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Ultra close-up macro of golden seared lemon herb chicken and rice in a skillet

One-Skillet Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Juicy golden seared chicken simmered with fragrant garlic herb rice and lemon in a single skillet. An easy, comforting 45-minute weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken & Dinners, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean-American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Seasoning
  • 1.5 lbs 700 g boneless skinless chicken cutlets or thighs trimmed and patted dry
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Garlic Herb Rice & Pan Sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1.25 cups 250 g long-grain jasmine rice rinsed and drained
  • 2.25 cups 540 ml low-sodium chicken bone broth warm
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 medium organic lemon sliced into thin wheels, seeds removed
  • 1/4 cup fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley finely chopped

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat a 12-inch heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C) with the remaining olive oil. Sear chicken undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer chicken to a clean plate (it will finish cooking with the rice).
  3. Lower heat to medium and melt butter directly into the remaining skillet drippings. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 45 seconds until fragrant. Add rinsed, well-drained jasmine rice and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes, toasting the grains in herb butter and deglazing flavorful browned fond from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Pour in the warm chicken bone broth, fresh lemon juice, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir thoroughly so no rice sticks to the pan bottom. Bring liquid to a rapid boil.
  6. Nestle seared chicken cutlets and resting juices back over the rice bed. Arrange lemon wheels evenly over the surface.
  7. Cover tightly with a lid, turn heat down to low, and simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and chicken registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove skillet from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes to steam. Fluff rice around the chicken with a fork, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over top, and serve warm.

NUTRITION INFORMATION:

Serving: 1 plate (chicken with rice) Calories: 485cal (24%) Carbohydrates: 48g (16%) Protein: 42g (84%) Fat: 14g (22%) Saturated Fat: 4.5g (28%) Cholesterol: 105mg (35%) Sodium: 640mg (28%) Potassium: 680mg (19%) Fiber: 2g (8%) Sugar: 2g (4%) Vitamin A: 520IU (10%) Vitamin C: 22mg (27%) Calcium: 48mg (5%) Iron: 2.8mg (16%)
Keywords: easy weeknight dinner, garlic herb chicken rice, lemon herb chicken and rice, one skillet chicken and rice

Notes

Home Cook Tip: Rinsing jasmine rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water washes away excess surface starch and guarantees fluffy, distinct grains instead of sticky clumps. Always allow the skillet to rest covered for 5 minutes off the burner before serving.