Description
Mediterranean-inspired lemon chicken rice bake delivers classic comfort with zesty citrus notes. Home cooks can enjoy this simple, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and bright Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
Grains:
- 2 cups white rice
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a baking dish for the chicken rice ensemble.
- Sizzle chicken pieces in olive oil over medium-high heat until achieving a rich golden exterior, then transfer to a waiting plate.
- In the same skillet, gently sweat chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Introduce uncooked rice into the pan, coating grains with aromatic oils from onions and garlic.
- Pour chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and grated lemon zest into the rice mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Arrange seared chicken pieces atop the seasoned rice, ensuring even coverage.
- Securely wrap the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for moisture retention.
- Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, allowing rice to become tender and chicken to cook completely.
- Remove foil during the final 5 minutes to allow slight browning of chicken surface.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is patted dry before searing to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, vibrant citrus punch that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm your chicken broth is certified gluten-free and use alternatives like cauliflower rice if needed.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano to customize the flavor and add depth to the one-pan meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg