Lemon Chicken and Rice
Savor the delightful harmony of buttery chicken and zesty, herb-infused rice in this one-pot wonder. Perfectly seasoned and cooked in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy evenings.
Bursting with fresh lemon flavor and aromatic Italian herbs, this dish combines simplicity with elegance. Tender chicken breasts rest atop fluffy, flavorful rice for a meal that feels gourmet yet requires minimal effort.
Key Ingredients for One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless, they cook quickly and absorb the buttery, lemony goodness.
- Butter – Adds richness and a golden touch during browning.
- White Rice – A neutral base that soaks up all the broth and lemony flavors.
- Chicken Broth – Infuses the rice with savory depth; opt for low-sodium to control seasoning.
- Lemon Juice – The star of the show, providing a fresh and tangy zing.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that ties the dish together with subtle earthiness.
How to Make One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice
- Brown the chicken briefly in butter, infusing it with flavor and creating a golden crust.
- Combine rice, broth, lemon juice, and herbs in the same pan, keeping clean-up minimal.
- Nestle the chicken into the rice mixture and let it simmer until tender and aromatic.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges for an extra citrusy kick.
Tips for Perfect One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice
For a juicier result, use bone-in chicken breasts but allow extra browning and cooking time. Adjust seasoning by tasting the broth before simmering. For an elevated version, toss in vegetables like peas or carrots during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Experiment with grains by substituting white rice with quinoa or brown rice, extending the cooking time as needed. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro to brighten the final presentation.
Storing Leftovers the Right Way
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze in meal-sized portions for up to three months, ensuring it’s properly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Enjoy a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal any night of the week with this One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice recipe.
Lemon Chicken and Rice Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
For the Rice:
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth low-sodium recommended
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet or pan with a lid over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then brown in the butter for 1-2 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken to a plate without cooking it through.
- Add the rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and the remaining Italian seasoning directly to the same pan without cleaning it. Arrange the partially cooked chicken on top of the rice mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer on medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired, and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- If using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, increase browning time to 3-4 minutes per side before removing to add the rice and broth. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
- Substitute brown rice for white rice, but extend the cooking time to 30-35 minutes, checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark.
- Enhance the dish with optional add-ins such as fire-roasted tomatoes, frozen peas or carrots, red pepper flakes, or caramelized onion.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.