The aroma of Herb Chicken and Rice wafts through the kitchen, making your taste buds tingle in anticipation. Tender chicken mingles with fragrant herbs, creating a delightful symphony of flavors that’s as comforting as your favorite sweater on a chilly day. savory Greek pita nachos delicious rice-filled spanakopita.
As I stirred this dish during a family gathering, laughter filled the air, and memories were made. It brought everyone together around the table, proving that food truly is the heart of any celebration.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious herb chicken and rice dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The blend of savory herbs creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that will impress anyone at your dinner table
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing and a feast for the eyes
- You can easily customize it with seasonal vegetables or your favorite herbs to suit your taste
When I first served Herb Chicken and Rice at a family reunion, my cousin couldn’t stop raving about it. creamy potato gratin He even asked for seconds—now that’s success!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for 3-4 pieces depending on how many people you’re feeding; they cook evenly and absorb flavors beautifully.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for a robust flavor; fresh garlic truly elevates this dish.
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Long-Grain Rice: This type holds its shape well and absorbs the broth perfectly.
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to better control saltiness while adding depth to the rice.
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Mixed Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Thyme, or Rosemary): Fresh herbs add brightness; feel free to mix and match based on what you have available.
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Olive Oil: A splash adds richness and helps sauté the chicken without sticking.
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Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon brightens flavors and balances richness beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. fluffy butter swim biscuits.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients; chop garlic finely and prepare the herbs by washing them thoroughly. This sets you up for success as you cook.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper; sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown on both sides.
Add Garlic and Herbs: Toss in minced garlic and your choice of chopped fresh herbs; sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in long-grain rice and pour in chicken broth, mixing everything well. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Cook Until Tender: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Finish with Lemon Juice: Once cooked, remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything; fluff with a fork before serving to enhance all those aromatic flavors.
Now sit back, breathe in that delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen, and get ready to enjoy an incredible meal that’s bound to impress!
You Must Know
- This Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is not just delicious; it’s a complete meal in one pot
- The aromatic herbs will fill your kitchen with an inviting fragrance, making it perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in the juices, then cook the rice in the remaining flavor-packed broth for a harmonious blend of tastes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap white rice for brown or add your favorite vegetables like peas or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness
- Always taste the broth before adding more salt; it might be seasoning enough already
- Letting the dish rest after cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully
Cooking this Herb Chicken and Rice always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where love and laughter filled every meal shared together. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
FAQ
Can I use different herbs for Herb Chicken and Rice?
Yes, feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is ideal, but brown rice can also be used if cooked longer.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Herb Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Delight in the comforting flavors of Herb Chicken and Rice, a dish where tender chicken meets fragrant herbs and fluffy rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this one-pot meal is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables for an added twist.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup mixed fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients; finely chop the garlic and wash the herbs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on both sides.
- Add minced garlic and chopped herbs to the skillet; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in long-grain rice and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, fluff with a fork, and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
