One-Pot Lemon Chicken and Rice with Peas

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

A comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, fragrant rice, and sweet peas simmered in a bright lemon broth. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.5 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 American cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz cubed chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup jasmine rice, 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1 tbsp lemon zest. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup frozen peas and cook for 2 more minutes until peas are heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Lemon Chicken and Rice with Peas take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 One-Pot Lemon Chicken and Rice with Peas?

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-Pot Lemon Chicken and Rice with Peas?

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-Pot Lemon Chicken and Rice with Peas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Pot Lemon Chicken and Rice with Peas?

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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