Your family will be asking for this 30-minute one-pot lemon chicken and rice dinner every week. It’s quick, simple, and leaves you with minimal cleanup.
This recipe was first published August 2, 2021.
This one-pot lemon chicken and rice is a family favorite that I make on repeat. With busy schedules full of sports and school events, you need reliable dinners that everyone enjoys — and this is one of them.
This dish consistently gets rave reviews: juicy seared chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and bright lemon flavor. It’s simple to prepare and easy to customize.
Serve it with steamed broccoli, roasted or honey-glazed carrots, or a crisp side salad. If you keep frozen peas on hand, stir them into the pan at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.
I’ve made this recipe for years. The lemon zest added to the rice gives it extra brightness, which I love. While the chicken finishes cooking, it soaks up the savory broth and lemon juices, making every bite flavorful.
Ingredients Needed
- olive oil — for searing the chicken
- chicken breast (or thighs)
- lemon pepper seasoning
- butter
- basmati rice — basmati stays light and separate; jasmine can become sticky
- chicken broth
- lemon — zest, juice, and slices; use fresh lemon rather than bottled juice
- salt and pepper
Variations
This recipe is highly adaptable. Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a richer, more forgiving cut. If you’re short on time, use shredded rotisserie chicken — skip the searing step and add the cooked chicken when you return the rice to the pan.
You can also experiment with different rice types. Arborio (risotto rice) will yield a creamier texture but requires more stirring and additional liquid. Long-grain basmati is recommended for the light, fluffy result described here.
How To Make Lemon Chicken and Rice
1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with lemon pepper.
2. Sear the chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons butter to the pan. Stir in 1 cup basmati rice, the zest of half a lemon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes to toast the rice lightly and infuse it with lemon flavor.
4. Pour in 2 1/2 cups chicken broth and the juice of half a lemon. Return the seared chicken to the pan and nestle a few lemon slices alongside.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and let rest a few minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice if desired.
30 Minute Meals
- 20 Minute Pumpkin Ravioli
- Oven Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
- 30 Minute Instant Pot Ribs
- One Pan Buttermilk Chicken Risotto
- Sheet Pan Steak Totchos
- One Pot Mexican Beef and Rice
30 Minute Lemon Chicken and Rice (One Pot)
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
Your family will be begging for this 30-minute one-pot lemon chicken and rice dinner because it’s fast, delicious, and easy to clean up.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast (or chicken thighs)
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning (more to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup basmati rice
- ½ lemon, zested, juiced and sliced
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Sear the chicken 2–3 minutes per side, then set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter.
- Add the basmati rice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper; cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then return the chicken to the pan.
- Bring to a boil, cover, then reduce heat to low.
- Cook about 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let rest briefly, then serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 264
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 92mg
Sodium: 978mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 30g
Nutritional values are estimates from online calculators.