Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts baked with fresh herbs, served over zesty lemon rice for a simple yet elegant dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs olive oil, dried thyme, dried rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat 4 chicken breasts dry, then rub with 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl, then rub evenly over chicken.
  2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place chicken in skillet and sear for 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Step 3: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup white rice, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  4. Step 4: Bake chicken for 20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Fluff cooked rice with a fork, stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and serve chicken topped with pan juices over rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon Rice take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon Rice?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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