Let me tell you about my all-time favorite comfort dish: one pot lemon herb chicken and rice! Seriously, this dish is a game-changer when it comes to easy, flavorful meals. I remember the first time I made it; I was busy with work and didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I whipped this up in no time, and the aroma of lemon and herbs filled my home—pure bliss! It’s so simple: just one pot, a handful of ingredients, and before you know it, you have a delicious meal that’s bursting with flavor. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, while the rice soaks up all that lovely lemony goodness. Trust me, it’s a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, clean-up is a breeze, which is always a win in my book!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful one pot lemon herb chicken and rice. Trust me, these ingredients come together to create something truly special!

4 chicken thighs – I love thighs for their juiciness, but feel free to use breasts if you prefer.
1 cup rice – Long grain or jasmine works beautifully, soaking up all those flavors!
2 cups chicken broth – Use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake; it keeps the dish balanced.
1 lemon – You’ll need both the juice and zest for that bright, zesty flavor.
2 cloves garlic – Minced to release that wonderful aroma and taste.
1 onion – Chopped finely to add depth to the dish.
1 teaspoon dried thyme – This herb brings a lovely earthiness.
1 teaspoon dried oregano – Another layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with lemon.
2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing and adding that rich taste.
Salt and pepper – To taste; these are essential for bringing out all the flavors!

How to Prepare One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Now, let’s dive into the steps to make this mouthwatering one pot lemon herb chicken and rice! I promise, it’s as straightforward as it gets, and you’ll be savoring the flavors in no time.

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. While that’s warming up, season your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the pot. Let it sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. This step is crucial for locking in the juices, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Once the chicken is beautifully browned, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. You’ll love the aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add in the rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, and oregano. Give everything a good stir to make sure the rice is coated with the broth and all those lovely flavors. Make sure you don’t skip this step; it’s where the magic happens!

Step 4: Cook Everything Together

Return the seared chicken to the pot, nestling it gently into the rice mixture. Bring it all to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, and the chicken is cooked through. The smell will be absolutely divine, trust me!

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

When everything is done, grab a fork and fluff the rice gently to separate the grains. Serve this delicious one pot lemon herb chicken and rice hot, and don’t forget to drizzle a bit of extra lemon juice over the top if you want that zing! Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information

So, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this one pot lemon herb chicken and rice! Each serving is estimated to pack about 450 calories, making it a satisfying meal without overdoing it. You’ll get around 20 grams of fat, with 5 grams being saturated fat. It also provides a hearty 30 grams of protein, perfect for keeping you full and energized! The dish contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber. Remember, these values are estimates, so if you’re tracking your intake, be sure to adjust based on your specific ingredients and portions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This one pot lemon herb chicken and rice comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Minimal Cleanup: With everything cooked in one pot, you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of lemon and herbs creates a bright, zesty flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to your taste.
Comfort Food: This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week.

Tips for Success

Here are a few handy tips to ensure your one pot lemon herb chicken and rice turns out perfectly every time! First, don’t be shy with seasoning—taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you want to add some color and nutrition, throw in some peas or carrots during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a vibrant twist. Lastly, if you love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor even more. Happy cooking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this one pot lemon herb chicken and rice! For a Mediterranean twist, try adding chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes along with some fresh basil. If you’re in the mood for something spicy, toss in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to give it a kick. You can also switch up the herbs—fresh rosemary or dill can add a whole new flavor profile! And don’t forget about veggies; adding bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini can boost nutrition and color. Get creative and make it your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftovers of this delicious one pot lemon herb chicken and rice, you’re in luck! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until everything is heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed. Enjoy those delightful flavors all over again!

One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: Quick Comfort Bliss

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A simple and flavorful one pot lemon herb chicken and rice dish.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown them in the pot for 5-7 minutes on each side.
Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Sauté until translucent.
Add rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, and oregano. Stir well.
Return chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked and chicken is tender.
Fluff rice with a fork before serving.

Notes

Substitute chicken thighs with breasts if preferred.
Add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition.
Adjust seasoning to taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: one pot lemon herb chicken and rice

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