How long does Lemon Herb Chicken with Tomato Basil Rice take?

About 45 minutes: 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking. The chicken marinates while you rinse the rice and soften the onions and tomatoes.

Can I use chicken thighs in Lemon Herb Chicken with Tomato Basil Rice?

Yes, boneless thighs stay juicier and take the marinade well. Cook them a few minutes longer and check they are cooked through before slicing.

How do I stop tomato rice going sticky?

Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then leave it covered on low heat without stirring. Fluff it gently with a fork once the liquid is absorbed.

What can I use instead of chopped tomatoes in tomato basil rice?

Swap them for fresh ripe tomatoes, diced, or a spoon of passata. Fresh tomatoes are juicier, so cook them down a little longer before adding the rice.

How can I add more flavour to lemon herb chicken?

Let it marinate longer in the fridge and add lemon zest along with the juice. A few capers scattered over the sliced chicken add a sharp, salty lift.

Lemon Herb Chicken With Tomato Basil Rice Recipe

Name: Lemon Herb Chicken with Tomato Basil Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: NaN Fresh Halal Chicken Breast - Boneless Without Skin; - Biona Capers in Olive Oil; 100 G Jumbo Garlic 100g; 250 Ml Trs Lemon Juice 250Ml; - Schwartz Italian Seasoning; 750 G Top-Op Table Salt Drums; 100G Heera Black Pepper Powder 100g; 250G Tilda Wholegrain Basmati Rice 250g; 280G Caprichos Del Paladar Roasted Chopped Tomatoes, 280G; - Sussex Wholefoods Organic Dried Basil; 1 Onion Large 1 Each

Italian cuisine · 330 calories

About this recipe

This Italian-inspired breakfast dish combines tender, juicy chicken marinated in a zesty lemon-herb blend with fragrant tomato-basil rice. The chicken is packed with lean protein while the rice offers a healthy dose of complex carbohydrates. Fresh tomatoes and basil bring vibrant flavors and essential nutrients to the plate, making it a wholesome and energizing way to start your day. The recipe is dairy-free, nut-free, and perfect for an intermediate cook looking to create a satisfying meal in under an hour. Serve it hot with a garnish of fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and aroma. Ideal for a cozy breakfast or brunch, this dish sets the tone for an active, wellness-focused day ahead.

Ingredients

NaN Fresh Halal Chicken Breast - Boneless Without Skin
- Biona Capers In Olive Oil
100 G Jumbo Garlic 100g
250 Ml Trs Lemon Juice 250Ml
- Schwartz Italian Seasoning
750 G Top-Op Table Salt Drums
100G Heera Black Pepper Powder 100g
250G Tilda Wholegrain Basmati Rice 250g
280G Caprichos Del Paladar Roasted Chopped Tomatoes, 280G
- Sussex Wholefoods Organic Dried Basil
1 Onion Large 1 Each

Instructions

1. Rinse the chicken breast and pat it dry with a paper towel.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
3. Coat the chicken breast evenly with the marinade and let it rest for 15 minutes.
4. While the chicken marinates, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
5. Dice the tomato and onion finely, and chop the basil leaves into small pieces.
6. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onions until translucent.
7. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for 5 minutes until softened, then stir in the chopped basil.
8. Add the rinsed rice to the pan, stir well, and pour in the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked, around 15 minutes.
9. Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
10. Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes after cooking before slicing it into thin strips.
11. Plate the cooked tomato-basil rice and top it with the sliced chicken.
12. Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves and an optional drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

How to make Lemon Herb Chicken With Tomato Basil Rice

Marinate the chicken. Rinse the chicken breast and pat it dry. Mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, coat the chicken evenly and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Prepare rice and vegetables. While the chicken marinates, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear, finely dice the tomato and onion, and chop the basil leaves into small pieces.
Cook the tomato basil rice. Sauté the onions in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until translucent, add the tomatoes for 5 minutes, then stir in the basil. Add the rice and water, bring to the boil, cover and simmer for around 15 minutes.
Cook the chicken. Heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked, then rest it for 2 minutes and slice into thin strips.
Plate and garnish. Spoon the tomato basil rice onto plates, top with the sliced chicken and garnish with a few fresh basil leaves and an optional drizzle of olive oil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon Herb Chicken with Tomato Basil Rice take?: About 45 minutes: 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking. The chicken marinates while you rinse the rice and soften the onions and tomatoes.
Can I use chicken thighs in Lemon Herb Chicken with Tomato Basil Rice?: Yes, boneless thighs stay juicier and take the marinade well. Cook them a few minutes longer and check they are cooked through before slicing.
How do I stop tomato rice going sticky?: Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then leave it covered on low heat without stirring. Fluff it gently with a fork once the liquid is absorbed.
What can I use instead of chopped tomatoes in tomato basil rice?: Swap them for fresh ripe tomatoes, diced, or a spoon of passata. Fresh tomatoes are juicier, so cook them down a little longer before adding the rice.
How can I add more flavour to lemon herb chicken?: Let it marinate longer in the fridge and add lemon zest along with the juice. A few capers scattered over the sliced chicken add a sharp, salty lift.