Name: Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons butter; salt and pepper to taste; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 cup uncooked white rice; 2 ¼ cups low sodium chicken broth; juice of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

There’s something soothing about the way a hearty meal can fill your kitchen with warm, bright aromas—and that’s exactly why this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe quickly became a family favorite. It’s simple, fast, and every bite bursts with fresh lemony goodness paired with tender chicken and fluffy rice.

A close-up view of a white pot filled with three golden-brown grilled chicken pieces placed on top of a bed of fluffy, light brown rice. Thin lemon slices are layered between and on top of the chicken, adding a pop of bright yellow with visible seeds. Small green sprigs of herbs rest on the chicken and lemon slices, giving freshness and color contrast. The pot has a smooth, clean white inner surface and a dark outer edge, sitting on a white marbled surface. The texture of the chicken shows a slightly crispy, seasoned crust with visible black specks of pepper and herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to say, this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like an instant hug after a busy day. I love how everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy good company. Plus, the lemon and herbs make it feel light and fresh, even though it’s super comforting.

One-Pot Wonder: You’ll only dirty one pan from start to finish—easy prep and clean-up!
Bright & Flavorful: Fresh lemon juice and Italian seasoning give the dish a burst of vibrant flavor.
Versatile Comfort Food: It’s hearty enough for a family dinner but fresh enough to serve to guests.
Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours cooking.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe strikes a perfect balance between simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, so it’s straightforward but never boring. The buttery base complements the spices, while the lemon juice adds a brightness that lifts the entire dish.

Flat lay of four raw boneless skinless chicken breasts arranged symmetrically, a small pile of uncooked white rice grains, a few fresh lemon wedges with vibrant yellow rind and juicy pulp, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden yellow butter, a matching small white bowl containing fresh bright green Italian seasoning herbs, two whole brown eggs with smooth uncracked shells, and a small white ceramic bowl holding clear chicken broth, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They cook quickly and stay juicy, perfect for one-pot meals.
Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for that irresistible flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance each ingredient's natural flavor.
Italian seasoning: A balanced blend of herbs like oregano and basil brighten the dish without overpowering it.
Uncooked white rice: Absorbs all the delicious broth and lemon, becoming tender and flavorful.
Chicken broth (low sodium is best): It infuses the rice and chicken with savory depth while keeping saltiness in check.
Fresh lemon juice: This adds a zesty tang that makes the whole meal feel fresh and light.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to tailor this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. Experimenting with different herbs and add-ins makes it fun and keeps it from ever getting boring.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out the Italian seasoning for fresh rosemary and thyme when I have them on hand—adds a lovely woodsy aroma and pairs beautifully with lemon.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while browning the chicken to give it a subtle kick.
Veggie upgrade: Toss in some chopped spinach or peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
Swap the rice: For a healthier twist, try brown rice or quinoa, but remember that cooking times and liquid amounts will vary.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe

The image shows several golden brown chicken pieces cooked in a pan. Each piece has a slightly crispy surface with small dark grill marks and scattered green herb bits on top. The chicken pieces are thick and tender, arranged close together with a juicy texture visible around the edges. The pan's surface is dark with some browned bits sticking to it, contrasting the light color of the chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Chicken to Lock in Juices

Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. While it’s sizzling, season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear them in the butter, about 1-2 minutes per side—just enough to get a nice golden crust. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked yet; we’ll finish it with the rice.

Step 2: Combine Rice, Broth, and Lemon for Maximum Flavor

After removing the chicken to a plate, don’t clean the pan—those browned bits are flavor gold! Add your white rice, chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning right into the same pan. Give it a gentle stir to distribute everything evenly.

Step 3: Simmer Covered Until Perfectly Cooked

Place the chicken back on top of the rice mixture, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it all simmer gently over medium-low heat for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye that the liquid absorbs and the rice becomes tender. Resist lifting the lid too often—it traps the steam and keeps the chicken juicy.

Top Tip

Through many attempts, I learned that searing the chicken first adds unbeatable flavor and texture. Plus, staying patient while it simmers ensures the rice isn’t mushy and the chicken stays juicy.

Don’t skip browning: It’s easy to want to skip the first step when you’re in a rush, but trust me—the flavor boost is worth those few extra minutes.
Use a tight lid: Cheesecloth or loose lids let steam escape, which can dry out your chicken; a snug lid traps moisture perfectly.
Fresh lemon juice is key: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t deliver the brightness you get from squeezing a fresh lemon.
Check liquid levels: If your rice absorbs all the liquid before cooking through, add a splash more broth or water to top it off as needed.

How to Serve Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh parsley or cilantro chopped over the top—they add that lovely green pop and a fresh herbaceous note. I also like to serve lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add an extra squeeze of zing right on their plate.

Side Dishes

This dish is great all on its own, but I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve served the chicken and rice in individual shallow bowls, garnished with edible flowers and microgreens for a beautiful, fresh look everyone loved. It’s a simple dish dressed up to feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I usually keep the chicken and rice together—it reheats nicely without drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions a couple of times, and it held up great. Just let it cool completely before freezing, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, I reheat leftovers covered in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep things moist. You can also warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

You can definitely swap in brown rice, but keep in mind it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time—about 40 to 45 minutes. Also, you may want to partially cook the chicken separately as the timing won’t align as perfectly with the rice.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning on hand?

You can easily make your own blend by mixing dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Even just oregano and basil alone will give a lovely Italian flair to the dish.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. Just double-check your broth’s label to be sure.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest piece—the juices should run clear, and there shouldn’t be any pink inside.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe feels like a cozy secret I love sharing. It’s cozy, fresh, and foolproof—all the things I want in a weeknight meal. Whether it’s a rushed dinner or a relaxed weekend night, this dish helps me bring everyone to the table with smiles and full bellies. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do!