Description
A flavorful and easy one-pan meal featuring tender lemon herb chicken breasts cooked with aromatic garlic and herbs atop perfectly simmered white rice. This wholesome dish combines zesty lemon, earthy oregano, and thyme for a delightful dinner ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices and rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Rice and Sauce
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Generously season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme to infuse them with robust herb flavors.
- Heat olive oil and sear chicken: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear each chicken breast for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Toast the rice: Stir in the long grain white rice and toast it in the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes, coating the grains in oil and garlic for enhanced flavor.
- Add liquids and lemon: Pour in the chicken broth along with the lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return chicken to skillet: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, partially submerging them into the rice and broth mixture.
- Simmer covered: Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let everything cook together for 18 to 20 minutes so the rice becomes tender and absorbs the lemony broth while the chicken stays juicy.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for brightness, and garnish with lemon slices and rosemary sprigs if desired for an attractive presentation.
- Serve warm: Plate the lemon herb chicken breasts alongside the fragrant rice and serve warm to enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Make sure to use a lid that fits tightly on your skillet to ensure even cooking of the rice.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it suitable for vegetarians, using plant-based chicken alternatives.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more lemon zest or herbs for a more intense flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
