Lemon Herb Chicken With Wild Rice And Seasonal Greens Recipe
English cuisine · 1 servings · 670 calories

About this recipe
Looking for a delicious and nutritious lunch? This Lemon Herb Chicken with Wild Rice and Seasonal Greens is the perfect choice for those seeking a balanced and protein-packed meal. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parsley, and Lebanese seven spice mix, then air-fried to juicy perfection. The nutty wild rice complements the flavors beautifully, while the fresh carrot and cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch and a boost of vitamins. This dish is ideal for gym-goers, offering 28g of protein to support muscle recovery, along with slow-releasing carbs for sustained energy. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, it’s a great option for weekday lunches or meal prep. Garnished with parsley and a squeeze of lemon, the vibrant flavors and textures make this meal as satisfying as it is wholesome.
Ingredients
- 1 Piece Cucumber 1Pc
- - Schwartz Flat Leaf Parsley
- 100G Heera Black Pepper Powder 100g
- 100 g Yorkshire English Carrots 100G
- - Greens Frozen Medium Brussels Sprouts
- 140G Greenfields Mixed Herbs, 140G
- 400G Greenfield Himalayan Salt Fine 400G
- 600G Shazans Chicken Thigh Fillets
- 1 Lemon - 1 Each
- 1 Garlic Bulb - 1 Each
- 250G Tilda Wild Rice
- 500 ml Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500 Ml
Instructions
- 1. Rinse 120 g wild rice under cold water and soak it for 10 minutes before cooking.
- 2. In a pot, bring 500 ml water to a boil, add the wild rice, and cook for 25 minutes until tender.
- 3. While the rice cooks, marinate 400 g chicken thighs with the juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 10 g chopped parsley, 1 tsp mixed herbs, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- 4. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- 5. Place the marinated chicken thighs into the air fryer basket and cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
- 6. Boil 200 g frozen Brussels sprouts in salted water for 5-6 minutes until tender, then drain.
- 7. Peel and julienne 100 g carrots, then slice half a cucumber thinly for the salad base.
- 8. In a bowl, mix the carrots and cucumber with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
- 9. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- 10. Drain and fluff the wild rice, and plate it alongside the chicken, sprouts and salad.
- 11. Garnish the dish with chopped parsley and a wedge of lemon for added zest before serving.
How to make Lemon Herb Chicken With Wild Rice And Seasonal Greens
- Cook the wild rice. Rinse the wild rice under cold water and soak it for 10 minutes, then add it to a pot of boiling water and cook for 25 minutes until tender.
- Marinate the chicken. While the rice cooks, marinate the chicken thighs with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper and the spice mix, and preheat the air fryer to 180°C for 5 minutes.
- Air fry the chicken. Place the marinated thighs in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to keep it juicy.
- Make the salad. Peel and julienne the carrots and thinly slice the cucumber, then mix them with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Plate and garnish. Drain and fluff the wild rice and plate it alongside the chicken and salad. Garnish with chopped parsley and a lemon wedge before serving.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does Lemon Herb Chicken with Wild Rice and Seasonal Greens take?
- About 35 minutes: 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking. The chicken cooks in the air fryer while the wild rice simmers on the hob.
- Is Lemon Herb Chicken with Wild Rice and Seasonal Greens vegetarian?
- No, it is not vegetarian. Chicken marinated in lemon, garlic and parsley is air fried and served with wild rice and a crunchy salad.
- Does wild rice need soaking?
- A short soak helps it cook more evenly. Rinse it first, then simmer until the grains are tender and some have split open to show their pale centres.
- Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
- Yes, brown rice or a wild and basmati mix works well. Brown rice has a softer bite, so cook it until tender and drain any extra water.
- What is served alongside the lemon herb chicken?
- A crunchy salad of julienned carrot and thin cucumber slices dressed with olive oil, salt and pepper. Halved Brussels sprouts, air fried until crisp at the edges, also make a good green side.