Lemon-Herb Infused Chicken & Rice

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

Chicken breasts poached in a fragrant lemon-herb broth that infuses every grain of rice with bright, aromatic flavors. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken breasts, uncooked white rice, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 boneless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1.5 cups uncooked white rice, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 medium thinly sliced lemon, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme. Bring to a boil.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Step 6: Nestle the cooked chicken breasts on top of the rice, cover, and let steam for 5 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Infused Chicken & Rice take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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-Herb Infused Chicken & 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 breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Infused Chicken & 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-Herb Infused Chicken & 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-Herb Infused Chicken & Rice?

Mediterranean one pot 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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