One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a fresh, flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken with fragrant rice, all cooked together in a bright, zesty lemon herb sauce. The tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice soak up the tangy lemon and savory herbs, creating a meal that’s both comforting and light—perfect for any night of the week.

I first made this when I wanted a meal that was both flavorful and easy to prepare, and it quickly became a favorite. The citrusy lemon paired with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary gave the dish a refreshing lift, while the chicken stayed juicy and the rice absorbed all the savory flavors. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

What’s great about One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is how versatile it is. You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients, swap in brown rice for a heartier option, or adjust the lemon and herb levels to suit your taste. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a meal prep, this dish is sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• Quick and easy weeknight dinners
• Meal prepping for busy schedules
• Family-friendly meals
• Comfort food with a fresh twist
• One-pot meal lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice will become a household favorite:

• One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup effortless.
• Bright and Fresh Flavors: Lemon and herbs add a refreshing, zesty touch to the dish.
• Perfectly Tender Chicken: The chicken is seared to golden perfection before simmering in flavorful broth.
• Fluffy, Flavorful Rice: The rice absorbs all the delicious seasonings and chicken juices for maximum taste.
• Balanced Meal: A wholesome combination of protein, carbs, and herbs for a complete dinner.
• Family-Approved: A mild yet flavorful dish that even picky eaters will love.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Reheats beautifully for leftovers or packed lunches.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily swap or add vegetables, spices, or proteins.
• Comfort Food with a Twist: Classic, cozy flavors enhanced by bright citrus and fresh herbs.
• No Extra Sides Needed: Everything you need is in one pot—just serve and enjoy!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices

Ingredient Highlights

• Lemon Juice & Zest: Brightens up the dish with a fresh citrusy kick.
• Chicken Thighs: Stay juicy and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
• Long-Grain Rice: Absorbs the rich broth and herbs perfectly.
• Garlic & Herbs: Infuse the dish with warm, aromatic flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Cook the Rice:

3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onion for 2 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
5. Add Broth & Lemon: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine.

Combine & Simmer:

6. Nestle the Chicken: Place the seared chicken on top of the rice mixture, skin-side up.
7. Simmer: Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and let cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
8. Rest & Fluff: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Serve:

9. Garnish & Enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving ideas for One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice:

• With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a light, well-rounded meal.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, carrots, or zucchini.
• With a Dollop of Yogurt: A spoonful of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balance.
• As Meal Prep: Pack into meal prep containers for easy lunches.
• With Pita Bread: Serve with warm pita for a Mediterranean-inspired touch.
• With a Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or chili flakes for extra heat.
• Topped with Feta Cheese: A sprinkle of feta adds tangy depth.
• As a Wrap Filling: Shred the chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with fresh greens.
• With Extra Lemon: Squeeze more lemon juice on top for enhanced brightness.
• With a Side of Hummus: A great dip pairing for added texture and flavor.

Additional Tips

• Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken – This adds extra flavor to the dish and keeps the chicken juicy while cooking.
• Sear the Chicken First – Browning the chicken before adding the rice enhances the flavor and creates a rich, golden crust.
• Toast the Rice – Lightly sautéing the rice in butter or olive oil before adding the broth helps develop a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Fresh Herbs for Best Flavor – While dried herbs work, fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary give a brighter, more vibrant taste.
• Zest Before Juicing – Adding lemon zest along with the juice intensifies the citrusy aroma without making the dish too tart.
• Deglaze the Pan – After searing the chicken, scrape up the browned bits with a splash of broth or white wine for extra depth of flavor.
• Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan – A Dutch oven or deep skillet ensures even cooking and prevents the rice from sticking or burning.
• Rest Before Serving – Letting the dish sit for 5 minutes after cooking helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid for the perfect texture.
• Adjust Liquid as Needed – Depending on the type of rice used, you may need slightly more or less broth to achieve the right consistency.
• Garnish for Freshness – A final sprinkle of fresh parsley, lemon wedges, or even a drizzle of olive oil elevates the dish’s presentation and taste.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Lemon Chicken and Rice: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick.
• Mediterranean Style: Stir in olives and sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
• Garlic Butter Version: Use extra garlic and finish with a drizzle of garlic butter.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
• Brown Rice Option: Substitute white rice with brown rice, but increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
• Veggie-Loaded Version: Add bell peppers, peas, or spinach for a nutrient boost.
• Cilantro Lime Twist: Swap lemon for lime and use cilantro instead of parsley.
• One Pot Lemon Herb Shrimp and Rice: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Cheesy Version: Stir in a handful of parmesan or feta cheese before serving.
• Coconut Lemon Rice: Substitute chicken broth with coconut milk for a creamy variation.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Ideal for even cooking and holding all ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring without scratching the pan.
• Zester: To easily zest the lemon for extra flavor.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling chicken pieces.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use boneless chicken?
   Yes, boneless thighs or breasts work, but reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
2. Can I use brown rice?
   Yes, but you’ll need extra broth and a longer cooking time.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Absolutely! It reheats well for meal prep.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Yes, store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
5. What other herbs can I use?
   Fresh basil, cilantro, or dill can be great substitutes.

Conclusion

One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a bright and flavorful meal that combines juicy, tender chicken with aromatic rice, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. The zesty lemon and fresh herbs infuse the dish with a refreshing, vibrant flavor, while the chicken stays perfectly moist and the rice absorbs all the savory goodness. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

This recipe is versatile—add some vegetables like spinach, peas, or asparagus for added color and nutrition, or toss in a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra richness. Serve it with a side of salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

I can’t wait to see how your One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!