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Easy One-Pot Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

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A quick and easy one-pot recipe featuring crispy skin chicken thighs cooked over flavorful lemon herb rice, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • Juice and zest of 1 fresh lemon
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh cilantro instead of parsley

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper, especially the skin. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot oil without crowding the pan. Cook undisturbed for 6-8 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add thyme leaves and lemon zest; stir to combine.
  5. Add rice to the pan and stir to coat with the garlic, herbs, and oil. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring once to distribute.
  6. Return chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle extra thyme over the top. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low.
  7. Simmer gently for 25-30 minutes without lifting the lid, until rice absorbs the broth and chicken is cooked through.
  8. Remove from heat and keep covered for 5 minutes to let rice fluff and chicken finish cooking.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes to crisp skin further.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry for best crispiness. Do not lift lid while cooking rice to ensure proper steaming. Can finish under broiler for extra crispy skin. Bone-in thighs recommended for juiciness. Use gluten-free broth for gluten-free version. Variations include swapping herbs or protein.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, chicken, lemon herb, crispy skin, easy dinner, chicken thighs, rice, quick meal, comfort food, gluten-free

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/easy-one-pot-crispy-lemon-herb-chicken-and-rice-recipe-for-perfect-flavor/