If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful harmony of tender, juicy chicken breasts perfectly seasoned with herbs, paired with fluffy rice infused with bright lemon flavor and aromatic garlic. This one-pan wonder is straightforward enough for weeknights yet elegant enough to impress guests. Every bite bursts with freshness and comfort, making it a staple you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together effortlessly, each playing a crucial role in creating the wonderful balance of flavors, textures, and aromas that define this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing juicy, tender meat that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: Absorbs the lemony broth and garlic, offering fluffy, perfectly cooked grains.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and ensures a beautiful sear on the chicken and aroma when sautéing garlic.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of savory depth and warmth to the dish.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Delivers that bright, refreshing citrus note that lifts the entire recipe.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Provides moisture and savory goodness to cook the rice and infuse flavor.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: Evokes Mediterranean warmth and herbaceousness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds subtle earthiness that complements the lemon perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Sprinkles of fresh green flavor and pretty color finishing the dish.
- Lemon slices and rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional): Elevates presentation and intensifies the fresh aroma when serving.
How to Make Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and thyme. This herb combination gives the chicken a savory foundation that’s truly irresistible. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden crust that locks in all the juicy goodness. Once perfectly browned, remove the chicken and set it aside—just wait until you see how it finishes cooking in the rice!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Toast the Rice
In the same skillet, pour another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—resist the urge to brown it, as burnt garlic would bring bitterness. Then, stir in the rice, letting it toast for 1 to 2 minutes. This step adds a subtle nuttiness to the grains and keeps them from becoming mushy later.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Lemon
Pour in the chicken broth along with the lemon juice and zest. This combination is where the rice soaks up not only moisture but also vibrant citrus flavor and savory depth. Stir everything gently to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer—your kitchen is going to smell amazing right about now.
Step 4: Nestle Chicken and Simmer
Carefully nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them right on top of the rice. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes. This slow cooking lets the rice fluff up absorbing all those pan flavors while the chicken finishes cooking through, maintaining juicy tenderness.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
When the time is up, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness. If you like, add lemon slices and rosemary sprigs to garnish—it makes this dish look as delightful as it tastes. Serve this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe warm, and prepare to be hooked!
How to Serve Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes like lemon slices and rosemary sprigs not only boosts the appearance of your dish but also enhances the bright, herbal aromas just before digging in. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a lovely contrast in color and a hint of garden-fresh flavor that feels like the perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. These fresh sides add texture and brighten the plate, complementing the comforting flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the skillet! Try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of the lemon-infused rice in individual bowls. You can also pack this dish in meal prep containers for a lovely lunch option. For a special occasion, plate it with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to elevate the experience even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain the flavors and moisture. The rice may firm up a bit, but reheating with a splash of broth or water helps it bounce back to fluffy perfection.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions for up to 2 months. Just let the dish cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the chicken’s tenderness and the rice’s texture.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers covered in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra chicken broth or water to keep things moist. Stirring occasionally while warming helps distribute heat evenly and brings back that fresh, vibrant lemon aroma that makes this recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more chewiness, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid slightly since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! It stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a convenient, delicious option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Can I swap chicken breasts for thighs?
For sure! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will bring a richer flavor and even more tenderness. Just watch the cooking time, as thighs may need a few extra minutes.
What if I don’t have dried herbs?
If you only have fresh herbs, use about three times the amount since fresh herbs are milder. They’ll still add wonderful flavor and freshness to the dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth doesn’t contain any gluten additives. Always double-check the broth label if you’re serving someone with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and sophisticated without requiring hours in the kitchen. Once you taste those tender chicken breasts paired with citrusy, herb-spiced rice, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite for so many. Enjoy making it your own and sharing it with your loved ones!
Print
Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe offers a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then simmered with aromatic herbs, garlic, and zesty lemon alongside fluffy white rice, creating a harmonious blend of citrus and herbs. Garnished with fresh parsley, lemon slices, and rosemary, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Rice and Aromatics
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Garnish (optional)
- Lemon slices
- Rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme to infuse them with herbaceous flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 5–6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Toast Rice: Stir in the white rice with the garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly which enhances its nutty flavor.
- Add Liquids and Lemon: Pour in the chicken broth along with the lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, ensuring the rice begins to absorb the flavorful broth.
- Return Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, placing them on top of the rice to allow flavors to meld during cooking.
- Cook Covered: Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook undisturbed for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Finish: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the dish to add a bright, fresh aroma and color.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with lemon slices and rosemary sprigs for added visual appeal and subtle fragrance. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious meal.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat but increase cooking time accordingly.
- Long grain white rice works best for this recipe; avoid quick-cooking or instant rice varieties.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before simmering the rice to ensure balanced flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free option, this recipe is naturally free of dairy ingredients.
