When time is tight but you’re craving a tasty dinner, this one-pot lemon chicken wonder has got you covered. Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and zesty lemon combine for a richness of flavours that dance on your taste buds. All this and a minimal cleanup means more time to relax and savour the results of your kitchen creation.
Feel free to swap in different herbs, add a handful of vegetables, or change up the protein entirely. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish promises a satisfying meal without the hassle.
Lemon Chicken Tips
- Shop smart for chicken: Look for deals on larger packages of chicken and freeze what you won’t use immediately. Boneless, skinless thighs are often more budget-friendly than breasts.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: To keep the chicken tender, remove it from the pan once browned and return it later in the cooking process.
- Use quality broth: While homemade broth is delicious, using a good-quality store-bought broth can still elevate the flavour without the extra work.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking before serving.
- Fresh herbs: If you have a garden, for an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the finished dish. Otherwise, a small amount of dried herbs can add flavour.
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Stretch your meal: This dish can easily be stretched by adding more vegetables like spinach, kale, or broccoli. This adds nutrients and bulk to your meal, making it more filling for less cost.
Ingredients
- 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the same pan. Cook until softened, about 5 mins.
- Stir in the rice, chicken broth, water, lemon zest and juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Return the chicken to the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 mins, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 mins before fluffing the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
A simple, yet incredibly tasty dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With just one pot and a few basic ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
Don’t miss our other delicious recipes, like the Creamy Miso Udon with Crispy Tofu and Sesame Broccoli, for a weeknight dinner rotation that never gets boring.
Love one-pot wonders? Discover the best casserole dishes and Dutch ovens that can handle everything from weeknight dinners to Sunday roasts.
