One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is cozy, rich, and flavorful. The chicken and rice is cooked in one pot with creamy flavors of lemon, herb, and dill. This easy weeknight meal takes less than 30 minutes to make with very little prep time.
Jump to RecipePrepare yourself for juicy, tender chicken on top of a bed of rice that’s cooked in the chicken juices along with lemon and herb. It's inspired by mediterranean and greek flavors. I'm confident you'll love this greek lemon chicken and rice.
We love this family friendly recipe. Lemon chicken rice is a staple in our home and we love making it in one pot. When the brightness of lemon is added along with dried and fresh herbs, the typical one pot chicken and rice is taken to a whole new level!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- What You’ll Need to Make One Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- What Herb Goes Best with Lemon Chicken and Rice?
- What Rice Should I Use for One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice?
- What Else Can I Add to One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice?
- How to Make One Pot Lemon Chicken and Rice
- What to Serve with One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- Storing One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- Try These Other Delicious Chicken Recipes
- One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- You only need one pot which means easy clean up and a reduced number of dishes making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Prep time is very minimal. All you need to do is chop the garlic and season the chicken breasts before the cooking process.
- It’s family friendly, there are no exotic flavors or spice. If your kid loves chicken and rice you’ll definitely want to try this with added lemon and herb
- After the initial cooking of the chicken, it’s pretty much hands off. It will simmer, cook, and be done before you know it without stirring or hovering over the stove the whole time.
What You’ll Need to Make One Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
For The Chicken
Oil - vegetable or canola can be used. Choose something with light flavor, I probably wouldn’t go with olive oil
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
Italian seasoning - includes a blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme and marjoram it's the perfect herb blend when you can't just choose one
For The Rice
Garlic - use fresh garlic, garlic powder is an ok substitute but it will not give you the same flavor
Rice - I choose long grain white rice. Using a brown would increase not only the cook time but also the amount of liquid you need. Be careful of this if you decide to use brown rice.
Turmeric - for color and the plethora of health benefits that it has
Italian Seasoning - this is found all throughout the dish not just in the chicken but the rice too!
Dried or Fresh Dill - because dill and lemon go so well together. I’ve made this with fresh and dried dill. Fresh will give you more of a pack of flavor while dried dill is going to be more subtle
Lemon - fresh lemon is best for this recipe
Cream of Chicken Soup - I’ve been opting for the low fat cans and they’ve been great!
2 Cups Chicken Broth - choose reduced sodium if you’re worried about salt intake
Garnish
Basil and Parsley - garnish with fresh herbs for the best and most fresh flavor
What Herb Goes Best with Lemon Chicken and Rice?
This lemon chicken and rice is all about the herbs. When it comes to the best herb that pairs well with this comfort meal, it’s completely up to you and your personal preferences. I made this recipe using all my favorite herbs. In fact, you'll find most of the popular ones in this recipe including italian seasoning, basil, parsley, and dill. I just couldn’t decide on one herb, can you blame me?
This recipe is very versatile. I suggest you make this recipe based on your own taste. For example, if you’re not a fan of dill or basil, don’t add them. It’s still going to be a lemon herb chicken and rice because you’ve got the basil and Italian seasoning.
Italian seasoning is an herb blend that contains a plethora of spices. It’s my favorite to use because it's versatile and fresh. When it's cooked in the chicken juices and broth the herbs rehydrate and flavor is released all throughout the rice dish.
When it comes to fresh or dried and determining which is better, I’m going to say it depends. When it comes to the italian seasoning, I recommend getting the dried spice mix. It’s easy, convenient, and has everything you need. On the other hand parsley, basil, and dill are wonderful served fresh.
What Rice Should I Use for One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice?
This recipe calls for a long grain white rice. However, there are multiple types of long grain white rices that could be used in this recipe. Each variety will work just fine and should cook very similarly. If you choose a different type like brown or short grain, keep in mind that the cook times and or the liquid to rice ratio could change.
Basmati - my personal favorite. It’s known for its delicious aroma and flavor. This grain increases 3-4x it’s original size when cooked. It also doesn’t get gummy or slimy when cooked. This makes is a perfect option for those who have a hard time making rice because it's fool proof.
Jasmine - extremely popular along with basmati rice. Comes from Thailand, Cambodia, and other Southeast Asian counties. It’s also known for its aroma. Different from basmati because it’s more sticky so it’s great for fried rice, pilaf, and of course this lemon herb chicken and rice recipe.
Carolina Gold - homegrown variety popular among the US markets. Different from basmati and jasmine because there’s no aroma but the flavor is SO good. The texture can get sticky if it’s cooked for too long.
American Long Grain White Rice - extremely well known variety that you can find almost anywhere. Very versatile and is used in many recipes including chicken and rice. When cooked the grain retains moisture and doesn’t turn too sticky.
What Else Can I Add to One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice?
I love making meals that are versatile, very seldom do I follow a recipe how it’s written. With that being said I encourage you to get creative with this if you want to. While it’s perfectly delicious on it’s own, there are ways you can add to this lemon herb chicken and rice dish. Below are the ways I love to jazz it up a little bit.
Mirepoix - which is just a fancy word for carrots, celery, and onion. These three go together and create the best flavor affinity. If you want to to take this up a notch, add these three ingredients! Throw in and sauté with the garlic then let finish cooking with the rice. It not only adds color but so much flavor.
Cheese - this is not the most creamy lemon chicken with rice dish, however, cheese will take it to the next level. I recommend either parmesan or feta for this. I would fold in at the end and let it melt just before serving!
Green Veggies - like peas or broccoli. They not only add flavor but fiber and extra vitamins and minerals too. If you haven't tried lemon chicken with rice and vegetables you're missing out. If you’re using these, add with the garlic and rice for the best results.
Butter - substitute butter for the oil for added flavor
How to Make One Pot Lemon Chicken and Rice
Step 1. Season chicken breasts on all sides with salt, pepper, and italian seasoning. I usually eyeball the salt and pepper but I’m also pretty generous too. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is heated add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the chicken starts to brown and cook on the sides. Flip and repeat until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2. Over medium heat add the garlic, rice, turmeric, italian seasoning, and dried dill. Stir to coat with the excess oil and pan drippings. Sauté until the garlic starts to cook and become aromatic. You’ll want to stir well during this time so you prevent the rice from burning.
Step 3. Add lemon juice to deglaze the pan. Stir in the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup and stir well until combined. Add the chicken on top of the rice and bring to a simmer. Cook covered for 20 minutes or until your rice is cooked.
What to Serve with One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
You must try these delicious sides with the lemon herb chicken and rice!
Roasted Green Beans and Carrots
Roasted Lima Beans
Beet Watermelon Salad
Garlic Roasted Green Beans
Garlic Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic
Storing One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
The lemon chicken rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat place in a microwave safe bowl with a damp paper towel over top. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time. Stir well then return to the microwave and reheat for an additional 30 seconds or until warmed through.
Have leftovers that you may not eat within a week? No problem you can freeze the chicken and rice for up to 3 months in a freezer friendly container. Be sure to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave.
Try These Other Delicious Chicken Recipes
Turmeric Black Pepper Chicken
Crispy Chicken Fajitas
The Best Blackened Chicken Tenders
Baked Feta Chicken
One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- salt and pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons italian seasoning
For The Rice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
Garnish
- Lemon slices
- Fresh sliced basil
- Parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts on all sides with salt and pepper and italian seasoning. Be generous in seasoning. Heat the oil over medium heat in a skillet. Once heated, add the chicken and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Flip then sauté the other side for about 3-4 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Over medium heat, add garlic, rice, turmeric, italian seasoning, and dried dill to the skillet with the left over pan drippings and remaining oil. Sauté and let the rice caramelize for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir well so there’s no burning.
- Add the lemon juice to deglaze the pan. Stir in the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Stir until well combined. Add the chicken to the top of the rice. Bring to a simmer, and cook covered for about 20 minutes or until your rice is cooked.