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Easy One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

one-pot lemon herb chicken and rice - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot meal featuring juicy chicken thighs and flavorful lemon herb rice, perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup long grain white rice (190 g)
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (600 ml)
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. (2 minutes)
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot oil. Cook without moving for 5-6 minutes until skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. (10-12 minutes)
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme to the pan, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. (1 minute)
  5. Add rice and stir well to coat each grain in the oil and garlic mixture. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes. (2 minutes)
  6. Pour in chicken broth and season with a pinch more salt and pepper. Nestle chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the rice. (1 minute)
  7. Bring liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly. Cook undisturbed for 20-22 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). (20-22 minutes)
  8. Remove from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Let rest covered for 5 minutes before serving. (5 minutes)

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Do not stir rice once broth is added and lid is on to avoid sticky rice. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. If rice is undercooked after 22 minutes, add a splash more broth or water and cook a few minutes longer. Resting the dish covered allows flavors to settle.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, chicken, rice, lemon, herb, easy dinner, quick meal, comfort food