Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Tender chicken and fluffy rice simmered together in one pot with bright lemon and savory herbs. A flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Season and sear the chicken
- b.Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- c.Season both sides of the chicken with 1/2 tbsp of the salt-free seasoning blend and the black pepper.
- d.Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- e.Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be cooked through.
- f.Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build the aromatic base
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same pot and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- c.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- d.Add the rinsed rice, the remaining 1/2 tbsp salt-free seasoning, and the dried oregano. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the rice and spices.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the rice and chicken together
- b.Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the zest of the entire lemon. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- c.Bring the liquid to a simmer.
- d.Return the seared chicken breasts to the pot, nestling them into the rice.
- e.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and serve
- b.Turn off the heat and let the pot stand, covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- c.Check that the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- d.Fluff the rice with a fork. Squeeze the juice from the lemon over the chicken and rice.
- e.Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinsing the rice is crucial for removing excess starch, which ensures fluffy, separate grains instead of a sticky texture.
- 2Don't skip searing the chicken. It creates a flavorful crust and adds depth to the entire dish.
- 3Ensure your pot has a tight-fitting lid to trap steam, which is essential for cooking the rice and chicken perfectly.
- 4Letting the dish rest for 10 minutes after cooking is key. It allows the rice to finish steaming and absorb any remaining moisture.
- 5For extra flavor, you can add other vegetables like peas or diced carrots along with the rice.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Increase the chicken to 600g and stir in 1/2 cup of cooked chickpeas at the end for an extra protein boost.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure your chicken broth and seasoning blend are certified gluten-free.
healthyHealthy
Use brown rice instead of white rice for more fiber, but increase the broth to 2.5 cups and the cooking time by 15-20 minutes.
quickQuick
Use thin-cut chicken breast or cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to reduce searing and cooking time.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Power
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Heart-Healthy Choice
By using low-sodium broth and a salt-free seasoning, this dish significantly reduces sodium intake, which is beneficial for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from rice provide a steady source of energy to fuel your body and brain throughout the day.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is quite healthy. It features lean protein from chicken, carbohydrates for energy, and is specifically designed to be low in sodium, making it a heart-friendly choice.