Name: Lemon Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 cup uncooked white rice, jasmine rice, or long-grain white rice; 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley

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If you’re craving comfort food that’s bright, cozy, and truly satisfying, Lemon Chicken and Rice is about to become your weeknight hero. Imagine fork-tender chicken nestled in fragrant rice that’s cooked to fluffy perfection, all brought to life with the vibrant pop of lemon and a finishing sprinkle of Parmesan. This Lemon Chicken and Rice recipe is quick enough for busy evenings, yet brings all the warmth and flavor of a slow-cooked meal—delicious simplicity in every bite.

Lemon Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for Lemon Chicken and Rice are some staple ingredients, but each has an important role in making this dish sing. The best part? Most are already in your pantry, working together for maximum flavor, texture, and that signature golden hue.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: For juicy, flavorful bites that stay super tender while cooking with the rice.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that irresistible golden sear on your chicken.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an earthy, aromatic complexity to both the chicken and the rice.
Garlic Powder: Delivers gentle, roasted garlic flavor throughout the whole dish without the fuss of mincing cloves.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Simple essentials that enhance and balance all the other flavors—don’t skimp!
Uncooked White Rice (Jasmine or Long Grain): This is the soul of the recipe, absorbing the fragrant broth and chicken juices for extra flavor.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist and savory, while letting you control the seasoning.
Zest and Juice of 1 Lemon: The star, providing zippy acidity and sunny citrus aroma—don’t skip the zest!
Shredded Parmesan Cheese: For a salty, nutty finish that melts silkily into the rice.
Flat Leaf Parsley: Adds fresh, herbal brightness and a pop of color right before serving.

How to Make Lemon Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by mixing Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a little bowl. Sprinkle half over your chicken thighs, making sure every nook and cranny gets coated. This first layer gives the chicken a flavorful base, while you’ll save the rest for jazzing up the rice itself.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

Heat up your olive oil in a large, lidded skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the seasoned chicken thighs in and let them sizzle undisturbed for about 1 to 2 minutes per side. You’re not cooking them through just yet—just building a deliciously golden crust. Once each side is seared, set the chicken aside on a clean plate.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

To the same pan, stir in your uncooked rice, the remaining spice blend, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Give it a gentle mix, then bring it up to a boil. When you see those bubbles, cover the pan, lower the heat, and let everything simmer for 10 minutes. This is how the rice infuses with all the savory, lemony flavors you love in Lemon Chicken and Rice.

Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken

After that initial rice simmer, gently nestle your par-cooked chicken back into the pan on top of the rice. Cover once again and let it all cook together for another 10 to 15 minutes—just until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is perfectly fluffy. The chicken juices will keep the rice moist and flavorful as it finishes cooking.

Step 5: Add Lemon and Cheese

When the chicken and rice are done, transfer the chicken out briefly (just to a clean plate). Now’s the fun part: stir in the shredded Parmesan, chopped flat leaf parsley, and that all-important squeeze of lemon juice. This is where that unmistakable Lemon Chicken and Rice zing really comes alive. Nestle your chicken back in, sprinkle over any extra cheese or parsley, and prepare to dig in!

How to Serve Lemon Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

Finish your Lemon Chicken and Rice with a flourish by scattering a little more fresh parsley and a handful of extra Parmesan right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a few curls of fresh lemon zest add pop and sparkle on the plate and amplify that fresh aroma. A light drizzle of olive oil can also give an inviting sheen.

Side Dishes

This dish is plenty satisfying on its own, but a crisp green salad or simply steamed veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or peas make a bright, fresh contrast. If you’re going for true comfort, warm pita or crusty bread to mop up all those lemony juices is never a bad choice!

Creative Ways to Present

Transform simple Lemon Chicken and Rice into a dinner party centerpiece by serving it directly from the skillet or in a big rustic baking dish. For a more elegant touch, plate individual servings and top each piece with a little swirl of microgreens or finely sliced green onions. Or go family-style with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for color and bursts of sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely before covering and refrigerating. Store Lemon Chicken and Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making a stunning lunch or easy next-day dinner!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze Lemon Chicken and Rice. Divide portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty baggies (remove as much air as possible), and freeze for up to one month. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish or return everything to a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water. Warm over medium-low heat until heated through, fluffing the rice as it warms. This gentle method keeps the chicken juicy and rice tender while reviving that irresistible lemony aroma.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs are juicier and more forgiving, chicken breasts work beautifully; just be careful not to overcook, since they’re leaner and can dry out more quickly.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Use a microplane or fine grater, focusing on just the bright yellow outer layer. Stop as soon as you hit the white pith underneath as it’s bitter, and always zest before juicing for easiest handling!

Can I add extra veggies?

Definitely! Stir in chopped baby spinach, frozen peas, or broccoli florets with the rice and broth for a nutritious, colorful twist that cooks right alongside everything else.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Just omit the Parmesan or swap it with a dairy-free hard cheese alternative. You’ll still have all the bright, savory flavors that make Lemon Chicken and Rice a standout.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! As long as your chicken broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free, Lemon Chicken and Rice contains no gluten and is safe for most gluten-free diets.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken and Rice is everything you want in a home-cooked meal: comforting, vibrant, simple, and crowd-pleasing. Next time you need something both easy and impressive, give this recipe a spin—you’ll be amazed how quickly it disappears. Happy cooking!