Lemon Chicken and Rice
A vibrant and savory dish with succulent chicken infused with fresh lemon and fluffy rice, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 piece Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon Juice of 1 lemon
For the Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or stock)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation of Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon zest. Rub the spice mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Searing the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover with foil to keep warm.
Cooking the Aromatics
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet.
- Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cooking the Rice
- Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth, dried thyme, and paprika. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
Finishing Touches
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the seared chicken.
- Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork, then nestle the chicken on top of the rice in the skillet. Cover and let sit for an additional 5 minutes.
Serving
- Serve the chicken over the rice and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken ahead of time. Use fresh ingredients for the best results and always taste and adjust seasonings while cooking.