Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb Rice
Tender chicken thighs baked with fresh lemon and dill, served over fragrant rice infused with garden herbs for a bright, aromatic weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken thighs, lemon, fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Zest 1 lemon and cut it into thin wedges; mix zest with 2 tbsp fresh dill and 2 tbsp olive oil, then rub evenly over chicken.
- Step 3: Place chicken skin-side up in a baking dish, nestle lemon wedges around it, and roast at 400°F for 35-40 minutes until golden and juices run clear.
- Step 4: While chicken cooks, bring 1 1/2 cups chicken broth to a simmer, add 1 cup white rice, cover, and cook on low for 18 minutes until tender and liquid absorbed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb Rice take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb 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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
