Lemon Pepper Chicken & Herb Rice Bake
Lemon Pepper Chicken & Herb Rice Bake is a flavorful dish that combines zesty lemon, juicy chicken, and aromatic herbs for an unforgettable dining experience. This one-pan bake delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering aromas, you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 fresh lemons (juiced and zested)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil; sauté minced garlic until golden brown.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the lemon zest; brown in the skillet for about 5 minutes on each side.
- Transfer chicken to the baking dish; add uncooked rice around it.
- Pour in chicken broth mixed with lemon juice; stir gently.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until rice is tender and chicken juices run clear.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Marinating the chicken in lemon juice enhances flavor. Substitute brown rice for white rice but adjust cooking time to about 45 minutes. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with chickpeas or marinated tofu.