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Creamy One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

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A quick and easy one-pot meal featuring juicy chicken thighs, tangy lemon, fresh herbs, and creamy rice, perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (190 g)
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth (600 ml)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (120 ml)
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley), chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, 25 g)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper (approx. 5 minutes).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside (approx. 10 minutes).
  3. Lower heat to medium and sauté minced garlic in the same skillet for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add rice to the skillet and stir to coat with garlic and oil, toasting for about 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir gently and bring to a simmer (approx. 1-2 minutes).
  6. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, partially submerged in the liquid.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. Remove lid, stir in heavy cream and optional Parmesan cheese. Cook uncovered for another 3-5 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened.
  9. Stir in fresh chopped herbs and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  10. Serve immediately, spooning extra creamy sauce over the chicken and rice.

Notes

Searing the chicken first locks in juices and adds flavor. Toasting the rice prevents sticking and adds nuttiness. Keep the lid on during simmering to cook rice evenly. Add more broth if rice is still crunchy after cooking time. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and omit Parmesan. Use aluminum foil as a lid substitute if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, chicken, lemon herb, creamy, easy dinner, weeknight meal, chicken and rice

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/creamy-one-pot-lemon-herb-chicken-and-rice-easy-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/