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Ultimate One-Pot Lemony Herb Chicken and Rice

Close-up of juicy chicken pieces served over white rice, generously topped with lemon zest and fresh dill for One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Lemon and Herbs.

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Cook chicken and rice together in one pot for a flavorful, bright meal with minimal cleanup. This recipe uses fresh lemon and herbs for a light taste.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the rinsed rice, lemon zest, oregano, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using). Bring the liquid to a boil. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  7. Return the chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
  9. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, parsley, and dill. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps prevent the final dish from becoming too gummy.
  • If you skip the white wine, replace it with an equal amount of extra chicken broth.
  • Use chicken thighs for a moister result, as they handle the longer cooking time better than breasts.

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