One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe: Your Go-To Weeknight Meal

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In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s always a win when you find a recipe that not only saves you time but also delivers a mouthwatering and nutritious meal. If you’re someone who enjoys flavorful dishes without spending hours in the kitchen, the One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is for you. This simple, one-pot meal is packed with tender chicken, aromatic herbs, fresh vegetables, and the bright zing of lemon, making it a perfect choice for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this dish, including the ingredients, preparation steps, tips for the perfect result, and why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Before we dive into the ingredients and cooking steps, let’s take a moment to talk about why this dish will become one of your favorites. The One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is an ideal meal for several reasons:

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and a cooking process that all takes place in one pot, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something flavorful but don’t have the time to fuss over multiple dishes.
• Flavor-packed: The chicken marinates in a blend of lemon juice, garlic, and dried herbs, infusing it with rich and zesty flavors that make every bite a treat. Add in the fresh vegetables and herbs, and you have a meal that’s bursting with taste.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. The addition of fresh veggies like zucchini and onions gives it a well-rounded nutritional profile.
• One-Pot Wonder: Not only does this recipe simplify the cooking process, but the best part is the cleanup. Everything cooks together in one pot, making your post-dinner cleaning a breeze.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Now, let’s explore how you can recreate this wonderful meal in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Before you begin cooking, gather the following ingredients to make sure you have everything you need. This recipe combines fresh, simple ingredients to create a dish that’s full of flavor but doesn’t require a trip to the specialty store.

Chicken and Marinade Ingredients

The marinade is the secret to infusing the chicken with vibrant flavors that will shine through in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Chicken and Rice Ingredients

These ingredients complete the dish, adding richness, texture, and nutrition:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, chopped into large chunks
• 1 medium zucchini, quartered
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1 1/4 cups jasmine rice
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley (optional)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Ingredient Breakdown: Why These Ingredients Work Together

• Chicken is a versatile protein that absorbs the marinade beautifully, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
• Olive oil acts as both a marinade base and a cooking oil, adding richness without overwhelming the dish.
• Garlic and lemon juice provide that signature Mediterranean flavor, adding a sharp zest and fragrant aroma to the chicken and rice.
• Jasmine rice is the ideal rice for this dish—it’s fragrant and fluffy, perfectly complementing the chicken and vegetables.
• Zucchini and onion offer both texture and nutritional benefits, while the optional feta cheese and parsley enhance the dish’s flavor and freshness.

Ingredients	Amount
Boneless Skinless Chicken	1 1/2 lbs
Olive Oil	1/4 cup + 2 tbsp
Vinegar	3 tbsp
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves
Lemon Juice	From 2 lemons
Dried Oregano	1 tsp
Dried Basil	1/2 tsp
Dried Thyme	1/2 tsp
Salt	1/2 tsp
Black Pepper	1/4 tsp
Red Onion (chopped)	1 medium
Zucchini (quartered)	1 medium
Chicken Broth	1 1/2 cups
Jasmine Rice	1 1/4 cups
Parsley (optional)	1/2 cup
Feta Cheese (optional)	1/2 cup

How to Make One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to cook! Follow these easy steps for a flavorful, comforting meal that you can enjoy in under 30 minutes.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

The key to a flavorful chicken dish lies in the marinade. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well to ensure the chicken is coated evenly with the marinade.
3. Place the marinated chicken in a ziplock bag or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, though for best results, marinate overnight to really let the flavors soak in.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken (discard any leftover marinade) to the pot. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
3. Depending on the size of your Instant Pot, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure an even sear.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. After searing the chicken, add the chopped onion and zucchini to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and begin to caramelize slightly.
2. This step adds extra depth of flavor to the dish, so don’t skip it!

Step 4: Add Rice and Broth

1. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and jasmine rice. Stir everything together to combine.
2. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid for the best cooking results.

Step 5: Cook the Rice and Chicken

1. Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure. Cook for 7 minutes.
2. After the cooking time is complete, carefully turn the valve from sealing to venting to release the pressure.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

1. Open the Instant Pot and stir everything together.
2. For a fresh touch, stir in chopped parsley, an extra squeeze of lemon juice, and crumbled feta cheese if you like.
3. Serve the dish warm, and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

1. Customize Your Vegetables

Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or even cherry tomatoes for added color, texture, and nutrition. The beauty of this dish is its versatility.

2. Marinate Longer for More Flavor

For even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If you’re short on time, even a quick 15-minute marinade will deliver a delicious result, but the longer you marinate, the better the flavor.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pot

When searing the chicken, be sure not to overcrowd the Instant Pot. Overcrowding will result in steaming rather than searing, which prevents that desirable golden, crispy texture. It’s better to cook the chicken in batches.

4. Adjust the Cooking Time for Other Rice Varieties

If you’re using another type of rice, such as brown rice, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time than white jasmine rice.

5. Make it Spicy

For an extra kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade or sprinkle them on top before serving.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Meal Prep

This One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is an excellent choice for meal prep. Here’s why:

• Storage: The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. It also freezes well, so you can prepare a double batch and enjoy it later.
• Versatile: You can switch out the vegetables, add different herbs, or top it with a variety of garnishes to keep the meals interesting throughout the week.
• Balanced Meal: With lean protein, fiber, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables, this dish makes for a satisfying lunch or dinner that’ll keep you full and energized.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Weeknight Meal

The One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is a total game-changer. With its easy prep, bold flavors, and nutritious ingredients, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome and tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress your family or simply need a simple yet delicious dinner, this dish ticks all the boxes. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful.

Ready to try it? Get cooking today, and watch this recipe become a regular in your dinner rotation!

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