Let me tell you, there’s something magical about one pot meals! They’re a lifesaver when you want a delicious dinner without the mountain of dishes afterwards. My one pot lemon herb chicken and rice is a shining star in this category. It’s so simple yet bursting with flavor from the fresh lemon and aromatic herbs. The tender chicken and fluffy rice soak up all that goodness, creating a cozy, comforting dish. Plus, I love how you can throw everything in one pot and let it do its thing – it’s practically foolproof and perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (skin-on for extra flavor, but boneless works too!)
- 1 cup uncooked rice (I love using long grain for this recipe)
- 2 cups chicken broth (homemade if you have it, but store-bought works great too)
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested; it adds such a bright flavor!)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced; fresh is best for that aromatic kick)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (for herbal warmth)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (adds a lovely fragrance)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy, this helps bring out the flavors)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked, if you can – it makes a difference!)
How to Prepare One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Alright, let’s dive into this delightful process! It’s super straightforward and totally rewarding. You’ll want to start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add those gorgeous chicken thighs—skin-side down if you’ve got skin on. Brown them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Oh, the aroma is heavenly!
After that, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Now, let’s get that garlic sizzling! Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. This is where the magic begins! Next, stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Give it a good mix, and then bring back the chicken, placing it right on top of the rice.
Now, sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over everything. Bring the pot to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This is the perfect time to set the table or kick back with a glass of wine! Once the time’s up, take it off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps all those flavors meld beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chicken thighs and brown for 5-7 minutes on each side.
- Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest.
- Return the chicken to the pot, placing it on top of the rice.
- Sprinkle thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot means less cleanup—who doesn’t love that?
- It’s packed with flavor from the zesty lemon and fragrant herbs.
- Healthy and hearty; it’s a complete meal in one dish!
- Perfect for busy weeknights; it comes together in just 35 minutes.
- Customizable—add in your favorite veggies or adjust the herbs to suit your taste!
- Great leftovers; it tastes even better the next day!
- Kid-friendly and sure to please the whole family!
Tips for Success
To make your one pot lemon herb chicken and rice truly shine, here are my top tips! First, don’t rush the browning of the chicken; it develops that delicious flavor, so give it time! Also, be sure to measure your broth carefully—too much liquid can lead to mushy rice. If you want to add vegetables, consider adding quick-cooking ones like peas or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking. And remember, resting the dish for those 5 minutes after cooking is key; it lets the flavors settle and makes for a perfect serving experience. Enjoy every bite!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up, there are so many delicious options! Try adding colorful bell peppers or zucchini for a veggie boost. For a kick, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of paprika. You could also switch up the herbs—basil or parsley would bring a fresh twist! And don’t forget about adding some fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Nutritional Information
This one pot lemon herb chicken and rice recipe serves 4 and is a wholesome meal option! Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, 15g of fat, 30g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. With just 2g of fiber and 1g of sugar, it’s a hearty dish that won’t weigh you down!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine. Just keep in mind that they might cook a bit faster, so check them a few minutes earlier to avoid dryness.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries! You can substitute with water, but I recommend adding a bit more seasoning to boost the flavor. You could also use vegetable broth for a lighter option.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to toss in quick-cooking veggies like peas, spinach, or even diced carrots. Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking to keep them vibrant and crisp!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This one pot lemon herb chicken and rice recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: A Cozy Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple one pot meal with lemon, herbs, chicken, and rice.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a pot over medium heat.
- Add chicken thighs and brown on both sides.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest.
- Add chicken back to the pot.
- Sprinkle thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper on top.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: one pot lemon herb chicken and rice
