There’s something truly magical about one pot meals, right? They’re so simple—and the flavors! Oh my goodness, they just meld together beautifully. One pot lemon herb chicken and rice is a go-to in my house, especially on those busy weeknights when I need a wholesome meal without the fuss. I remember the first time I made this dish; my family gathered around the table, and the aroma of lemon and herbs filled the air. It not only tasted amazing, but it also sparked laughter and stories as we shared our day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a cherished part of your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot means less cleanup—just one dish to wash at the end!
- Flavor-packed with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs that everyone will adore.
- Perfectly tender chicken paired with fluffy rice for a comforting meal.
- Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is tight.
- Family-friendly, so kids and adults alike will be coming back for seconds.
- Versatile recipe that makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful one pot lemon herb chicken and rice:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in for extra flavor, skin removed if preferred)
- 1 cup of long-grain rice (rinsed to remove excess starch)
- 2 cups of chicken broth (homemade or store-bought, low-sodium works best)
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested; this is where the magic happens!)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for that lovely sauté)
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (feel free to substitute with fresh if you have it!)
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary (chopped if you’re using fresh)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (or 2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy, season well!)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (adds a pop of color and freshness)
How to Prepare One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Getting dinner on the table doesn’t have to be complicated! Follow these straightforward steps to make your one pot lemon herb chicken and rice:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it hot enough to brown the chicken nicely, but not so hot that it smokes!
- While the oil heats, season your chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. Don’t skip this part—it’s where the flavor starts!
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the pot, skin-side down if you’re using skin-on chicken. Brown them for about 5 minutes on each side until they’re golden and fragrant. This step builds so much flavor!
- Next, add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring it around to coat it in the oil and those lovely chicken juices.
- Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the lemon juice and zest. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, check that the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender. If it needs a bit more time, cover and simmer for a few more minutes.
- Once done, turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes—this helps the flavors settle and gives the rice a chance to fluff up. Fluff it gently with a fork before serving.
- Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy your delicious one pot meal!
Tips for Success
To ensure your one pot lemon herb chicken and rice turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips! First, I recommend using bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor—trust me, it makes a difference! If you’re a lemon lover like me, feel free to add a bit more lemon juice to brighten the dish even further. Also, don’t hesitate to experiment with fresh herbs if you have them on hand; they add an amazing depth of flavor. Lastly, remember to taste as you go—adjusting seasoning is key to making this dish your own!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up your one pot lemon herb chicken and rice! For a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also toss in some fresh vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition. Experiment with different herbs like oregano or basil for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, so have fun making it your own!
Nutritional Information
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The information provided is an estimate and may not be exact. Always feel free to adjust according to your dietary needs and preferences!
FAQ Section
Common Questions
Here are some common questions I often get about my one pot lemon herb chicken and rice recipe!
Can I use different types of chicken? Absolutely! While I love using chicken thighs for their juicy texture, you can also use chicken breasts or drumsticks if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
How can I make this dish spicier? If you’re looking to add a bit of heat, try incorporating some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken. You can also serve it with your favorite hot sauce on the side!
What should I serve alongside? This dish is so hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or some crusty bread to soak up those delicious flavors.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare this one pot lemon herb chicken and rice in advance. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it moist.
What other herbs can I use? Feel free to mix it up! Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley can add a nice twist. Just remember to adjust the quantities as fresh herbs tend to be more potent than dried ones.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your one pot lemon herb chicken and rice is super easy! Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium heat. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist and fluffy. If you prefer, you can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. Enjoy your delicious meal all over again!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear how your one pot lemon herb chicken and rice turns out! Please leave a comment below and share your experiences or any twists you made to the recipe. Your feedback means the world to me, and it helps others in our cooking community!
For more information on the benefits of cooking with herbs, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the nutritional value of chicken, visit the NCBI website.
Print
One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: 7 Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful one pot meal featuring lemon herb chicken and rice.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.
- Brown chicken thighs in the pot for about 5 minutes on each side.
- Add rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor.
- Adjust lemon juice based on your taste preference.
- Serve with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: one pot lemon herb chicken and rice
