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–+ servings
Deliciously cooked tender lemon herb chicken garnished with fresh herbs

Tender Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice

A comforting dish combining tender chicken thighs, fragrant herbs, and fluffy rice for a satisfying weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs Adds moisture and flavor

Rice

  • 1.5 cups long grain white rice, rinsed Ensures fluffy texture

Broth

  • 2.5 cups chicken broth Provides depth of flavor

Oil and Flavorings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil Adds richness
  • 1 whole lemon, juiced Gives brightness
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest Enhances lemon flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds aromatic flavor
  • 1 tsp dried oregano Provides earthy notes
  • 1 tsp dried thyme Adds herbaceous complexity
  • to taste Salt & black pepper Enhances overall flavor

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
  • to serve lemon wedges Extra zestiness, optional

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Season chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper.

Cooking Chicken

  • Place seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear until golden brown.
  • Flip the chicken thighs and cook on the other side for a few minutes.
  • Remove the chicken and set aside.

Cooking Rice

  • Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about a minute.
  • Add the rinsed rice, stirring to coat it with garlic and oil.
  • Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping bits from the skillet.
  • Return the chicken on top of the rice and squeeze lemon juice over.
  • Sprinkle lemon zest, oregano, and thyme over the dish.
  • Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.

Serving

  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with optional lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for a better sear. Use high-quality broth for depth of flavor. Adjust herbs to your taste. Rinse rice well to avoid stickiness. Allow the dish to rest to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 800mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
Keyword Chicken Rice, comfort food, Herb Chicken, Lemon Chicken, weeknight dinner
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