One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice

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When you’re craving a comforting dinner that’s both fresh and hearty, One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice delivers every time. This dish brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and bright lemony herbs all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for a busy weeknight, it’s a recipe that feels light yet satisfying, thanks to the fragrant herbs and citrusy punch.

Every spoonful is packed with juicy chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a blend of thyme, parsley, and lemon zest that will wake up your taste buds. It’s an easy way to bring a touch of elegance to your table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice

This recipe is quick to prepare, cooks all in one pot, and leaves you with a complete meal the whole family can enjoy. The combination of herbs and lemon is refreshing yet cozy, making it versatile for any season. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the flavors to your liking or add your favorite vegetables.

What Kind of Rice Works Best?

For this dish, long-grain white rice or jasmine rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and doesn’t clump together. Brown rice can also be used, but it will require a longer cooking time and a bit more liquid. Avoid instant rice, as it tends to get mushy when cooked in a one-pot method.

Ingredients for the One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice

Chicken thighs bring rich flavor and stay juicy during cooking, making them the perfect protein for this recipe. Long-grain white rice provides a fluffy, tender base that absorbs all the herb and lemon essence beautifully. Chicken broth is essential for adding depth and moisture to the rice. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the entire dish and make it feel fresh and vibrant. Garlic cloves lend their irresistible aroma and savory notes, while chopped fresh parsley and thyme add a herby earthiness that ties everything together.

How To Make the One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them skin-side down until golden brown and crisp, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add minced garlic and a bit more oil if needed. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then stir in the uncooked rice to toast slightly for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Broth and Herbs

Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add fresh thyme sprigs and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pot from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra lemon zest before serving.

Serving and Storing One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice

This dish is hearty enough to feed four hungry people comfortably. Serve it straight from the pot for a rustic family-style dinner that feels warm and inviting. Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, sprinkle with a bit of extra broth and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to maintain moisture.

What to Serve With One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice?

Simple Green Salad

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken and rice.

Roasted Asparagus

Tender roasted asparagus adds a slightly sweet and earthy side.

Garlic Bread

A slice of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices.

Steamed Broccoli

Lightly steamed broccoli keeps things fresh and healthy.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Sweet carrots complement the lemony herb flavors beautifully.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

This refreshing salad brings a cool, juicy crunch to the meal.

Creamy Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw adds a tangy, creamy counterpoint to the savory dish.

Want More One Pot Dinner Ideas?

If you love this One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting one-pan favorites:

• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for a smoky, hearty pasta twist.
• Creamy Beef and Shells for a rich and creamy pasta dish.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a quick stovetop weeknight wonder.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a decadent, cheesy indulgence.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta with savory beef and a velvety sauce.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra veggies or try brown rice? Did you go heavy on the herbs?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

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