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 incredibly comforting about a meal that cooks all in one pot—especially when it’s bursting with fresh flavors. This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe is exactly that: simple, bright, and satisfying. You’ll love how the lemon and herbs transform everyday ingredients into a cozy, delicious dinner you can whip up any night of the week.

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 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 can’t tell you how many times this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe has saved dinner time in my house. It’s effortless but never boring, and it’s a recipe that even my pickiest eaters request again and again.

One-Pot Convenience: No need to fuss with multiple pans or dishes—everything cooks together for easy cleanup.
Lemon & Herb Brightness: The fresh lemon juice pairs perfectly with Italian seasoning for a lively, fresh taste.
Juicy Chicken: Searing the chicken first locks in moisture, giving you tender, flavorful bites every time.
Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal fast.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe plays a key role, balancing flavor and texture perfectly. Plus, no fancy ingredients here—most you’ll find at the grocery store or probably already have in your pantry.

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 cook evenly and perfect for soaking up flavors.
Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully without sticking.
Salt and pepper: Basic but essential seasonings to enhance every bite.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that brings depth and complements the lemon perfectly.
Uncooked white rice: Absorbs the broth and chicken juices, making it tender and flavorful.
Chicken broth (I use low sodium): Adds savory depth and keeps the rice moist without making it salty.
Lemon juice: The star of the show, giving the dish a bright, refreshing zing that cuts through the richness.

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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 keep this recipe pretty classic because the flavors are spot-on, but sometimes I play around with adding garlic or swapping in brown rice for a nuttier texture. The great thing is, this dish is forgiving and flexible, so you can adjust it based on what’s in your fridge and your mood.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap chicken thighs for breasts—they stay even juicier and add a richer taste. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Dietary tweak: To make it dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter; it still browns the chicken nicely.
Flavor twist: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
Vegetable boost: Toss in a handful of frozen peas or chopped spinach right before the end of cooking for a pop of color and greens.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot 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: Brown the chicken for juicy, flavorful bites

Start by melting the butter over medium heat in your favorite large skillet or a wide pan with a lid. While it’s melting, sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning over the chicken breasts. Once the butter’s melted and shimmering, brown the chicken for just 1-2 minutes on each side. The goal here is to develop a golden crust and lock in juices—not cook through. When done, carefully transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Step 2: Build the flavor base with rice and broth

Without cleaning the pan (all those tasty brown bits are flavor gold!), add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and the remaining Italian seasoning. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.

Step 3: Simmer it low and slow

Place the browned chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, cover the pan with the lid, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Peek occasionally to make sure it’s not drying out—if it looks too thick, splash in a bit more broth or water.

Step 4: Bring it all together for serving

Once cooked through, fluff the rice a little under the chicken to mix in some of those lovely lemony juices. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and pop a few lemon wedges on the side—you’ll love squeezing extra lemon right on your plate!

Top Tip

After making this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make a difference in the final dish. Trust me, these tips will help you make a winner every time.

Butter for Browning: Don’t skip the butter for searing the chicken—it adds richness and helps build those delicious browned bits in the pan.
Don’t Overcook Chicken Early: Browning the chicken is just to seal flavor; cooking it all the way through before simmering can make it dry.
Cover Tightly: Use a lid that fits well so the rice cooks evenly without drying out.
Fresh Lemon Love: Add lemon juice at the start and finish with fresh wedges—this layering maximizes brightness.

How to Serve Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about fresh herbs on this dish—parsley and cilantro add just the right pop of color and freshness. Plus, lemon wedges on the side invite everyone to make it their own with an extra citrus squeeze.

Side Dishes

This recipe is quite satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add textures and colors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, try serving this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice in individual ramekins or small bowls, topped with a bright lemon-herb drizzle or fresh microgreens. It adds a touch of elegance while keeping that cozy homey vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I usually portion leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day. It stays good for about 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe, I recommend freezing it in meal-sized portions. It freezes well, but the rice texture can soften slightly after thawing—still delicious, just a little different.

Reheating

When reheating, I add a splash of chicken broth or water and cover the dish to keep the rice moist. Microwaving on medium power works great for a quick reheat, while gently warming on the stove lets the flavors come back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can definitely use brown rice, but since it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, adjust the simmering time and broth quantity accordingly. It might take about 40 minutes to cook through.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No worries! You can easily mix your own blend with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. A teaspoon of garlic powder also adds a nice touch.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, just replace the butter with olive oil or a vegan margarine. The chicken will still brown nicely and the flavors remain fresh and vibrant.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Since the chicken finishes cooking as it simmers with the rice, browning it briefly first helps but don’t rely on color alone.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice One Pot Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, easy enough for any weeknight but special enough to share with friends. I hope you enjoy cooking and eating it as much as I do—it’s a dish that brings smiles around my table every time.