One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice

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

Chicken and rice cooked together in a single pot with bright lemon and garlic flavors, ready in 30 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (high-protein) ready in about 28 minutes pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes) and season with 1/4 tsp salt. Cook for 5 minutes until golden brown, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 garlic cloves (minced) to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 cup uncooked white rice, and 2 cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook on low for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 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 Garlic 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-Pot Lemon Garlic 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-Pot Lemon Garlic 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.

Is One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice high-protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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