Description
Mediterranean-inspired lemon chicken rice bake brings zesty flavors from Greece to your dinner table. Juicy chicken, fragrant herbs, and tangy citrus create a comforting meal you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 chicken thighs or 2 chicken breasts
Grains:
- 1.5 cups white rice
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Liquids:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 375F (190C), ensuring an even heating environment for optimal cooking.
- Create a uniform base layer of rice within the baking dish, distributing grains evenly across the surface.
- Craft a flavorful liquid mixture by combining chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vibrant zest, minced garlic, and selected seasonings, then gently cascade this aromatic blend over the rice.
- Generously coat chicken pieces with a harmonious blend of salt, cracked pepper, and smoky paprika, strategically positioning them atop the rice foundation.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil, creating a protective seal that traps moisture and promotes even cooking during the initial 35-minute baking phase.
- Unveil the foil covering, allowing direct heat to transform the chicken surface to a golden, crispy exterior while completing the final 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and fresh flavor profile by delicately sprinkling chopped parsley across the surface just before presenting to eager diners.
Notes
- Optimize rice moisture by using short-grain or jasmine rice for better absorption and creamy texture.
- Adjust lemon intensity by adding zest gradually and tasting to prevent overpowering citrus flavor.
- Ensure chicken remains juicy by using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs which retain more moisture during baking.
- Transform recipe to gluten-free by confirming chicken broth and checking seasoning ingredients for potential gluten contamination.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg