Lemon Herb Chicken With Garlic Rice Recipe

Italian cuisine · 336 calories

About this recipe

This Lemon Herb Chicken with Garlic Rice is a delightful Italian-inspired dinner that combines zesty and fragrant flavors with wholesome ingredients. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with Schwartz Italian seasoning are paired with aromatic garlic-infused rice for a comforting and nutritious meal. The addition of fresh parsley and lemon zest not only brings brightness to the dish but also enhances its health value with antioxidants. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this recipe provides 42g of protein, making it ideal for supporting muscle health, while 50g of carbohydrates ensure you stay energized. Enjoy this satisfying meal that is dairy-free, nut-free, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for two, this dish is sure to impress. Easy to prepare in under an hour, it's a go-to option for those craving a wholesome and tasty meal.

Ingredients

  • NaN Fresh Halal Chicken Breast - Boneless Without Skin
  • 250G Tilda Wholegrain Basmati Rice 250g
  • - Schwartz Flat Leaf Parsley
  • 1 Lemon - 1 Each
  • 100 G Jumbo Garlic 100g
  • - Biona Capers In Olive Oil
  • 75G Greenfields Hot Wings Seasoning, 75G
  • 400G Greenfield Himalayan Salt Fine 400G
  • 100G Heera Black Pepper Powder 100g

Instructions

  1. 1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water and set aside to drain.
  2. 2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Schwartz Italian Seasoning.
  3. 3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. 4. While the chicken is cooking, finely chop the garlic and parsley, and zest the lemon.
  5. 5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside; cover to keep warm.
  6. 6. In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  7. 7. Add the drained rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the garlic and oil for 2 minutes.
  8. 8. Pour in 300 ml of water and add a pinch of salt; bring the mixture to a boil.
  9. 9. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice cook for 15 minutes or until tender.
  10. 10. While the rice is cooking, squeeze the juice of the lemon over the chicken and sprinkle with lemon zest and chopped parsley.
  11. 11. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and serve alongside the chicken.
  12. 12. Garnish the dish with additional parsley and a lemon wedge for added freshness.

How to make Lemon Herb Chicken With Garlic Rice

  1. Prepare rice and chicken. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water and leave it to drain. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper and dried herb seasoning.
  2. Sear the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Meanwhile chop the garlic and parsley and zest the lemon, then set the chicken aside, covered.
  3. Toast the garlic rice. In the same pan, heat the remaining olive oil and sauté the garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant, then add the drained rice and stir for 2 minutes to coat it.
  4. Simmer the rice. Pour in 300 ml of water with a pinch of salt and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender.
  5. Dress the chicken and serve. Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle with lemon zest and parsley. Fluff the rice with a fork, serve it alongside the chicken and garnish with more parsley and a lemon wedge.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon Herb Chicken with Garlic Rice take to make?
About 40 minutes: 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking. The chicken is seared first, then the garlic rice cooks in the same skillet while the chicken rests.
How do I keep the chicken breast juicy?
Sear it over medium heat without moving it too often, then cover it while it rests so the juices settle. Adding the lemon juice and zest after cooking keeps the flavour bright without toughening the meat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for lemon herb chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and stay moist more easily. Sear them a little longer than breasts and make sure they are cooked through in the thickest part before resting.
Why cook the garlic rice in the same pan as the chicken?
Toasting the rice in the garlic oil left in the chicken pan gives every grain a savoury flavour. Stir it for a couple of minutes before adding the water so the grains stay separate and fluffy.
Is Lemon Herb Chicken with Garlic Rice good for meal prep?
Yes, keep the chicken and rice in a covered container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat the rice with a splash of water until piping hot and add a fresh squeeze of lemon before eating.