Pan-Seared Chicken with Gluten-Free Herb Rice Pilaf

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-27 · Updated 2026-04-27

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection served alongside a fragrant gluten-free herb rice pilaf. This Mediterranean-inspired gluten-free recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

Ingredients

• 2 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups gluten-free chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tsp lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from skillet and tent with foil to rest.
2. Step 2: Rinse 1 cup basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, 2 cups gluten-free chicken broth, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
3. Step 3: Remove rice from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme for a fragrant finish. Serve the rested chicken breasts alongside the herb rice pilaf.