One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: Comfort Food, Sorted!
My easy one pot chicken and rice recipe! Juicy lemon herb chicken and fluffy rice all cooked together. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavour! Get the recipe now. ... Quick & Wholesome
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a health dinner that's both delicious and easy? i've got you. this one pot chicken and rice recipe easy peasy, and packed with flavor.
This dish is like sunshine on a plate, lemon and herbs are the main attraction.
Brief Overview
One pot chicken and rice is a hearty dish, a staple in many cultures. it’s easy to make this into a gluten free dinner , requiring just one pot.
It will be on your table in under an hour. this recipe serves 4-6 people. perfect for a family health dinner recipes .
Main Benefits
This easy one pot chicken dinner is not just convenient. it's also pretty good for you. chicken is a great source of lean protein.
The lemon and herbs add a burst of flavor. this is what makes this lemon herb chicken and rice one pot recipe special.
It can be served for any occasion.
One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: Comfort Food, Sorted! Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
A Humble Dish with Amazing Flavor
Honestly, the beauty of one pot chicken and rice with vegetables lies in its simplicity. it transforms basic ingredients into something special.
It's a chicken and rice one pot family meal , that will make everyone happy. you can even try using a dutch oven chicken and rice for a rustic touch.
Did you know chicken and rice soup, a close cousin to this dish, is thought to date back to ancient China? Its comforting qualities have been valued for centuries!
Why This Recipe? It's More Than Just Food
I remember my first attempt at this. it was a disaster! the rice was mushy and the chicken was dry.
But i learned a valuable lesson. now this recipe is my go-to meal when i need something quick. it's a comforting and gluten free recipes for dinner .
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's dive into the heart of this amazing one pot chicken and rice recipe easy . forget complicated! this is about simple deliciousness.
This easy one pot chicken dinner is so straight forward!
What You'll Need: The A-Team
Here's what you gotta have for this absolute winner of a health dinner recipe .
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil. Go for a good quality one; you can really taste the difference!
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (around 900g ). Skin-on is key for that crispy goodness.
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt and ½ teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper. Seasoning is your friend, people!
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 150g ). Diced finely is what you are looking for.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (around 6g ). Fresh is best, but the jarred stuff works in a pinch.
- 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed (around 180g ). Rinsing is important for fluffy rice!
- 2 cups chicken broth (475ml). Good broth equals good flavor.
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional) (120ml). Adds a lovely depth if you have some knocking about.
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced. Adds a zingy freshness to our lemon herb chicken and rice one pot .
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (around 8g ) and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (around 4g ). Fresh herbs bring the dish to life.
- 1 bay leaf. Don’t skip this; it adds a subtle but crucial flavour.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Spice It Up (and other yummy things)
For this chicken and rice one pot family meal , herbs and spices are not just a thing, they're THE thing. Bay leaf is key and so is the thyme!
Don't have fresh parsley? dried works fine (use about a teaspoon). lemon zest ups the lemon flavor. a dash of paprika adds smokiness.
For a gluten free dinner , make sure your broth is certified gluten-free. remember to check all your labels so they are gluten free recipes for dinner.
Tools of the Trade
You only need one thing for this amazing one pot chicken and rice with vegetables :
- A large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven with a lid. This is essential.
Don't have a dutch oven? a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid will do. a normal stainless steel works.
You will also need a chopping board for dicing the onion and some measuring spoons.
Honestly, this health dinner is so simple. the hardest part is waiting for it to cook. but trust me, it's worth it! this amazing and wholesome meal is ready in less than one hour and is an incredible dutch oven chicken and rice .
One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: Sorted!
Fancy a proper health dinner that's proper easy? then one pot chicken and rice is your best bet. honestly, this one pot chicken and rice recipe easy is the kind of dish you can whip up on a whim.
It tastes like you've been slaving away all day. but between you and me, it is dead simple.
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
First things first, get your stuff together. chop the onion, mince the garlic. measure out the rice and broth. slice that lemon.
Like they say: proper preparation prevents poor performance. it's worth the effort to have everything ready to go. honestly, it makes cooking way more enjoyable.
This is easy one pot chicken dinner at its finest.
Let's Get Cooking: Simple Steps to Success
Sear the chicken Season the chicken then sear it in olive oil until golden. 5- 7 minutes skin-side down . Trust me, it's worth it for the crispy skin.
Sauté the aromatics Add the onion and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened - about 5 minutes .
Rice and liquids Stir in rinsed rice, broth, and white wine. Bring to a simmer.
Layer, cover, simmer Top with seared chicken, lemon slices, and bay leaf. Cover and simmer for 25- 30 minutes . Chicken internal temperature 165° F / 74° C .
Rest and enjoy Remove from heat. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and thyme.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pot
Want to take your one pot chicken and rice up a notch? pat the chicken skin dry before searing for maximum crispiness.
Seriously, this is a game-changer. and resist the urge to peek during cooking. letting that steam escape is just bad news for the rice.
This chicken and rice one pot family meal will definitely be on repeat. if you fancy a gluten free dinner , make sure your chicken stock is gf as well!
Health Dinner Recipes and Customizations Galore!
Lemon herb chicken and rice one pot is super versatile, too. for a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Need a gluten free recipes for dinner ? just double check your chicken broth is gluten-free and bobs your uncle!.
If you wanna use brown rice, just add more liquid and increase the cooking time. and if you're feeling particularly adventurous, throw in some diced vegetables for a one pot chicken and rice with vegetables mega meal.
Or you can also use a dutch oven chicken and rice as well. so many options!
Recipe Notes for Your Star Health Dinner
Right, so you've got the recipe for one pot chicken and rice recipe easy down. but let's talk about making it your own, yeah? i've been making this chicken and rice one pot family meal for ages, and i've learned a few tricks that'll take it from "good" to "oh my gosh, where did you get this recipe?".
Trust me, even simple health dinner recipes can be elevated with a little extra love.
Level Up Your Serving Game
Honestly, presentation is half the battle. a simple plating can make all the difference. i like to pile the one pot chicken and rice with vegetables (if you add any, wink wink) in a bowl.
Top it with an extra squeeze of lemon. a sprinkle of parsley makes it look all fancy! this easy one pot chicken dinner is perfect with a crisp green salad on the side.
A simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette is ideal. if you're feeling fancy, roast some asparagus too. think a good gluten free dinner needs more? a hunk of crusty bread is always a winner.
Storage Savvy
Life happens, right? so, if you've got leftovers, don't stress. pop the cooled one pot chicken and rice into an airtight container.
It'll happily chill in the fridge for up to 3 days. for longer storage, portion it out into freezer bags.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months, honestly, it tastes just as good reheated! to reheat, simply microwave until piping hot.
I sometimes add a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Twist it Up: Variations on a Theme
Let's get creative with the dutch oven chicken and rice or a regular pot version! need a gluten free recipes for dinner ? this recipe is naturally gluten-free, just double-check your chicken broth.
For a lighter version, swap the white rice for cauliflower rice. in the summer, i love adding seasonal veggies like courgette and bell peppers.
They add a fresh burst of flavour. i've even swapped the lemon for lime once. let me tell you, it tasted amazing .
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, let's talk nutrients. this lemon herb chicken and rice one pot is packed with protein. the chicken is loaded with protein, which is fab for keeping you full and happy.
Rice provides energy and fibre. this health dinner has vitamin c from the lemon, and the herbs are bursting with antioxidants.
Not too shabby, eh? "let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” - hippocrates
See? this one pot chicken and rice isn't just a meal, it's an adventure! get in the kitchen, get creative.
Don't be afraid to experiment. have fun, and enjoy your delicious creation! you've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different cuts of chicken for this one pot chicken and rice recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavour, you can definitely use chicken breasts or drumsticks. If using chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent them from drying out. Just make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) regardless of the cut you choose. It's your kitchen, rule Britannia!
My rice is always sticky! How do I avoid gummy rice in one pot chicken and rice?
Sticky rice can be a bummer, but it's easily avoided. Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch, which is the main culprit. Also, avoid lifting the lid during simmering, as this releases steam and can disrupt the cooking process. Trust the recipe, give it the allotted time, and you'll be rewarded with fluffy, perfectly cooked rice.
How long does leftover one pot chicken and rice last, and how should I store it?
Leftovers will happily keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. It's even better the next day, like a good curry!
I'm trying to cut back on carbs. Can I make this one pot chicken and rice healthier?
Definitely! You can substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice to significantly reduce the carbohydrate content. Also, load up on the veggies by adding chopped bell peppers, broccoli florets, or peas to the pot along with the rice. You can also opt for brown rice instead of white, which adds more fibre.
Can I freeze one pot chicken and rice?
While it's possible to freeze this dish, the texture of the rice might change slightly upon thawing. To minimize this, cool the chicken and rice completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Consume within 2-3 months for best quality, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly. Freezing is a great way to save some for a rainy day!
What else can I add to this one pot chicken and rice to make it even more flavourful?
The possibilities are endless! Try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky depth, or a pinch of saffron for a touch of luxury. Some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives would bring a Mediterranean twist. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving will also brighten up all the flavours. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own, Jamie Oliver style!
