One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice with Fresh Herbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting meal made in one pot: tender chicken pieces cooked in a fragrant lemon-herb broth, served over fluffy rice with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, chicken broth, white wine for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 3.7 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.2 lbs chicken thighs dry and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 chopped lemon (peel removed) to the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, and 1/4 cup fresh basil, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1/2 cup white wine, scraping the pot to combine. Add 1.5 cups uncooked white rice, then return chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the liquid.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken and rice to a plate, then strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding solids. Return liquid to the pot and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, then spoon over chicken and rice. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice with Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Herb Chicken and Rice with Fresh Herbs?

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 One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice with Fresh Herbs?

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 Herb Chicken and Rice with Fresh Herbs 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-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice with Fresh Herbs?

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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