One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels cozy, fresh, and downright delicious, then this One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s simple enough to whip up any night of the week yet packs a punch with those bright lemony flavors and savory herbs. Plus, it’s all made in one pot—hello, easy cleanup! Trust me, once you try this, your dinner game will never be the same.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice Recipe plays a vital role, balancing flavor, texture, and aroma. When shopping, opt for fresh lemon and quality chicken broth—you’ll taste the difference, I promise.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They cook relatively quickly and evenly in the pot without bones getting in the way.
• Butter: Adds a lovely rich base for browning the chicken and gives the rice a silky finish.
• Salt and pepper: Fundamental for enhancing all the natural flavors.
• Italian seasoning: This mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary gives the dish an earthy, herbal backbone.
• Uncooked white rice: It absorbs all those wonderful flavors as it simmers with the chicken broth and lemon juice.
• Chicken broth (low sodium recommended): Provides the cooking liquid and packs in savory depth without being salty.
• Lemon juice: Its acidity brightness cuts through the richness and wakes up the entire dish.

Make It Your Way

I’ve found this One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice Recipe is super versatile. Sometimes I like to toss in extra veggies or a little heat to give it a twist. Feel free to make it your own—after all, cooking should be fun and a reflection of your tastes!

• Vegetable Add-ins: I often add frozen peas or diced carrots partway through cooking for a boost of color and texture.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in before simmering really wakes up the lemon and herbs in a delicious way.
• Swap the Rice: Using brown rice is a great healthy alternative but remember to increase cooking time and check for doneness around 30-35 minutes.
• Use Bone-In Chicken: For more flavor, try bone-in skin-on breasts, just brown a bit longer and check internal temperature carefully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the chicken to lock in flavor

Start by melting butter over medium heat in a large, lidded skillet or pan. While it’s melting, season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. When the butter is sizzling, add the chicken and brown each side for about 1-2 minutes just until golden. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through here—you’re just building that initial layer of flavor. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Step 2: Add rice and flavorful liquids

Without cleaning the pan—leave all those tasty browned bits—you’ll add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a little more Italian seasoning. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Place the browned chicken breasts right on top of the rice mixture, then cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 3: Simmer until perfectly tender

Turn the heat down to medium-low and let the whole thing simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes. This is when the magic happens—the rice absorbs the aromatic broth, softens perfectly, and the chicken finishes cooking, steaming tender right on top. Try not to peek too often, but if you do, make sure the liquid is mostly absorbed and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Garnish and serve immediately

Once everything’s cooked through, sprinkle on some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges for that extra fresh zing. Dig in while it’s warm—you’ll love the comforting yet bright flavors all in one bowl.

How to Serve One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with fresh chopped parsley because it adds a fresh, green pop of color and a mild herbal brightness that complements the lemon. Cilantro is another great option if you want a bit more zing. Don’t forget those lemon wedges—I like everyone to squeeze a little extra lemon over their plates for a personal touch of brightness.

Side Dishes

This is a hearty enough meal on its own, but I often pair it with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. A crusty piece of bread is also perfect for mopping up any lemony broth left in the pot.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I’ve served this One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice Recipe directly from the skillet on a rustic wooden board, surrounded by fresh herbs and lemon slices—it’s a lovely, laid-back presentation that always impresses. You can also portion it out into colorful bowls and garnish with edible flowers for a springtime vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find the dish keeps well for up to three days. The rice may absorb a little more liquid, so when reheating, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen things up.

Freezing

This recipe freezes nicely! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and tuck them away for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice fluffy. Microwave works too—just cover and stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice Recipe has become one of my go-to dinners because it’s effortless yet packed with fresh, comforting flavors. I love how everything cooks together, making dinner prep and cleanup such a breeze. If you want to impress yourself and anyone you’re feeding with minimal stress, give this a shot—your taste buds will thank you, promise!

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