Herbed Lemon Chicken With Garlic Rice Recipe

Italian cuisine · 1 servings · 391 calories

Herbed Lemon Chicken with Garlic Rice recipe

About this recipe

Herbed Lemon Chicken with Garlic Rice is a delightful Italian-inspired dish perfect for lunch. Tender chicken breast is seasoned with aromatic Italian herbs, freshly pressed lemon juice, and garlic, then cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a healthy, flavorful result. Paired with fluffy garlic-infused rice, this meal is packed with 51 grams of protein, offering the perfect balance of energy and nutrition for your day. The citrusy tang of the lemon complements the savory notes of garlic and parsley, creating a harmonious and vibrant taste. Best of all, this recipe is ready in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weekdays or post-workout recovery. Serve it hot and enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal that feels like a Mediterranean escape.

Ingredients

  • - Chicken Breast Fillets
  • 1 Lemon - 1 Each
  • 1 Garlic Bulb - 1 Each
  • 500G Tropical Sun Basmati Rice 500g
  • 400G Greenfield Himalayan Salt Fine 400G
  • 100G Heera Black Pepper Powder 100g
  • 75G Greenfields Hot Wings Seasoning, 75G
  • 125G Grissini Traditional Extra Virgin Olive Oil Breadsticks, 125G
  • - Schwartz Flat Leaf Parsley

Instructions

  1. 1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts, then season them with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. 2. Heat olive oil in an air fryer-safe pan and sear the chicken breasts on both sides until lightly golden.
  3. 3. Add lemon juice and minced garlic to the pan, letting the chicken absorb the flavors for a few minutes.
  4. 4. Transfer the chicken to the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. 5. While the chicken cooks, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  6. 6. Heat a small saucepan with olive oil and sauté the remaining minced garlic until fragrant.
  7. 7. Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat it evenly with the garlic oil.
  8. 8. Pour in water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the rice is tender.
  9. 9. Finely chop the parsley and set aside for garnish while the chicken and rice finish cooking.
  10. 10. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thick pieces.
  11. 11. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and transfer to serving plates.
  12. 12. Arrange the sliced chicken over the rice and drizzle any remaining lemon-garlic sauce from the air fryer tray.
  13. 13. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for a vibrant and flavorful meal.

How to make Herbed Lemon Chicken With Garlic Rice

  1. Season and sear the chicken. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts, then season with salt, black pepper and Italian seasoning. Sear in olive oil in an air fryer-safe pan on both sides until lightly golden, then add lemon juice and minced garlic for a few minutes.
  2. Air fry the chicken. Transfer the chicken to the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
  3. Cook the garlic rice. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Sauté the remaining garlic in olive oil, stir in the rice to coat, then add water and a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, cover and simmer on low for 12-15 minutes until tender.
  4. Rest and slice. Finely chop the parsley for garnish. Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thick pieces, and fluff the rice with a fork.
  5. Assemble and serve. Spoon the rice onto plates, arrange the sliced chicken on top and drizzle with any remaining lemon-garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herbed Lemon Chicken with Garlic Rice take to make?
About 35 minutes: 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking. The chicken finishes in the air fryer while the garlic rice simmers on the hob.
Why sear the chicken before it goes into the air fryer?
Searing gives the breasts a golden crust and lets them soak up the lemon and garlic before finishing. The air fryer then cooks them through evenly without drying out the outside.
Can I make Herbed Lemon Chicken with Garlic Rice without an air fryer?
Yes, finish the seared chicken in a hot oven or cover the pan and cook it over low heat until cooked through. Rest it before slicing so it stays juicy.
What can I use instead of basmati for the garlic rice?
Swap it for long grain white rice or jasmine rice, cooked the same way in garlic oil. Rinse whichever rice you use until the water runs clear so it stays fluffy.
What goes well with lemon chicken and garlic rice?
A crisp green salad or steamed green beans keep it fresh, and olive oil breadsticks add crunch. Spoon the lemon-garlic pan juices over the rice for extra flavour.