![To create this delightful dish, gather these key ingredients: - 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed - 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium) - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (zest and juice) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create rich flavors and a hearty meal. The chicken thighs stay juicy, while the rice absorbs all the lemony goodness. You can add a few optional ingredients to boost the flavor: - Lemon slices for garnish - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh thyme or rosemary for herbal notes Using these extras can elevate your dish and make it even more inviting. This dish is not only tasty but also balanced. Here’s a quick look at what you get per serving: - Calories: Approximately 450 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 45g - Fat: 15g - Fiber: 1g These values can change based on your choices in ingredients. This recipe is a great option for a filling weeknight meal. For the full recipe, make sure to check the provided link! Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Mix well to coat all the pieces evenly. This step is key to building flavor in your dish. In a large pot, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and clear. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. The smell will be amazing! Now, raise the heat to medium-high. Toss in the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step locks in great flavor. Now it’s time to add the rice. Stir in the rinsed rice along with the lemon zest and lemon juice. Make sure everything is mixed well. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 20 minutes. The rice will absorb the broth and all the flavors. After 20 minutes, remove the pot from heat but keep it covered for another 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, mixing the chicken and rice together. This dish is now ready to serve! For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley and optional lemon slices. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Cooking rice can seem tricky, but I have a few tips. First, rinse your rice under cold water. This helps remove extra starch and keeps it from being sticky. Use the right water ratio. For long-grain rice, one part rice needs two parts broth. This keeps your rice fluffy and tasty. Lemon adds great zest to this dish. You can add more lemon juice if you love the taste. Fresh herbs, like parsley, also brighten the flavors. Taste the dish while it cooks. This way, you can add salt or pepper as needed. Spices like oregano and paprika give it warmth. Don’t be afraid to adjust these to your liking. One mistake is not searing the chicken enough. This step adds deep flavor. Another mistake is cooking rice too long. Overcooking makes it mushy. Keep an eye on the pot, and check the rice at the 20-minute mark. Avoid lifting the lid too often while it simmers. This keeps all the steam locked in, helping the rice cook evenly. For the full recipe, check the details above. {{image_2}} You can add veggies to the dish for more color and nutrients. Carrots, peas, or bell peppers work well. Just chop them into small pieces. Add them when you sauté the onion. This way, they cook evenly and add a nice crunch. The bright colors will make your meal more fun and appealing. If you love heat, try adding jalapeños. Chop them finely and mix them in with the onion. You can adjust the amount based on your spice level. The jalapeños will give the dish a kick and a fresh flavor. It’s a great way to change up the classic taste of One Pot Lemon Chicken Rice. Changing herbs can bring new flavors to your meal. Try fresh thyme or dill. Just add them in when you mix the rice and chicken broth. You can also use fresh basil for a more Italian feel. Each herb can change the dish's flavor while keeping it bright and tasty. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above! To store your One Pot Lemon Chicken Rice, let it cool down first. Then, put it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the rice in a bowl and cover it. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If using the stovetop, add a splash of broth or water. Heat it over low heat, stirring often. This helps keep the rice moist. If you have extra servings, freezing is a great option. Portion the rice into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out the air and seal them tightly. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy this tasty meal anytime! Yes, you can use brown rice. It will change the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. You will need to add more liquid and extend the simmer time by about 15-20 minutes. Check the rice for doneness. It should be tender but not mushy. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free chicken broth. Many brands offer low-sodium options. Also, check any spices you use. Some spice blends may contain gluten, so read labels carefully. With these swaps, you can enjoy this meal without worry. This dish works well with simple side salads. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette is perfect. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables. Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are great choices. For a heartier option, consider serving with garlic bread or pita. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. In this post, we explored making One Pot Lemon Chicken Rice from scratch. We discussed essential and optional ingredients, plus key tips for cooking. You learned how to sauté chicken and incorporate rice smoothly. I shared variations to suit your taste and tips for storing leftovers. As you try this dish, have fun with flavors and ingredients. Enjoy cooking and share your results!](https://mycookingcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/83506c1d-6fc1-403d-b8c3-0350e47e127c-250x250.webp)
One Pot Lemon Chicken Rice
Discover the delightful flavors of One Pot Lemon Chicken Rice, a simple and delicious recipe that brings bright lemon zest and tender chicken together in one dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 40-minute meal is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Learn how to make this comforting dish with just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of sunshine to your dinner table!