Why Make This Recipe
One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a fantastic recipe for busy weeknights or any time you want a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. This dish combines juicy chicken breasts with flavorful rice, all cooked in one pot. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for the whole family. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and easy to clean up!
How to Make One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Directions
- Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet or pan that has a lid.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
- Brown the chicken in the butter for 1-2 minutes on each side. The chicken should not be cooked through at this point.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Add the rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the pan. There’s no need to clean it first.
- Place the chicken on top of the rice mixture, then cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing.
How to Serve One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Serve this dish hot straight from the pan. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro on top adds a nice touch. Feel free to offer lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy an extra zing of citrus. This meal pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
How to Store One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If the rice seems dry, add a little chicken broth or water to help it rehydrate.
Tips to Make One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- Make sure to brown the chicken well for extra flavor before adding the other ingredients.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in the dish.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your taste preference for acidity.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Variation
For a touch of extra flavor, consider adding vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the rice during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also swap out the Italian seasoning for another herb blend like Greek or Mediterranean for a different twist.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, although you will need to adjust the cooking time and amount of broth. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so be prepared for an additional 10-15 minutes of simmering.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free chicken broth. Always check the labels to ensure there are no gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it earlier in the day and reheat it for dinner or even make it the night before. The flavors will deepen and become even more delicious.
One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth Use low sodium to control salt levels.
- Juice of 1 lemon Adjust according to taste preference.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning This is in addition to the seasoning on the chicken.
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish Optional, for serving.
- Lemon wedges for serving For squeezing.
Instructions
Preparation
- Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet or pan that has a lid.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
- Brown the chicken in the butter for 1-2 minutes on each side until not cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Add the rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the pan.
- Place the chicken on top of the rice mixture, cover, and simmer over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.