Description
A bright and flavorful Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with fragrant herbs, garlic, and zesty lemon, all cooked together in one skillet for an easy and delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Rice and Aromatics
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Flavorings
- 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 Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme to infuse them with aromatic herb flavors.
- Heat Oil & Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear each side for 5 to 6 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds to release its aroma, being careful not to burn it.
- Toast Rice: Stir the rice into the skillet with the garlic and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, which enhances its nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Add Liquids & Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth along with the lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Combine Chicken & Rice: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet atop the rice and liquid mixture to infuse the flavors evenly.
- Cook Covered: Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let everything cook for 18 to 20 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to stay moist and tender.
- Finish & Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish, and optionally garnish with lemon slices and rosemary sprigs for a fresh, decorative touch.
- Serve: Serve the Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice warm for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in lemon juice and herbs before cooking.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter flavor.
- Make sure to keep the heat low during the covered cooking step to prevent rice from burning on the bottom.
- Use fresh herbs if available for more vibrant flavor.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
