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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 large onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (zest and juice) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gathering the right ingredients is key for this dish. Start with boneless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. Next, grab long-grain rice to soak up all the flavors. Using chicken broth instead of water adds depth to the rice. For spices, dried herbs work best. Use thyme and rosemary for a warm taste. A pinch of paprika adds color and a subtle kick. Fresh ingredients bring life to your meal. Dice a large onion and mince three cloves of garlic for a rich base. A lemon is essential for zest and juice, giving the dish a bright flavor. Don’t forget olive oil for cooking and a drizzle at the end. Lastly, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. This mix of ingredients creates a balanced and delightful meal. Enjoy the process of selecting them, as it sets the stage for your Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your marinade ingredients. You will need olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix these in a bowl until combined. Coat the chicken thighs well with this mixture. Make sure every piece gets some love. Then, place the chicken in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. Next, heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Wait until the oil is hot. Then, add your marinated chicken thighs. Sear them until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step seals in the juices. In the same skillet, add your diced onion. Sauté it until it turns translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the rice and stir it around for 2 minutes. This step coats the rice with all those yummy flavors. Next, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and absorb all the good flavors from the chicken. To boost flavor, make a marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. Use fresh garlic, thyme, and rosemary for the best taste. Coat the chicken thighs well. For deep flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but one hour is even better. To prevent overcooking the rice, use a timer. Once you add the broth, let it boil before covering it. Keep the heat low while it simmers. This helps the rice absorb all the flavors. For juicy chicken, sear each side for 5-7 minutes. Then, simmer with the rice, so it cooks perfectly. Garnish your dish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a bright look. Serve on a large platter to make it feel special. Drizzle with pan juices to add shine and extra flavor. This not only tastes great but also looks appealing! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For even more flavorful chicken, marinate the thighs overnight. This allows the herbs and lemon to fully penetrate the meat. Use Fresh Herbs: Substitute dried herbs with fresh ones if available. Fresh thyme and rosemary add a vibrant flavor and aroma to the dish. Check Rice Doneness: If the rice isn't fully cooked after 20 minutes, add a little more chicken broth and cover it again to finish cooking. Rest Before Serving: Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes for a more enjoyable meal. {{image_2}} You can change the rice in this recipe for a twist. Quinoa works great here. It cooks fast and adds a nice nutty taste. You can also try couscous. It cooks quickly and soaks up flavors well. If you prefer brown rice, that’s a good choice too. Just know it takes longer to cook. Aim for 40-50 minutes if you use brown rice. To make this dish even better, add some veggies. Bell peppers and peas can brighten the meal. They add color and nutrients. You can also spice it up! Adding chili flakes gives a nice kick. If you love herbs, fresh basil or parsley can boost flavor too. If you want to swap the chicken, use chicken breasts or thighs. They cook well and stay juicy. For a vegetarian option, try tofu or chickpeas. Tofu soaks up flavors and adds protein. Chickpeas are hearty and fill you up. Both options keep this dish tasty and satisfying. Lemon herb chicken and rice lasts in the fridge for up to four days. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help seal in moisture and flavor. Always let the dish cool before sealing. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead. You can freeze individual portions of lemon herb chicken and rice. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to label them with the date. For best results, consume within three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for a quicker thaw. To keep the flavor and texture, reheat in the oven or on the stove. If using the oven, cover the dish with foil at 350°F for about 20 minutes. For the stove, add a splash of broth to prevent drying out. Always check that the chicken is heated to 165°F before serving. Handle leftovers safely by not leaving them out for more than two hours. You can pair this dish with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted carrots - Green salad with vinaigrette - Garlic bread - Sautéed green beans These sides add color and flavor to your meal. They also balance the lemony taste of the chicken. Yes, you can use brown rice. However, it takes longer to cook. Here are some tips: - Use 2 ½ cups of chicken broth for 1 cup of brown rice. - Cook the rice for about 40-45 minutes instead of 20 minutes. - Check if the rice is tender before serving. Brown rice adds a nice nutty flavor. It also boosts the fiber in your meal. To check if the chicken is done, use these tips: - Cut into the thickest part of the thigh. The meat should be white, not pink. - Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). - Juices should run clear when you cut into it. These methods help ensure your chicken is safe and delicious. Enjoy your meal with confidence! This recipe combines chicken, rice, and bright flavors. You learned to marinate the chicken and cook the rice perfectly. Using fresh herbs and spices enhances taste. Variations give you options for dietary needs. Proper storage keeps leftovers tasty. I hope you enjoy cooking this dish and sharing it with others. Experiment with flavors, and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice

A flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken thighs cooked with rice and aromatic herbs, finished with fresh lemon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 piece lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the rice and sauté for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the rice with the flavors.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  • Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with additional fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish.
Keyword chicken, herbs, lemon, rice