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One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Rice | Easy Weeknight Dinner

One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Rice | Easy Weeknight Dinner

Dinner doesn't get easier than this One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Rice. Juicy chicken thighs, fluffy jasmine rice, fresh lemon, and garlic all cook together in one pan — no extra dishes, no stress.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 ½–3 lbs)
  • 3 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 1 ½ teaspoon black pepper divided
  • 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil or butter for richness
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 6 –7 garlic cloves minced (or 3 tablespoon garlic confit for depth)
  • 3 cups jasmine rice rinsed very well
  • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium
  • 1 cup dry white wine optional, for deglazing
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • Juice of 2 lemons about 6 Tbsp
  • 3 –4 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Method
 

  1. 1. Season the Chicken Pat chicken thighs dry. Rub with 1 ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, paprika, garlic powder — oops, don’t forget 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
  2. 2. Sear the Chicken Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear thighs 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. 3. Build the Base Lower heat to medium. Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Optional: Deglaze with wine, scraping up browned bits, and reduce by half.
  4. 4. Toast the Rice Add rinsed jasmine rice. Stir for 2–3 minutes until glossy and aromatic.
  5. 5. Add Liquid & Lemon Pour in 4 cups broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with remaining 1 ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir well.
  6. 6. Nestle Chicken Back In Place chicken thighs evenly on top of rice. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover tightly, and cook on low heat for 20–22 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F.
  7. 7. Rest & Finish Remove from heat and rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices. 👉 On camera: lift the lid for a big steam reveal, then squeeze a fresh lemon over the chicken.
  8. Suggested Sides
  9. Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

Notes

Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.