One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

This One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that combines juicy, seasoned chicken with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs. The best part? Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for a special family meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
2. Brown the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Add Rice and Herbs: Stir in the rice, dried thyme, oregano, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the rice to toast lightly.
5. Add Broth and Lemon: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Return Chicken to Pot: Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the rice, skin-side up. Cover the pot with a lid or foil.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pot in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Prep and Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Serving Size:

• Serves 4

Tips/Variations:

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Swap the rice for quinoa or couscous if you prefer a lighter grain.
• Add vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition and color.
• Use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 580mg

This One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a fuss-free, delightful meal that bursts with citrus and herb flavors. Perfect for families, it's an all-in-one dish that saves on both time and dishes. Make it your own by adding veggies or swapping grains, and enjoy a satisfying, nutritious dinner.