This One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—savory, bright, and deeply satisfying, all while being cooked in one single pot. Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts are seared until golden, then nestled into fragrant rice infused with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. The result is a meal that feels elevated yet is surprisingly easy to make.

What makes this recipe such a gem is the harmonious balance between the zesty lemon and the aromatic herbs. Each bite delivers a cozy richness from the rice and chicken, lifted by a burst of freshness that keeps the dish light and vibrant. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pot wonder checks every box.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to choice here. They cook evenly, slice beautifully, and stay tender when cooked with the rice. However, you can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and juicier texture. Whichever cut you choose, make sure it’s evenly seasoned and seared for the best depth of flavor.

Ingredients for the One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice

Chicken breasts
Essential for lean protein and a hearty bite, chicken breasts form the main protein of the dish.

Olive oil
Used for searing the chicken and sautéing aromatics, it adds depth and richness.

Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the dish with warm, savory undertones that enhance every other flavor.

Lemon zest & juice
Zest brings aromatic oils, while the juice provides a bright, tangy counterbalance to the savory base.

White rice
It absorbs all the juices and aromatics, becoming tender and full of flavor.

Chicken broth
Adds savory richness to cook the rice and infuse every grain with flavor.

Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary)
These herbs brighten the dish and give it that unmistakable herbaceous charm.

Salt & pepper
To season and balance the overall flavor profile.

Butter (optional)
A touch of butter at the end brings everything together with a smooth, luscious finish.

How To Make the One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the lemon zest and fresh herbs for another minute to bloom their flavors.

Step 3: Build the Rice Base

Pour in the white rice and stir to coat it in the garlicky herb mixture. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

Step 4: Cook It All Together

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pot, partially submerged in the broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Finish and Fluff

Once done, remove the chicken and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in a small knob of butter for a velvety finish. Slice the chicken and serve over the rice, garnished with more fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Serving and Storing One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice

This dish is best served hot, right after cooking when the rice is fluffy and the chicken is juicy. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a wedge of lemon for a restaurant-style touch. For an extra twist, serve with a side of steamed veggies or a light cucumber salad.

To store, let the dish cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. This meal also freezes beautifully for up to a month—just thaw and reheat when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may require additional broth. You might need to adjust the cooking time and check for doneness.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the butter or replace it with a dairy-free alternative to keep the recipe dairy-free while still maintaining flavor.

How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?

Be sure to simmer the dish over low heat with the lid on and avoid stirring the rice while it cooks. Using the correct rice-to-liquid ratio is also key.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Chopped spinach, peas, or bell peppers make a great addition. Just stir them in with the rice before adding the chicken back to the pot.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh. Just be sure to add them earlier in the cooking process to help them bloom.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Definitely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are delicious here and may even turn out juicier than breasts. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If this One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice is a hit at your table, you’ll love these flavorful meals too:

Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken for a comforting pasta twist.
Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls if you’re craving Mediterranean vibes.
Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles for a nostalgic favorite.
Cream Cheese Chicken that’s rich, creamy, and weeknight-ready.
Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Rice if you’re feeling tropical.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 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 herbs? Try it with brown rice? Maybe even a dash of chili?

I love seeing your kitchen creations and tips. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your spin on it!

One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner

Print Recipe

Description

This flavorful one-pot dish combines juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts with aromatic lemon herb rice. Infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon juice, it’s a cozy, zesty dinner that cooks all in one pot for easy prep and cleanup.

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed, then sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Stir in lemon zest, parsley, thyme, and rosemary for 1 minute.
Add rice and stir to coat in the herb and garlic mixture.
Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the pan to deglaze.
Nestle chicken breasts into the rice mixture.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Once rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked, remove chicken and fluff rice.
Stir in butter (if using), slice chicken, and serve over rice with additional herbs or lemon wedges.