Effortless Elegance: One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice – A Weeknight Winner

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be hard to find time to prepare a good, nutritious dinner. That’s where one-pot meals shine. Today, we’re tackling a culinary masterpiece: One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it also bursts with vibrant flavors, making it an ideal midweek dinner option. To ensure a seamless and enjoyable cooking experience, we’ll go over the ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, helpful hints, serving suggestions, and nutritional information.

Why One-Pot Meals Are a Game-Changer?

One-pot meals simplify cooking, reduce cleanup, and allow flavors to meld beautifully. This One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe has these benefits and delivers a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Effortless Elegance: One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice – A Weeknight Winner

Course: Main courseCuisine: Mediterranean, AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4-6

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

400-500

kcal

comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken cooked with fragrant herbs, garlic, and lemon-infused rice. This easy, one-pan meal is perfect for busy nights, offering a balance of protein, carbs, and fresh citrus flavors in every bite

Ingredients

• protein

• 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts): Thighs provide richer flavor and remain moist during cooking.
  

• grains

• 1.5 cups long-grain rice: Provides a fluffy and satisfying base

• Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 medium onion, chopped: Creates a flavorful base

• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungent aroma and depth

• 1 lemon, thinly sliced and zest: Adds bright citrus notes

• 1 cup frozen peas (optional): Adds color and sweetness

• Broth and Liquids

• 3 cups chicken broth: Provides the liquid base for cooking the rice and chicken

• Herbs and seasonings

• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme or ( one teaspoon dried thyme)

• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary or ( one teaspoon dried)

• salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

• Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  
• Cook the chopped onions for around five minutes, or until they are tender.
•  Cook the minced garlic for an additional minute until it becomes aromatic.
  
• Sear the Chicken: Add chicken thighs to the skillet and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• Take the chicken out of the skillet and place it aside.
  
• Cook the Rice: Add rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the remaining oil and onion mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  
• Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour chicken broth into the skillet. Add lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  
• Return Chicken and Simmer: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Arrange lemon slices on top.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
  
• Add Peas (Optional): If using frozen peas, stir them into the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork. Serve hot.
  

Tips for One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken success

• Use a heavy-bottomed pot to provide equal heat distribution and avoid burning.

• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure there’s enough space for the rice to cook evenly.

• Adjust Liquid: If the rice is still firm after 25 minutes, add a little more broth and cook for a few more minutes.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add a brighter and more vibrant flavor.

•  Lemon Variations: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for an extra burst of citrus.

Serving Suggestions for lemon herb chicken

• Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

• Serve with a side salad to make a complete meal.

• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 400-500 kcal

• Protein: 30-40g

• Fat: 15-20g

• Carbohydrates: 40-50g

• Fiber: 2-3g

Frequently Asked Questions about One Pot lemon herb chicken

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but brown rice needs more liquid and takes longer to cook.

Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! Add bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or any other vegetables you choose.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You can use vegetable broth and chickpeas or tofu in place of the chicken.

Is it okay to use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out more easily. Be sure to not overcook.

Can I freeze One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice?

Yes, this dish freezes well.Allow to cool completely before placing into an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove with a bit of extra broth.

What should I do if my rice goes mushy?

Mushy rice usually happens due to too much liquid or overcooking. Next time, reduce the amount of broth slightly and check the rice a few minutes before the suggested cooking time.

Can I cook this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes! Sauté the onions and garlic using the “Sauté” mode, then sear the chicken. Add rice, broth, and seasonings, then cook on high pressure for 8 minutes with a natural release for 10 minutes before opening the lid.

How do I add more flavor to the dish?

Try marinating the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Can I use pre-cooked or leftover rice?

Yes! If using pre-cooked rice, reduce the broth to 1 cup, add the rice after the chicken is fully cooked, and let it absorb the flavors for a few minutes before serving.

One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of one-pot cooking. This recipe provides a balanced and flavorful meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the ease and pleasure of this culinary gem!