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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once cooking is complete, remove lid and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to settle and steam to dissipate.
- 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.
- 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