Description
This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is a zesty, comforting dinner featuring juicy marinated chicken breasts infused with fresh lemon and herbs, served over fluffy, buttery rice. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or casual hosting, this gluten-free dish is bursting with citrusy flavor and easy to prepare in one pan.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cooked white rice
1 3/4 cups chicken broth (optional, for cooking rice)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for rice)
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
3. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Sear marinated chicken breasts in the hot pan for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. (Optional) Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice using chicken broth for extra flavor. Once cooked, stir in butter and a sprinkle of herbs.
7. Plate rice in bowls or on plates. Slice the chicken and serve on top. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Pound thick chicken breasts for even cooking and quicker skillet searing.
For deeper lemon flavor, marinate overnight.
Add red pepper flakes to the marinade if you like a little heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet + Oven (optional)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 90