One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice

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Golden, tender chicken nestled in fragrant, lemony rice with hints of herbs – this One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice is comfort food with a sunny twist. Every bite delivers juicy chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. With just one pot, you create a meal that feels gourmet but comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights or when you want something cozy without the fuss.

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What Makes This Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Special?

The secret lies in the balance of flavors: bright lemon, earthy herbs, savory chicken, and buttery rice. The rice absorbs the chicken juices and herbs while cooking, turning it into a deeply flavorful side that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken.

Plus, you only need one pot, so clean-up is a breeze!

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Ingredients for the One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Provide the protein and get wonderfully tender when cooked with the rice.
• Rice (long-grain or basmati): Becomes infused with all the savory flavors from the chicken, broth, and herbs.
• Lemon (juice and zest): Adds brightness and lifts the entire dish.
• Chicken broth: Helps cook the rice and adds depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Gives a warm, aromatic backbone.
• Onion: Sweetens and rounds out the flavors.
• Herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley): Bring an earthy, fresh note.
• Butter or olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning.

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How To Make the One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry, then season it with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs. Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add a little more butter or oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 2-3 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice, toasting it slightly for extra flavor, then pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Simmer with Chicken

Return the seared chicken to the pot, nestling it into the rice. Cover and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice, garnish with fresh herbs, and give it an extra squeeze of lemon before serving.

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Serving and Storing One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice

Serve this dish hot, straight from the pot, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra lemon zest on top. It’s great on its own or with a light side salad. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply use olive oil instead of butter for searing and sautéing.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Just be sure not to overcook them as they tend to dry out faster than thighs.

What herbs work best?

Thyme, rosemary, and parsley are great choices. You can mix them or use one depending on your taste.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, it reheats beautifully. Store it in the fridge and reheat with a splash of broth.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or cut into the thickest part to make sure it’s no longer pink.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

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

• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• One Pot Creamy Chicken Cheddar Ranch Pasta
• Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet
• One Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta

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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 use extra lemon? Maybe swapped the herbs?

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

For more delicious inspiration, visit my Pinterest page: Life with Nina on Pinterest

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