One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice

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

A simple, flavorful meal where tender chicken breasts simmer in a bright lemon-herb broth with rice and vegetables, all cooked in a single skillet. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large oven-safe skillet, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then sprinkle with 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves and 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup long-grain white rice and 2 cups chicken broth, then nestle the chicken breasts on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove foil, add 1 cup frozen peas and 1 cup sliced carrots, then drizzle with 2 tbsp lemon juice. Return to oven uncovered and bake for 10 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 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 One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken with 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 One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken with 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 One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken with 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 One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice?

American 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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