If you are on the hunt for a dish that perfectly balances bright, refreshing flavors with comforting heartiness, this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Bursting with zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and tender chicken nestled atop fluffy rice, every forkful feels like a warm hug. It’s straightforward to prepare, yet feels wonderfully special—ideal for both a simple weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend meal to impress. I can’t wait to share the secrets of making this irresistible combination that delivers big on taste without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe shines because of its deceptively simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s building layers of flavor, creating the perfect texture, or adding a vibrant pop of color to your plate.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and perfect for soaking up all the lemony herb goodness.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: Provides that fluffy, comforting base that absorbs all the delicious juices and broth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps to sear the chicken for a lovely golden crust.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with savory warmth and depth.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Brings a vibrant, fresh zing that wakes up every bite.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Essential for cooking the rice perfectly tender while imbuing flavor.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery aroma that complements the lemon.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers subtle herbal notes that marry beautifully with oregano.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors effortlessly.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh green touch that brightens and finishes the dish perfectly.
- Lemon slices and rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional): For that extra pop of elegance and smell.
How to Make Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. This simple step ensures every bite bursts with flavor, giving the chicken that aromatic herbaceous foundation it deserves.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear them for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and are cooked through. Don’t rush this step; that caramelized exterior locks in juices and flavor. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside for the next phase.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Toast the Rice
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—because burnt garlic will throw off the balance. Stir in the rice and toast it gently for 1 to 2 minutes, which adds a lovely nutty undertone to the dish.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Lemon
Now pour in the chicken broth along with the zesty lemon juice and lemon zest. These elements combine to create a bright, flavorful cooking liquid that will soak into the rice and chicken, infusing every grain with that delightful citrusy tang.
Step 5: Simmer and Cook Through
Bring the skillet’s contents to a gentle simmer, then nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the rice. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let everything cook together for 18 to 20 minutes. This magical simmering locks in moisture, allowing the flavors to meld while the rice cooks perfectly in the aromatic broth.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Once the rice is tender and the chicken juicy, remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a vibrant splash of color and herbaceous freshness. If you have lemon slices and rosemary sprigs handy, add those for a beautiful, fragrant garnish that makes the dish feel extra special.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe even further, garnishes like thin lemon slices and fragrant rosemary sprigs offer both visual appeal and an enhanced fresh aroma. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only brightens the plate but adds a hint of herbaceous brightness that complements the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully complete on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables. Something light and fresh works best to balance the rich, zesty chicken and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the chicken breasts atop the bed of rice right in the skillet or transfer to a large serving dish. Offer a wedge of lemon on the side to let everyone add an extra splash of citrus. For a dinner party, individual plates with a delicate sprig of rosemary on top make this humble dish feel elegant and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for a later date, it freezes well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps revive the rice’s texture and keeps the chicken moist while warming through.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid, so adjust accordingly—about 40 to 45 minutes with 2 1/2 cups broth usually works well.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water with a bit of extra seasoning can be used. Just keep in mind broth adds a depth of flavor that water alone won’t provide.
Is this recipe freezer friendly?
Yes, the Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe freezes nicely. Just make sure to cool it fully before freezing and store in airtight containers to maintain freshness and flavor.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs in place of dried since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh oregano and thyme will give an even brighter, fresher note.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked is to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part and make sure the juices run clear without any pink.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe is a wonderful meal that combines simple ingredients with vibrant, fresh flavors to create something truly special. It’s approachable enough for weeknights but impressive enough for company, making it a versatile go-to in any cookbook. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious dish as much as I do!
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Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a flavorful one-pan meal combining tender, juicy chicken breasts with aromatic herbs, garlic, and zesty lemon. Cooked together with long grain white rice in a savory broth, this quick and easy dish is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner with bright, fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cups chicken broth
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices and rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme, ensuring an even coating of the herbs and spices.
- Heat the skillet and sear chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and toast rice: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the rice and stir continuously to toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
- Add liquids and lemon: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir everything together to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook chicken with rice: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish. If desired, garnish with lemon slices and rosemary sprigs for an extra fresh presentation.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the lemon herb chicken and rice warm, offering a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Be sure to toast the rice before adding the broth to enhance the nutty flavor.
- If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Cover the skillet tightly to ensure the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the chicken broth used is gluten-free certified.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
