Description
This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful, one-pan dish that combines tender chicken fillets with aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and perfectly cooked rice. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal family meal that balances bright citrus notes with savory herbs, making for a comforting yet fresh dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice
- 1 lb chicken fillet
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Flavorings and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Warm the olive oil in a pan over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the garlic and chicken.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, which usually takes about 1 minute, to release its aroma and flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken fillet in the pan and cook until browned on all sides, ensuring it’s partially cooked before adding rice.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, combining all ingredients evenly in the pan.
- Season: Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to enhance the dish with herbaceous and savory flavors.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan to allow the rice and chicken to cook together.
- Cook Rice: Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the broth.
- Rest: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to finish steaming and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork to separate grains and serve the dish warm, garnished if desired.
Notes
- Use bone-in or boneless chicken fillets according to preference, but adjust cooking times slightly if using bone-in.
- For added flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or additional lemon wedges before serving.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or dietary preference.
- Ensure the rice is completely covered by the broth to cook evenly and avoid burning.
- If preferred, brown the chicken longer for a deeper flavor but avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
