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Light Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice: Best One Pan 20-Minute Dinner

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This light lemon garlic chicken and rice is a quick, one-pan dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes. It features tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a bright lemon-garlic flavor that is both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice and 1 tablespoon zest)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken and ingredients (5 minutes): Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper. Mince garlic, zest and juice lemon, and rinse rice until water runs clear.
  2. Brown the chicken (5 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté the garlic (1 minute): Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Toast the rice (2 minutes): Add rinsed rice to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted and nutty.
  5. Add the broth and lemon (1 minute): Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Return the chicken and simmer (12-15 minutes): Nestle chicken back into the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Rest and fluff (2 minutes): Turn off heat and let pan sit covered for 2 minutes. Remove lid and fluff rice with a fork.
  8. Garnish and serve (1 minute): Sprinkle with fresh parsley. If using frozen peas, stir them in now. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lemon juice and zest, not bottled. Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch. Do not lift the lid while rice is simmering. If rice is still firm after 12 minutes, add 2-3 tablespoons water and cook 2 more minutes. If liquid remains after 15 minutes, cook uncovered briefly. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, one pan chicken and rice, 20 minute dinner, healthy chicken recipe, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/light-lemon-garlic-chicken-and-rice-best-one-pan-20-minute-dinner/