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In the realm of comfort food, few dishes can rival the simplicity and satisfaction of a well-made one-skillet meal. Among these culinary treasures, One-Skillet Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice stands out for its vibrant flavors and effortless preparation. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with fluffy rice, all infused with the bright, zesty notes of lemon and aromatic herbs. Not only is it delicious, but it also embodies the essence of convenience—perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.

One-Skillet Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Discover the joy of cooking with this One-Skillet Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs for a flavor explosion. It's not only easy to prepare but also requires minimal cleanup. Packed with nutrition from fresh spinach and wholesome ingredients, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a comforting, delicious dish that brings everyone together effortlessly!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup long-grain rice (preferably jasmine or basmati)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 large lemon (zest and juice)

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup fresh spinach (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Season the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.

    Sear the Chicken: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet and sear them for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side until they are perfectly golden brown. Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

      Sauté the Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

        Toast the Rice: Add your rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat it with the residual oil and onion mixture. Let the rice cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast and absorb flavors.

          Combine Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth along with the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning, if necessary, adding extra salt and pepper to suit your preference. Stir the ingredients thoroughly to combine.

            Nestle the Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, gently placing them into the rice mixture. Increase the heat slightly until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and allow it to simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

              Add Spinach: If you’re opting for spinach, add it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking, gently folding it into the rice mixture to let it wilt.

                Rest and Serve: When the cooking time is complete, remove the skillet from heat and let it rest with the lid on for an additional 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm for a delightful and wholesome meal.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish family-style right from the skillet for a rustic touch, or plate portions individually garnished with additional lemon slices and parsley for an elegant presentation.