Name: One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice 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 so comforting about a dish that cooks all in one pot, with flavors bursting from every bite. This One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe is exactly that—simple, fresh, and packed with that bright lemony zing that wakes up your taste buds and warms your soul.

The image shows a close-up of a white pot filled with a layer of cooked light brown rice at the bottom. On top, there are three large, seasoned chicken pieces with a golden-brown, slightly charred surface that adds texture. Thin lemon slices with bright yellow edges and translucent centers are placed on top of the chicken and scattered around the rice. Small green herb sprigs are also placed on the chicken breasts, adding a fresh touch. The pot is set on a white marbled surface. 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 One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely love how this recipe balances ease and elegance—perfect for a busy weeknight but still impressive enough if you have guests over. The way the chicken stays tender and juicy, bathed in fragrant lemon and herbs, while the rice cooks up fluffy and flavorful in the same pot? That’s pure magic in my kitchen.

Ultimate One-Pot Meal: No need to dirty multiple pans or spend extra time on cleanup—everything comes together in one skillet.
Lemon Herb Brightness: The fresh lemon juice and Italian seasoning bring a refreshing, zesty twist that makes each bite pop.
Juicy Chicken Every Time: Searing the chicken at the start locks in moisture, so it’s tender and flavorful after simmering with the rice.
Made in 30 Minutes: Great for when you want a wholesome, homemade meal fast without sacrificing taste or quality.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe plays a crucial role in creating a balanced, flavorful dish. From the butter that brings richness to the lemon juice that lightens the flavors, here’s why these elements come together so well.

Flat lay of four raw boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with coarse salt, cracked black pepper, and dried Italian herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of uncooked white rice, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear chicken broth, a whole fresh lemon cut in half with one half displaying bright yellow juicy flesh and the other whole and smooth, and a few small sprigs of fresh green parsley, all arranged in perfect symmetry in realistic proportions 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: Easy to handle and quick to cook; browning them adds a depth of flavor right from the start.
Butter: Adds richness and helps develop a beautiful golden crust on the chicken.
Salt and pepper: Basic yet essential to season and enhance all the flavors.
Italian seasoning: Brings that classic herb aroma and taste, making the dish feel fresh and comforting.
Uncooked white rice: The base absorber of flavor; make sure to rinse it if you want fluffier grains.
Chicken broth (low sodium recommended): Provides savory liquid for the rice to cook in without being overpowering.
Lemon juice: The star ingredient that cuts through richness and brightens every bite.

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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 switch things up depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. This One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe is great for creativity, so don’t hesitate to add your own touch or adapt it to what you love most.

Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken breasts for thighs—they stay juicy and add a richer taste, perfect if you love a bit more fat and flavor.
Vegetables: Toss in peas, diced carrots, or spinach toward the end of cooking for a veggie boost.
Herb twist: Fresh rosemary or thyme can replace Italian seasoning for a woodsy flavor profile.
Diet tweak: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a low-carb version.

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

The image shows a close-up of several cooked chicken pieces with a golden-brown crust. Each piece is seasoned with bits of herbs and black pepper, giving the surface a speckled look with green and black spots. The chicken pieces have a light, slightly charred texture and are placed close together in a pan. The background appears dark, with the main focus on the juicy, well-cooked chicken pieces that have a slightly shiny and textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Searing the Chicken to Lock in Juices

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. While it’s getting golden, season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once the butter is bubbling, add the chicken and brown each side for 1-2 minutes. You want that gorgeous golden crust but don’t worry if the chicken isn’t cooked through at this stage; we’ll finish cooking it with the rice.

Step 2: Cooking the Rice with Broth and Lemon

Remove the chicken to a plate and add your uncooked white rice directly to the same pan—no need to clean it; those browned bits add flavor! Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and the rest of your Italian seasoning, stirring gently. Place the chicken on top of the rice mixture, cover the pan, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let everything simmer undisturbed for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.

Step 3: Garnishing and Serving

Once everything is cooked, fluff the rice gently and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro if you like a herbal pop. A few lemon wedges on the side are perfect for squeezing extra brightness over your dish just before eating.

Top Tip

From my many trials with this recipe, a few tricks really help it turn out flawlessly every time. These tips can save you from the usual pitfalls and make cooking this one-pot wonder a breeze.

Don't skip searing: That initial browning creates layers of flavor that you’ll miss if you jump straight to simmering.
Use a heavy-bottomed pan with a lid: It helps the rice cook evenly and keeps moisture locked in so the chicken stays juicy.
Keep the lid on during simmering: Peeking too often lets out steam and can affect the rice texture.
Fresh lemon juice is a game changer: Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same bright, vibrant taste we’re after here.

How to Serve One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping the chicken with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A few lemon wedges on the side are non-negotiable here—I squeeze just a little extra lemon over my plate before digging in every time.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is already quite complete, I usually pair it with something light and crisp on the side. A simple mixed green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus works beautifully without overshadowing the main.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I've served the chicken nestled on a bed of the lemon herb rice inside individual shallow bowls, garnished with edible flowers and microgreens. It’s a lovely way to make it feel special without complicating things.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors even deepen after resting overnight, making the leftovers wonderfully comforting the next day.

Freezing

I've frozen portions of this One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe a few times with success. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave, but the stovetop gives better texture and keeps the chicken juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice will need a longer cooking time and more liquid, so this recipe needs to be adjusted. I don’t recommend swapping without changing the cooking method because the chicken might overcook or the rice won’t be done. For best results stick to white rice or use a recipe designed for brown rice.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! All ingredients in this One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe are naturally gluten-free, just make sure your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free to avoid any hidden gluten exposure.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check by cutting into the thickest part—it should be white with no pink and the juices should run clear. The 20-25 minutes simmering usually does the trick when covered and at medium-low heat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work beautifully and often stay juicier. Just keep in mind thighs might take slightly longer to cook through, so check doneness accordingly. Using bone-in thighs will also increase cooking time compared to boneless.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it’s truly a weeknight hero—simple, bright, and full of comfort. I’m always surprised how such straightforward ingredients can yield a dish that feels special, yet is so effortless to pull together. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over.