Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Comfort Bowl

Classic chicken and rice recipes, elevated! My Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice Comfort Bowl is quick, easy, and flavourful. The perfect crowd pleaser! Get the recipe.

Recipe Introduction: Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Comfort Bowl

Fancy a bit of comfort food that's still kinda healthy? i've got you covered. these chicken and rice recipes are not just about filling your belly, but warming your soul, especially on those grey british days.

This lemon herb chicken and rice comfort bowl is proper tasty.

Warm Hug In a Bowl

Have you ever craved something that tastes like home? this is it. it's like a chicken and rice casserole , but with a twist.

We're talking bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and juicy chicken. this dish is the best, believe me.

A Taste of Home

This recipe is inspired by those classic poultry dishes your nan might've made. but it's been given a bit of a glow-up.

It’s easy enough for a weeknight. it serves four, perfect for a small family or hungry mates.

The Good Stuff

Chicken and rice? it’s not just tasty. it's a brilliant source of lean protein and energy. i reckon this lemon herb version is special.

It's fresh and light, unlike those heavy chicken rice casserole recipes we've all had.

Getting Started: What You'll Need

Ready to make this magic happen? honestly, the ingredient list is simple. you probably have most of it already. don't let the "herb" part scare you.

Even dried herbs work if you're in a pinch.

Right then, let's chat about what you need to make magic happen in the kitchen. we’re talking about chicken and rice recipes , so listen up.

I’ve been whipping up chicken and rice casserole dishes for years, so trust me on this.

Ingredients & Equipment

Forget fussy. This is about real, honest food. We're diving into what makes these poultry dishes sing.

Main Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Get boneless, skinless. Look for plump chicken. They should be pink, not grey.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) for the chicken. 1 tablespoon (15ml) for the veggies.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) for the chicken. Adjust to taste later.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) for the chicken. Freshly ground is best.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5g) Don't be shy.
• Dried Thyme: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) Adds a lovely earthy touch.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped. Gives a great base flavour.
• Carrots: 2 , peeled and diced. Adds sweetness and colour.
• Celery: 2 stalks , diced. For that classic comforting taste. I like celery soup in Chicken Rice Casserole too.
• Long-Grain White Rice: 1 cup (185g) , rinsed. Rinsing is key!. We're not aiming for sticky here, more fluffy. You can use Instant Rice if you are short on time.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) , low sodium. This is our cooking liquid. It needs to be good quality.
• Lemon: 1 , zested and juiced. Trust me on this.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup (15g) , chopped. Fresh makes all the difference.
• Fresh Dill: ¼ cup (15g) , chopped. It is a game changer.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) , unsalted. Adds richness.

Seasoning Notes

Forget bland. Herbs and spices are your friends.

• Garlic and thyme is a killer combo. It makes this recipe shine.
• Lemon zest brightens everything. It cuts through the richness. Honestly? It's essential.
• No fresh herbs? Use dried, but half the amount. Remember, it's all about experimenting until you get that Garlic Chicken Recipe just right.

For those after Easy Honey Garlic Chicken , you can always add a dash of Honey Garlic Sauce .

Equipment Needed

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: This is your workhorse. Make sure it has a lid.
• Cutting Board and Chef's Knife: For chopping. Keep those knives sharp.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy. Eyeballing works sometimes, but not always.
• Lemon Zester and Juicer: Makes life easier.
• Household Alternative? A vegetable peeler works for zest. Squeeze the lemon with your hands.

So there you have it. Everything you need. This bowl is perfect Health Dinner and ideal Supper Ideas too. Time to get cooking and create your own version of this Crowd Recipes superstar!

Okay, lets get this show on the road! time to put a personal spin on our chicken and rice recipes , something that feels less like a textbook and more like a natter with a mate.

This is going to be about making proper, comforting food that's easy enough for anyone to have a go at.

Right then, let’s dive in.

Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice: Comfort Food, Sorted!

Honestly, this chicken and rice casserole is like a warm hug on a plate. we are ditching the casserole dish and making individual bowls.

Think deconstructed. this isn't your gran's stodgy chicken rice casserole , this is a bright, zingy update. it's perfect for a mid-week fast dinner or a cosy supper idea .

Oh my gosh, you’re going to love this.

Get Your Ducks In A Row: Prep Like a Pro

First things first, the mise en place . sounds fancy, yeah? it just means getting everything prepped before you start cooking.

Chop your celery , onions, carrots, measure your rice, zest your lemon, chop your herbs, and cube the chicken. organization is key.

It’ll save you loads of time and prevent those "oh sugar, i've forgotten the parsley!" moments.

Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step

1. Season 1.5lbs of cubed chicken thighs with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme.
2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken. Don't overcrowd the pan , do it in batches. Set aside.
3. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Sauté 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in 1 cup rinsed long-grain rice, 4 cups chicken broth, lemon zest from 1 lemon, and lemon juice from 1 lemon.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes , or until the rice is cooked through.
6. Stir in the browned chicken, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup chopped dill, and 2 tbsp butter. Heat through.
7. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Skills

Want to take this from good to amazing ? first, remember to rinse your rice! it might seem like a faff, but it gets rid of extra starch.

If you are after crowd recipes , then this is a solid choice! one of the biggest mistakes? overcooking the rice.

It should be fluffy, not mushy. oh, and a squeeze of extra lemon at the end really brightens everything up.

I am all about fresh herbs, but if you do not have any, go with dried herbs for about a teaspoon.

If you want some healthy dinner recipes, then this is one of the best!

So there you have it, a brilliant, easy recipe for Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice. Get stuck in and let me know how it goes!

Alright, gather 'round, foodies! let's chat about this lemon herb chicken and rice recipes comfort bowl. it's not just about slinging ingredients together, it’s about turning simple ingredients into something truly special.

I’m gonna spill all the insider tips and tricks. let’s dive into some recipe notes , shall we?

Let's Get Plated! Serving Suggestions

Honestly, presentation matters, yeah? think about how you can make this bowl look amazing . this isn't just chicken and rice casserole , even though it feels like one.

Try plating the chicken and rice in a nice, deep bowl. garnish with a bit more fresh parsley or dill.

A lemon wedge adds a pop of color. for sides, something light and fresh does the trick. a simple green salad, maybe with a lemon vinaigrette.

Steamed broccoli with a squeeze of lemon. trust me, it's all about balance. and if you’re feeling naughty? crusty garlic bread never hurts.

Storing Like a Pro: Storage Tips

Right, so you've got leftovers, good for you! let's talk storage. refrigeration is key. pop that leftover chicken rice casserole (well, the bowl version!) into an airtight container.

It'll keep in the fridge for up to three days. fancy freezing it? go for it! make sure it's completely cool.

Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers. it'll last for about two months. when reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Then, microwave it or heat it in a pan on the hob with a splash of chicken broth. job done!

Shake it Up: Variations

Fancy a bit of a twist? i’ve got you covered. for a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. feeling creamy? stir in a splash of heavy cream. or crème fraîche at the end for extra richness.

Need it veggie? swap out the chicken for chickpeas or white beans. use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. this makes for great crowd recipes .

If you don't have fresh herbs, dried will do! but remember to use about 1 teaspoon dried for every tablespoon of fresh.

Seasonal ingredient swaps are also possible, use whatever vegetables are in season.

Nom Nom Numbers: Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's keep it real simple. a serving of this chicken and rice comfort bomb is about 450 calories. you're getting around 35g of protein.

Fast dinners can be health dinners too! there's also about 15g of fat and 40g of carbs. around 600mg of sodium is in there too.

Obviously, this is all an estimate. remember, it depends on what exactly you sling in there. the key benefit? it's packed with protein and comforting carbs.

This will give you lasting energy. it’s also a great source of vitamins. it makes this a pretty balanced meal.

So this makes for great meals ideas .

Honestly, this chicken and rice recipes dish is more than just food. it's supper ideas made easy and fast dinner recipes .

It's a hug in a bowl. don’t be afraid to get stuck in and make it your own. have fun! and enjoy every single bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these chicken and rice recipes in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! For a slow cooker version, brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the rice and broth and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the rice is tender. Just keep an eye on the liquid level, you might need to add a splash more broth if it looks dry, yeah?

What's the best way to store leftover chicken and rice?

Leftover Chicken and Rice Comfort Bowl is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems a bit dry. No one wants a dried-out rice dish – bit of a tragedy, that!

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in these chicken and rice recipes?

You certainly can, but be aware that it will affect the cooking time. Brown rice generally takes longer to cook than white rice, so you'll need to adjust the simmering time accordingly. Keep an eye on the liquid level and add more broth if needed. It's like waiting for the kettle to boil – patience is key!

I don't have fresh herbs. Can I use dried herbs for the Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice?

Of course! Dried herbs are a great substitute when you don't have fresh ones on hand. As a general rule of thumb, use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs called for in the recipe. Just remember that dried herbs can be quite potent, so don't overdo it or you'll end up feeling like you are eating potpourri, know what I mean?

Is this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

This recipe can be quite healthy, depending on your ingredient choices. Using lean chicken thighs, low-sodium broth, and plenty of vegetables makes it a reasonably balanced meal. Watch the added salt and consider using a lighter hand with the butter. It's all about balance, like a proper Sunday roast! Remember to consult with a nutritionist or healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

My chicken is always dry! How can I avoid dry chicken in these chicken and rice recipes?

Ah, the age-old question! To avoid dry chicken, don't overcook it when browning. The chicken will finish cooking while simmering in the broth with the rice. Another tip is to use chicken thighs, which are more forgiving than chicken breasts. And remember to let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving; it'll help the juices redistribute and keep the chicken moist. Nobody wants a dry chicken, it’s a crime against comfort food!

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