Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup basmati rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (juiced and zested) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: Lemon wedges and fresh herb sprigs for garnish To make lemon herb chicken and rice, you need simple, fresh ingredients. First, the chicken is key. Choose 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender bite. Basmati rice provides a fluffy base. Use 1 cup for a filling side. The broth is vital. Two cups of chicken broth add flavor to the rice. Aromatics bring depth. One medium onion, finely chopped, and three cloves of minced garlic will do the trick. Now, let’s talk about the herbs. They make the dish shine. You’ll need fresh thyme leaves, fresh parsley, and dried oregano. If fresh thyme is not available, use dried thyme instead. Don’t forget the lemon! One fresh lemon gives zest and juice. Lastly, have salt and pepper on hand for seasoning. For extra flair, you can add optional garnishes like lemon wedges or fresh herb sprigs. These ingredients blend perfectly for a flavorful, zesty meal. Enjoy gathering them for your next cooking adventure! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make your chicken tasty, you need to marinate it well. Start by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until everything blends nicely. Tips for Effective Marination - Use a glass or ceramic bowl for marinating. - Make sure all chicken pieces are coated. - Cover the bowl to keep the flavors in. Recommended Marination Times - Marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. - For stronger flavor, refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Now that your chicken is marinated, it's time to cook. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Take the chicken from the marinade, leaving behind any extra liquid. Place the chicken in the skillet. Searing Techniques - Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. - Avoid moving the chicken too much while it cooks. Internal Temperature Guideline - Use a meat thermometer to check. - Chicken should reach 165°F for safety. While the chicken rests, focus on the rice. Use the same skillet to add your onions and garlic. Sautéing Aromatics - Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions turn soft. - Stir often to keep garlic from burning. Cooking the Rice Perfectly - Add basmati rice to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes. - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. - Once boiling, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Your chicken and rice are ready to come together. Fluffing the Rice - Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. - Taste the rice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Arranging the Dish - Slice the rested chicken and place it on the rice. - Sprinkle fresh parsley for color and flavor. Using Fresh vs. Dried Herbs I always recommend using fresh herbs when possible. Fresh thyme and parsley add a bright taste. If you only have dried herbs, that’s okay! Use less than you would with fresh. About a teaspoon of dried thyme works well. Adjusting Seasoning to Taste Taste your dish as you cook! Start with a little salt and pepper. You can always add more later. If you want more zing, a splash of lemon juice can help. This simple tip can make a big difference. Best Skillet for Searing A non-stick skillet is my go-to for searing chicken. It helps to prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. Make sure it’s large enough to fit all the chicken breasts without crowding. Ideal Pot for Cooking Rice For cooking rice, use a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. This helps the rice cook evenly. A pot that holds at least 2 quarts is a good choice. It gives the rice enough room to expand as it cooks. Garnishing Ideas Garnish your dish with lemon wedges and fresh herb sprigs. This adds color and makes the meal look fancy. A sprinkle of parsley over the chicken also adds a nice touch. Serving Suggestions Serve the chicken and rice on a large platter. This makes it easy for everyone to help themselves. For a fun twist, you can add a side salad or some steamed veggies. Pro Tips Marination Time Matters: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour enhances its flavor and tenderness. If time permits, marinate overnight in the refrigerator for the best results. Perfect Rice Every Time: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch, which prevents it from becoming sticky and helps achieve fluffy grains. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This prevents overcooking and keeps the meat juicy. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh herbs and lemon wedges not only add visual appeal but also enhance the dish’s flavor. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving for an extra zesty kick. {{image_4}} You can switch up the rice to make this dish even more exciting. Basmati rice is great, but wild rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture. Jasmine rice gives a sweet aroma and fluffy finish. Both options can work well with the lemon and herbs. If you want to try something different from chicken, there are great options available. Tofu is a fantastic choice for a plant-based meal. It soaks up flavors and adds protein. Fish, like salmon or tilapia, can also bring a nice touch. Just adjust the cooking time for fish to ensure it cooks through. Adding vegetables can take this dish to the next level. Try bell peppers, spinach, or peas for a colorful twist. You can also switch the herbs. Basil or cilantro can add a fresh taste. Feel free to mix and match to find your perfect flavor combo! To store leftovers, cool the lemon herb chicken and rice to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and prevents it from drying out. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy it again, check for any off smells or colors before eating. If you want to save the meal for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken and rice cool completely. Then, divide them into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers for storage. Label each bag with the date. You can freeze the dish for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal anytime! When you’re ready to eat, reheating properly ensures great taste and texture. For best results, use the microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry. On the stovetop, warm it gently over low heat. Stir frequently to heat evenly and avoid burning. Enjoy your flavorful meal just like it was freshly made! Yes, you can use brown rice. Just keep in mind that it takes longer to cook. Brown rice usually takes about 40-50 minutes. You will need to add more chicken broth, about 3 cups, to ensure it cooks well. Make sure to check for doneness before serving. To keep the chicken juicy, marinate it well. Use a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, and spices. This adds flavor and moisture. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Serve it right away for the best taste. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Keep them in an airtight container. If you want to store them longer, freeze them. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove. In this post, we explored preparing a tasty chicken and rice dish. We covered essential ingredients, from chicken to herbs. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating, cooking, and combining the flavors. Effective tips helped enhance taste and presentation. We looked at variations for different rice types and proteins, ensuring you can customize your meal. Finally, I provided storage and reheating advice to keep your dish fresh. With these insights, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal every time. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with flavors!$

Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice

A flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken breasts served over fluffy basmati rice with zesty lemon and fresh herbs.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup basmati rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 whole lemon (juiced and zested)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
optional lemon wedges and fresh herb sprigs for garnish

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and ensure they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade. Carefully place the chicken in the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes.
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Stir in the basmati rice to the skillet, mixing it well with the onions and garlic. Allow the rice to toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
After the rice is cooked, use a fork to fluff it gently, checking for seasoning. Adjust the flavor by adding salt and pepper if needed. Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the fluffy rice. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and taste.
Serve the zesty lemon herb chicken alongside the rice on a large platter or on individual plates. For an appealing presentation, garnish with lemon wedges and additional sprigs of fresh herbs. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil or squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra zing if desired.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.

Keyword chicken, easy, herbs, lemon, rice