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One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken – One Pot Lemon Chicken
This one pot lemon chicken recipe transforms your weeknight dinner routine with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Combining tender chicken breasts with perfectly cooked rice in a bright, herb-infused lemon sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in just 35 minutes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time and dishes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Minimal cleanup with everything cooking in one pot, perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious food without the mess
- Budget-friendly meal costing approximately $12-15 to feed a family of four, making it an economical dinner solution
- Packed with lean protein from chicken and complex carbohydrates from rice, providing sustained energy and muscle-building nutrients
- Fresh lemon and herbs boost vitamin C content while adding bright, refreshing flavors that appeal to all ages
- Versatile recipe that works for family dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining with impressive presentation
Why This One Pot Lemon Chicken Recipe Works
The magic happens when you sear the chicken first, creating a golden crust that locks in juices. This technique builds a flavorful foundation in the pot that infuses the rice as it cooks.
Using the same pot means the rice absorbs all those delicious browned bits from the chicken, creating layers of flavor. The lemon juice tenderizes the meat while brightening the entire dish, and the herbs add aromatic depth.
The cooking method ensures the chicken stays moist while the rice becomes perfectly tender. By placing the seared chicken on top of the rice mixture, steam circulates evenly, cooking both components to perfection simultaneously.
What You’ll Need for Perfect One Pot Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 pieces (1.5 lbs) | Main protein source, provides lean meat |
| Long-grain white rice | 1 cup | Base carbohydrate, absorbs flavors |
| Fresh lemons | 2 medium | Provides juice and zest for brightness |
| Garlic cloves | 4 cloves | Aromatic base flavor |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 2 cups | Cooking liquid for rice |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | For searing chicken |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Seasoning and flavor enhancement |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Adds warmth and spice |
| Fresh parsley | ½ cup chopped | Fresh herb flavor and color |
| Fresh thyme | 1 teaspoon | Earthy herb complement |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large heavy-bottomed pot with lid | Even heat distribution and steam retention |
| Sharp knife | Chopping herbs and mincing garlic |
| Cutting board | Safe food preparation surface |
| Measuring cups and spoons | Accurate ingredient portions |
| Fork | Fluffing rice before serving |
| Tongs | Safely handling chicken pieces |
How to Make One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Season and Marinate | Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the lemon juice. Let marinate while prepping other ingredients |
| 2. Sear the Chicken | Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sear chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown; remove from pot |
| 3. Build the Base | In the same pot, sauté minced garlic and chopped herbs for about a minute until fragrant |
| 4. Add Rice and Liquid | Add rice, chicken broth, remaining lemon juice, and zest to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients |
| 5. Combine and Cook | Place the seared chicken on top of the rice mixture. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender |
| 6. Finish and Serve | Fluff rice with a fork before serving and garnish with extra parsley if desired |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Don’t skip the marinating step – even 10 minutes helps the lemon juice tenderize the chicken and infuse flavor throughout
- Ensure your pot is large enough to fit everything comfortably without overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking
- Keep the heat at medium-low during simmering to prevent the bottom from burning while ensuring thorough cooking
- Check rice doneness by tasting a grain – it should be tender but not mushy, with all liquid absorbed
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier
Serving and Storage Tips for One Pot Lemon Chicken
Serving Tips
Serve this one pot lemon chicken immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor. The dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
For special occasions, garnish with lemon wedges and extra fresh herbs. This recipe works wonderfully for family gatherings, potluck dinners, or meal prep sessions. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months, though the rice texture may change slightly. Like our ultimate chicken casserole, this dish reheats beautifully for busy weeknight meals.
Mistakes to Avoid while making One Pot Lemon Chicken
Don’t rush the searing process – proper browning creates essential flavor depth. Cooking chicken on too high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
Avoid lifting the lid frequently during the simmering phase. Each peek releases steam and extends cooking time. Trust the process and let the steam work its magic.
Using too much liquid can result in mushy rice, while too little can cause burning. Stick to the recipe ratios for best results. Also, don’t substitute long-grain rice with short-grain varieties, as they have different absorption rates.
You Must Know
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety
- Fresh lemon juice works much better than bottled – it provides brighter flavor and better acidity for tenderizing
- The rice will continue cooking slightly after removing from heat, so don’t overcook initially
- This recipe doubles easily for larger families but may require a bigger pot and slightly longer cooking time
Suggestions for One Pot Lemon Chicken
Transform this basic recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes during the last 10 minutes of cooking. These additions boost nutrition and color.
For Mediterranean flair, include olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or swap thyme for oregano and rosemary for different herb profiles.
Consider serving alongside our creamy garlic shrimp pasta for a surf-and-turf dinner party. You can also check out this skillet lemon chicken variation for different cooking techniques.
FAQs:
Yes, chicken thighs work excellently and stay more moist during cooking. Use the same cooking time but ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. Thighs add richer flavor to the dish.
Long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati provides the best texture. Avoid short-grain or instant rice as they have different absorption rates and cooking times that won’t work with this method.
Use the exact liquid ratios specified and avoid lifting the lid during cooking. Keep heat at medium-low and don’t overcook. The rice should absorb all liquid and be tender but still have slight bite.
While best served fresh, you can prepare it up to 2 days ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of broth. The flavors actually develop more over time.
Bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and green beans work well. Add firmer vegetables like carrots with the rice, and softer ones like zucchini during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
This one pot lemon chicken recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort, making it perfect for busy families seeking nutritious, delicious meals. The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fresh herbs creates a balanced dinner that satisfies everyone.
With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll have this recipe memorized after making it just a few times. The versatility allows for endless variations, while the one-pot method keeps cleanup minimal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish consistently delivers impressive results that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
More Easy Lunch Recipes:
- Succulent Slow-Roasted Beef: The Ultimate Family Feast!
- Korean Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Crispy Rosemary Potatoes: Perfect Roasted Baby Potato Recipe
- Mini Veggie Quesadilla Amazing Healthy Recipe for Quick Meals
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📖 Recipe Card
One Pot Lemon Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6. finish and servefluff rice with a fork before serving 1x
Description
A delicious and easy one pot lemon chicken recipe with tender chicken breasts, fluffy rice, and bright lemon flavors all cooked together in one pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (1.5 lbs) Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Long-grain white rice
- 2 medium Fresh lemons
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves
- 2 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- ½ cup chopped Fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme
Instructions
- Season and Marinate: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the lemon juice. Let marinate while prepping other ingredients
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sear chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown; remove from pot
- Build the Base: In the same pot, sauté minced garlic and chopped herbs for about a minute until fragrant
- Add Rice and Liquid: Add rice, chicken broth, remaining lemon juice, and zest to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients
- Combine and Cook: Place the seared chicken on top of the rice mixture. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender
- Finish and Serve: Fluff rice with a fork before serving and garnish with extra parsley if desired
Notes
- Don’t skip the marinating step – even 10 minutes helps the lemon juice tenderize the chicken and infuse flavor throughout
- Ensure your pot is large enough to fit everything comfortably without overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking
- Keep the heat at medium-low during simmering to prevent the bottom from burning while ensuring thorough cooking
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: one pot lemon chicken, easy chicken recipe, one pot meal, lemon chicken and rice, quick dinner
