Sunshine Lemon Garlic Chicken with Herb Rice
This recipe combines juicy, golden chicken infused with lemon and garlic flavors, served over fragrant herb rice. It’s fresh, vibrant, and hearty — the perfect feel-good meal that brings a little sunshine to your table.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
3 tbsp olive oil
Zest & juice of 2 lemons
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp honey
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Herb Rice:
1 ½ cups long-grain rice
3 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill or basil, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, honey, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken well, cover, and marinate for at least 20 minutes (up to 2 hours).
Cook the herb rice:
Heat olive oil or butter in a pot. Saute garlic for 30 seconds.
Add rice and toast for 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes (or according to rice package instructions).
Once cooked, fluff with a fork, then stir in parsley, dill, and lemon zest.
Cook the chicken:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temp).
Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Assemble & serve:
Spoon herb rice into bowls or plates, top with sliced lemon garlic chicken, and garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges.
Notes & Tips
Add roasted vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli) for a complete meal.
If you prefer creamy sauce, whisk ¼ cup Greek yogurt into the chicken marinade after cooking.
Fresh herbs make a big difference — use parsley, dill, basil, or mint for brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this with bone-in chicken?
Yes! Adjust cooking time — bone-in thighs take 30–35 minutes in the oven at 400°F (200°C).
Q: Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but increase the broth to 3 ½ cups and cooking time to about 40 minutes.
Q: How do I meal prep this?
Store chicken and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth or lemon juice to reheat rice.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~470
Protein: 38g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g