Zesty One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Recipe for Busy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and incredible flavor, and this one pot lemon herb chicken rice recipe delivers precisely that.

Fragrant herbs and tender chicken mingle beautifully with perfectly cooked rice.

Zesty lemons brighten every single bite, creating a meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

The magic happens in just one pan, minimizing kitchen cleanup and maximizing deliciousness.

Cooking becomes effortless with this streamlined approach that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Each forkful promises a burst of fresh, Mediterranean-inspired goodness.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this restaurant-quality meal crafted right in your own kitchen.

One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice: Why It’s Special

• Dive into a hassle-free meal that comes together in a single pan, eliminating multiple dishes and reducing cleanup time.
• Enjoy a zesty combination of lemon and herbs that transforms ordinary chicken and rice into a mouthwatering, restaurant-quality dish.
• Delight everyone at the table with a comforting, nutritious meal that appeals to both kids and adults with its mild, crowd-pleasing taste.
• Whip up a delicious dinner in under an hour, perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying and stress-free cooking experience.

What’s in Lemon Herb Chicken Rice

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that forms the centerpiece of this one-pot meal.

• Rice, Chicken Broth, Lemon Juice: These ingredients create a moist and aromatic foundation for the dish, infusing the rice with rich flavor and bright citrus notes.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: These classic seasonings add depth and complexity to the chicken and rice.
• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth base for browning the chicken and adding depth to the overall flavor.
• Fresh Parsley, Cilantro, Lemon Wedges: Optional garnishes that bring fresh brightness and visual appeal to the final dish.

The Tools You’ll Want for Lemon Herb Rice

• Large skillet with lid: Essential for browning chicken and simmering the entire dish.
• Spatula or tongs: Perfect for flipping and moving chicken around the pan.
• Measuring cups: Needed for precise rice and broth quantities.
• Sharp knife: Great for slicing lemons and chopping fresh herbs.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.

Cooking Lemon Herb Chicken Rice – All Steps

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Heat butter in a spacious skillet over medium flame.

Sprinkle chicken with a blend of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Quickly sear chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides, creating a delectable crust.

The chicken should look gorgeous but not fully cooked.

Transfer the seared chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Rice Base

• Rice
• Chicken broth
• Fresh lemon juice
• Remaining Italian seasoning

Nestle the browned chicken pieces gently on top of the rice mixture.

Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let everything simmer peacefully on medium-low heat.

Allow the dish to cook for 20-25 minutes until the liquid disappears and rice becomes tender.

Step 3: Final Touch and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the dish.

Add bright lemon wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze.

Bring the skillet directly to the table for a stunning, rustic presentation that will make everyone’s mouth water.

The combination of herb-infused chicken and lemony rice creates a comforting meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Pro Advice for One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Use exact measurements of broth to rice for fluffy, perfectly cooked grains that aren't too wet or dry.
• Crush dried Italian seasoning between your fingers before adding to release more intense aromatics and boost overall taste.
• Let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking to allow rice to absorb remaining moisture and chicken to remain tender.
• Sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the finished dish for an extra burst of citrusy brightness that elevates the entire meal.

Lemon Herb Rice: Variations Worth Trying

• Vegetarian Quinoa Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth and quinoa instead of rice for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Mediterranean Seafood Version: Swap chicken for white fish like cod or halibut, adding oregano and dill for a Greek-inspired coastal flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Cauliflower Rice Option: Use cauliflower rice as a low-carb substitute for traditional rice, keeping the herb and lemon seasonings intact for a lighter meal.
• Instant Pot Express: Adapt the recipe for pressure cooking by reducing liquid slightly and cooking on high pressure for 12-15 minutes for a faster preparation method.

Best Serving Suggestions for Lemon Herb Rice

• Zesty Family Feast: Perfect for a cozy family dinner that brings everyone together around the table. Pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Bright Citrus Companions: Serve alongside steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach to complement the lemon's tangy notes. The herbal chicken rice creates a complete, balanced meal.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Ideal for busy professionals or parents wanting a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. Pack leftovers for a tasty next-day lunch at work or school.
• Entertaining Elegance: Impress guests by garnishing with extra fresh herbs and lemon zest. Adds a restaurant-quality touch to a simple, homemade dish that looks and tastes sophisticated.

Storing Lemon Herb Chicken Rice

• Place leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal securely, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Break up rice with fork before reheating. Add 1-2 tablespoons water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the liquid and cooking time. Add about 1/2 cup extra broth and extend the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

• Is it okay to use boneless chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re often more flavorful and stay juicier than chicken breasts. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No worries! You can make your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. If you have just one or two of these herbs, that’ll work too. The key is to season the chicken well.

One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean one-pot lemon herb chicken rice delivers comfort and zest in a single skillet. Bright citrus notes and fragrant herbs create a memorable meal that brings Mediterranean warmth to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Rice and Liquid:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 1/4 cups (540 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Juice of 1 lemon

Cooking Fat:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter

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Instructions

1. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature, creating a golden cooking surface for the chicken. Generously coat chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
2. Sear chicken pieces for 1-2 minutes per side, developing a rich golden-brown exterior without fully cooking the meat. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
3. Pour rice, chicken broth, and lemon juice directly into the same skillet, utilizing the existing flavor remnants from chicken searing. Arrange chicken pieces atop the rice mixture.
4. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, reducing heat to medium-low. Allow the dish to simmer quietly for 20-25 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed and rice reaches a tender consistency.
5. Once cooking is complete, remove lid and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to settle and steam to dissipate.
6. Enhance the presentation by scattering fresh parsley or cilantro across the surface. Accompany with bright lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over their individual servings.
7. Serve immediately while the chicken remains warm and rice retains its perfect moisture and texture.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking to promote even browning and prevent uneven cooking.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for consistent heat distribution and better caramelization of chicken.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve a crispier exterior and more flavorful sear.
• For a gluten-free version, replace regular rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Add extra garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for deeper flavor complexity.
• If using chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to ensure faster and more uniform cooking.
• Swap butter with olive oil for a lighter, heart-healthy alternative without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg