Herbed Lemon Chicken with Rice

Herbed Lemon Chicken with Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender, juicy chicken with aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and fluffy rice. This dish strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also delivers layers of flavor from a handful of fresh ingredients. The lemon adds brightness, the herbs bring depth, and the chicken remains succulent as it simmers alongside seasoned rice. Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup minimal. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish offers a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken thighs or breasts, skin-on or skinless

• Olive oil

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Lemon juice and zest

• Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley

• Chicken broth

• White rice (long-grain or basmati recommended)

• Salt and pepper

• Onion, finely chopped

• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat

directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or oven-safe pan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and sear on both sides until golden brown. Set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add chopped onions and garlic. Cook until translucent and fragrant.

4. Add Rice and Liquid: Stir in the rice and toast for 1-2 minutes. Add chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

5. Return Chicken to Pan: Nestle the seared chicken into the rice mixture. Cover and simmer on low heat until the rice is cooked and the chicken is fully done (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).

6. Garnish and Serve: Finish with freshly chopped parsley and additional lemon zest if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinate time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (including marinating)

Variations

• Use boneless chicken: Swap bone-in chicken with boneless thighs or breasts for quicker cooking.

• Add vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach into the rice for added nutrition.

• Change the grain: Substitute rice with quinoa or couscous for a different texture.

• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt to make the rice richer.

• Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicier version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the rice to prevent it from drying out. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until thoroughly warmed.

For freezing, store cooled portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, but reduce the amount by about one-third, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Is it okay to use brown rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Adjust accordingly.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prep the ingredients a day in advance. Cook just before serving.

What type of pan works best for this recipe?

A deep skillet or Dutch oven is ideal for even cooking and keeping the rice from burning.

Can I make this dish in the oven?

Yes, after searing the chicken and adding the rice and broth, you can bake it covered at 375°F (190°C) for about 35–40 minutes.

How can I make it dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just ensure your broth is free of dairy additives.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger pan and ensure even heat distribution when doubling the ingredients.

Will the rice be mushy if overcooked?

Yes, monitor cooking time and liquid quantity to prevent soggy rice. Keep the lid tight to steam properly.

What side dishes go well with this?

A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple cucumber yogurt sauce pair beautifully with this dish.

Conclusion

Herbed Lemon Chicken with Rice is a delightful, all-in-one meal that’s both hearty and refreshing. With its balanced flavors, easy preparation, and minimal cleanup, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again. Whether for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this dish delivers comfort and elegance in every bite.