Name: Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Skillet 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 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth; juice of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

There’s something incredibly comforting about a simple, all-in-one meal that bursts with bright, fresh flavors. This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe is exactly that—juicy chicken, tender rice, and that irresistible zing of lemon, all cooked together in one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.

A close-up view of a white pot filled with three golden-brown grilled chicken pieces placed on top of a bed of fluffy, light brown rice. Thin lemon slices are layered between and on top of the chicken, adding a pop of bright yellow with visible seeds. Small green sprigs of herbs rest on the chicken and lemon slices, giving freshness and color contrast. The pot has a smooth, clean white inner surface and a dark outer edge, sitting on a white marbled surface. The texture of the chicken shows a slightly crispy, seasoned crust with visible black specks of pepper and herbs. 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 Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I whip this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe up on busy weeknights when I want something hearty without the fuss. It's a cozy dish that manages to feel special thanks to the fresh lemon and Italian seasoning, plus the joy of only dirtying one pan. You’re going to appreciate how hands-off it is after that quick sear on the chicken.

One-Pot Wonder: You cook everything in a single skillet, which saves you time on washing up and keeps all those flavors mingling perfectly.
Bright Citrus Flavor: The fresh lemon juice adds just the right amount of zing to cut through the richness and bring the whole dish alive.
Kid-Friendly and Elegant: It’s simple enough for the kids yet flavorful enough to impress guests without any complicated steps.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for fast dinners that feel homemade and satisfying.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its part toward this dish’s bright, comforting vibe. You don’t need a pantry full of specialty items, just a handful of trusty basics that come together beautifully.

Flat lay of four raw boneless skinless chicken breasts arranged symmetrically, a small pile of uncooked white rice grains, a few fresh lemon wedges with vibrant yellow rind and juicy pulp, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden yellow butter, a matching small white bowl containing fresh bright green Italian seasoning herbs, two whole brown eggs with smooth uncracked shells, and a small white ceramic bowl holding clear chicken broth, all placed 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: They cook quickly and stay tender. I like to use breasts here, but thighs work too if you prefer juicier, richer meat.
Butter: Adds that luscious, creamy base for browning the chicken and infusing the whole skillet with flavor.
Salt and pepper: Simple, essential seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
Italian seasoning: It’s that perfect herby blend that brings in warmth and depth without overpowering the lemon.
Uncooked white rice: Absorbs the broth and lemon juices, becoming tender and flavorful alongside the chicken.
Chicken broth: Using low sodium lets you control the salt levels and keeps the dish from tasting too salty.
Lemon juice: The star that adds freshness and brightens every bite, balancing the richness of butter and chicken.

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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

One of the best things about this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe is how adaptable it is. Personally, I like to add a few twists depending on what mood I’m in or what’s in my fridge.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a nuttier texture—just remember to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Fresh Herbs: I love swapping Italian seasoning for fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano to deepen the herbal notes.
Veggie Boost: Adding diced bell peppers or peas to the rice while it simmers makes it a more complete meal with veggies included.
Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes during the cooking process.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe

The image shows several golden brown chicken pieces cooked in a pan. Each piece has a slightly crispy surface with small dark grill marks and scattered green herb bits on top. The chicken pieces are thick and tender, arranged close together with a juicy texture visible around the edges. The pan's surface is dark with some browned bits sticking to it, contrasting the light color of the chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the Chicken Just Right

Start by warming your skillet over medium heat and melting the butter—this gives your chicken that golden, flavorful crust. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear them in the butter for just 1-2 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t cooked through yet; this step is all about flavor and color. Once browned, set the chicken aside on a plate.

Step 2: Combine Rice, Broth, and Lemon

Without cleaning your pan, add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and the remaining Italian seasoning. Stir it gently to mix the rice evenly with the flavorful liquid. This panscrape step saves you from losing those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom—flavor gold!

Step 3: Simmer Gently Until Perfect

Place your seared chicken back on top of the rice mixture, cover the skillet with a lid, and let everything simmer gently on medium-low heat. Give it about 20-25 minutes to cook, until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Resist the temptation to peek too often—letting the pot stay covered is important for perfectly cooked rice.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the cooking time is up, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the skillet and serve up lemon wedges on the side for an extra bright squeeze. This final touch elevates the dish and makes it feel fresh and inviting.

Top Tip

Since trying this recipe a bunch of times, I’ve learned some key tricks that take it from good to great—especially if you’re new to cooking chicken and rice together in one pot.

Pat Chicken Dry: Make sure to pat your chicken breasts dry before seasoning and searing; it helps to get a better crust and prevents steaming.
Use a Good Lid: Cover your skillet tightly—this traps steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly without drying out.
Don’t Stir During Simmering: Once the rice and chicken are simmering, resist stirring to avoid breaking up the rice and disturbing the cooking process.
Adjust Liquid for Alt Grains: If you substitute brown rice or quinoa, remember to increase the liquid and cooking time to get perfect results.

How to Serve Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this dish with freshly chopped parsley because it adds a lovely color contrast and a mild, fresh taste. Cilantro is another favorite when I want a slightly more vibrant herbal note. Plus, I always include lemon wedges on the side—there’s nothing like a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten each bite right at the table.

Side Dishes

While the skillet is a full meal on its own, I like pairing it with simple steamed green beans or a crisp mixed green salad to round things out without overwhelming those comforting flavors. Sometimes, I serve it alongside roasted asparagus or a quick cucumber tomato salad for a fresh crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I've arranged the chicken and rice in shallow bowls, added a sprinkle of toasted almonds for texture, and drizzled a little extra virgin olive oil on top. It looks beautiful and pairs surprisingly well with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, which makes for an even tastier lunch the next day. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully if you want to make a big batch. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just keep in mind the rice may be a bit softer after freezing, but the flavor stays fantastic.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. Microwave works too for a quick fix—just cover loosely and stir halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more richness and stay moist during cooking. Just brown them as you would the breasts and follow the same instructions. Cooking time remains similar, but check for doneness.

What kind of rice works best for this lemon herb chicken and rice skillet recipe?

I recommend using uncooked white rice for the best texture and cooking time. Brown rice or other whole grains can be used but will require more liquid and a longer simmer to become tender.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan?

Make sure to scrape and stir the rice briefly when you add the broth and lemon juice, and use a heavy-bottomed skillet if possible. Also, simmer over medium-low heat with the lid tightly on and avoid stirring while it cooks.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap the butter for olive oil or your favorite dairy-free spread. This won’t change the overall flavor much and keeps it suitable for dairy-free diets.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe quickly became one of my go-to meals because it feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s one of those dishes you’ll come back to time and again—not just for the taste but for the ease and the satisfaction of feeding yourself or your loved ones with something wholesome and delicious. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it finds a happy place in your weeknight rotation!