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.
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.
This american recipe takes 50 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 402.57 calories per serving with 30.58g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
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.
Bring the liquid to a simmer.
Return the seared chicken breasts to the pot, nestling them into the rice.
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
Finish and serve
Turn off the heat and let the pot stand, covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
Check that the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Fluff the rice with a fork. Squeeze the juice from the lemon over the chicken and rice.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Pro Tips
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.
Recipe Variations
high protein
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 free
Gluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure your chicken broth and seasoning blend are certified gluten-free.
healthy
Healthy
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.
quick
Quick
Use thin-cut chicken breast or cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to reduce searing and cooking time.
Health Benefits
✨
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.
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Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from rice provide a steady source of energy to fuel your body and brain throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice healthy?
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.
How many calories are in one serving?
A serving of this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice contains approximately 400-450 calories, depending on the exact size of the chicken breast.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! For brown rice, increase the low-sodium broth to 2.5 cups and extend the simmering time to about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the rice from drying out.
