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One pot chicken and rice served in a Dutch oven with fresh parsley and lemon

One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

This easy one pot chicken and rice recipe combines juicy chicken with fluffy long-grain rice,garlic,fresh herbs and lemon in a single pot for a comforting high-protein dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 465
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein
  • 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
Aromatics
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
Rice
  • 1½ cups jasmine rice rinsed
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Flavor
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
Finish
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • Optional grated Parmesan

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt,pepper and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat.Brown chicken for 3-4 minutes per side.Transfer to a plate.
  3. Reduce heat then Cook onion until softened.Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add butter to stir in rinsed rice then toast rice for 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in chicken broth.Stir well while scraping browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Return chicken to the pot.Sprinkle Italian seasoning and thyme over the top.
  7. Cover tightly.Simmer on low for 18-20 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat.Rest 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
  9. Fluff rice with a fork then Add lemon juice,zest and parsley to Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Rinse rice for fluffier grains.
  • Do not lift the lid during cooking.
  • Resting the rice improves texture.
  • Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F.
  • A 6-quart Dutch oven gives the best results.
  • Low-sodium broth lets you better control seasoning.

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 465
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
(Estimate only; calculate final values with WP Recipe Maker.)