Print

Easy One-Pot Lemon Chicken and Rice Recipe with Zesty Fresh Flavor

one-pot lemon chicken and rice - featured image
Print Recipe

A vibrant and comforting one-pot meal combining tender chicken thighs with fluffy lemon-infused rice, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and patted dry
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 fresh lemons, zested and juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Mince garlic, finely chop the onion, and zest and juice two fresh lemons.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. In the same pan, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir often until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in rinsed rice, coating it with the onion and garlic mixture. Add dried oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toast the rice lightly for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir to scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
  6. Nestle chicken thighs back into the rice mixture, skin-side up if skin-on. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Check if rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). If needed, cook an extra 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving.

Notes

Rinse rice thoroughly for fluffy texture. Avoid stirring rice after adding broth to prevent mushiness. For crispier chicken skin, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor. Can substitute chicken breasts or brown rice with adjusted cooking times. Add vegetables near end of cooking for texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken, one-pot meal, chicken and rice, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, comfort food, lemon zest, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-one-pot-lemon-chicken-and-rice-recipe-with-zesty-fresh-flavor/