everyone will rave about!

What Makes This Recipe So Good?

  • Simplicity: With just one pot, cleanup is a breeze, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Flavorful: The combination of lemon and herbs creates a bright, refreshing taste that elevates the dish.
  • Tender Chicken: Cooking the chicken with the rice ensures it remains juicy and flavorful.
  • Comforting: This dish delivers that warm, comforting feeling associated with home-cooked meals.
  • Nutritious: It’s a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and the option to add vegetables for extra nutrition.
  • Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite herbs or add seasonal vegetables for variety.
  • Quick Prep Time: The recipe can be prepared in a short amount of time, making it ideal for those on the go.
  • Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it great for family dinners.
  • Leftovers: It stores well, so you can enjoy delicious leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
  • Great for Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for batch cooking, allowing you to have meals ready for the week.

Key Ingredients

  • Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts.
  • Rice: Long-grain white rice or basmati rice.
  • Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest for brightness.
  • Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic for flavor.
  • Onion: Chopped onion for added depth of flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth or stock for cooking the rice and adding flavor.
  • Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
  • Salt and Pepper: To season the dish to taste.
  • Optional Vegetables: Peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

  • Sear the Chicken: Start by searing the chicken until golden brown. This step enhances the flavor and adds a delicious crust.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor of the dish. If using dried herbs, use about one-third of the amount, as they are more concentrated.
  • Let the Rice Rest: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for a few minutes before serving. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and makes it fluffier.
  • Adjust Liquid: Different types of rice may require varying amounts of liquid. Always check the package instructions for the correct ratio.
  • Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped vegetables, like peas or bell peppers, during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
  • Zest the Lemon: Zesting the lemon before juicing adds an extra punch of citrus flavor to the dish.
  • Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning as you cook. Taste the broth and rice mixture before serving to ensure it has enough salt and flavor.
  • Marinate for Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for a few hours or overnight to enhance the flavor.
  • Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: A heavy pot helps distribute heat evenly, preventing burning or uneven cooking.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and freshness.

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Cooking Method
Cuisine
Courses ,
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Rest Time: 5 mins Total Time: 40 mins
Cooking Temp 350  °F
Servings 4
Calories 450
Best Season Suitable throughout the year, Spring, Winter, Summer, Fall
Dietary dairy free, Gluten Free, High Protein, Keto, Low Carb, Non Vegetarian, Paleo, Sugar Free
Description

Discover the delightful flavors of One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and fluffy rice, all cooked together in one pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is both quick and satisfying.

Ingredients
  • 4 pieces Chicken (thighs or breasts, bone-in or boneless)
  • 1 cup Rice (long-grain white rice or basmati rice)
  • 1 medium Lemon (juiced and zested)
  • 2 tbsp Herbs (fresh parsley, thyme, or oregano)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium Onion (chopped)
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • Salt (to taste, about 1 tsp)
  • Pepper (to taste, about 1/2 tsp)
  • 1 cup Vegetables (optional, e.g., peas, carrots, or bell peppers, chopped)
Instructions
  1. Sear the Chicken

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic

    In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

  3. Add Rice

    Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it, stirring constantly.

  4. Add Liquid and Seasonings

    Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the herbs and stir to combine.

  5. Return Chicken to Pot

    Place the seared chicken on top of the rice mixture. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid.

  6. Simmer

    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

  7. Add Optional Vegetables

    If you're using any optional vegetables (like peas or bell peppers), stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

  8. Rest

    Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking.

  9. Serve

    Fluff the rice with a fork and serve the chicken with the rice, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g24%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 120mg40%
Sodium 600mg25%
Potassium 600mg18%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 1g
Protein 30g60%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: One-Pot Chicken, Lemon Herb Chicken, Chicken and Rice, Easy Dinner Recipe, Quick Meal, Family-Friendly Recipe, Healthy Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal, Zesty Chicken, Herb-Infused Rice, Weeknight Dinner, Simple Recipe, Chicken Recipe, Delicious Dinner, Nourishing Meal
Read it online: https://mykitchentreats.com/recipe/quick-and-delicious-one-pot-lemon-herb-chicken-and-rice/
Courtney