Effortless Lemon Herb Onepan Chicken and Rice Bake

Lemon Herb OnePan Chicken and Rice Bake Weeknight Winner

By Marcus O’NeillSeptember 14, 2025

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5.00 (1 Ratings)

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a proper comforting dinner? This One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake is your answer. It's got that home cooked feel with a zesty kick.

Honestly, who doesn't love a good lemon herb chicken and rice bake ?

Brief Overview

Baked chicken and rice one pan dinners are classic comfort food. Its origin is really home kitchens. This is an easy recipe that takes about an hour. Serves 4-6 hungry folks.

Main Benefits

It is a simple One Pan Chicken And Rice Dinner and saves on washing up! The lemon adds brightness and helps make it an amazing weeknight chicken and rice dinner .

This easy chicken and rice recipe is super convenient.

Let's Talk About This One Pan Chicken And Rice Dinner

Alright, let's get into the nitty gritty. This isn't just any old baked chicken and rice one pan recipe. It is a simple one pan chicken dinner that's both easy and delicious.

I’m talking minimal effort, maximum flavour. Perfect for when you're knackered after a long day.

Why This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Bake Rocks

This one pot chicken and rice is more than just a meal; it's a lifesaver. We're talking about a One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake packed with protein.

Each serving has around 35g of protein. It is perfect after a gym session. It's also got a good balance of carbs and healthy fats.

Honestly, it’s a complete meal in one pan!

A Simple One Pan Chicken Dinner Story Time

Effortless Lemon Herb Onepan Chicken and Rice Bake presentation

I remember the first time I tried to make a chicken and rice bake recipe easy . It was a right mess.

I didn't rinse the rice and it turned out like glue. Since then, I've learned to rinse the rice. Trust me, it makes all the difference! Now, my one pan chicken and rice casserole is always spot on.

Right then, let's chat about what you'll need for the perfect One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake . It's easier than pie, honestly.

We're making a simple one pan chicken dinner here, so keep it simple!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients for the Best Chicken and Rice

1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Fresh is best, you know? They should be plump and pink, not pale or slimy.
1 tablespoon olive oil. It's for browning, so don't skimp.
1 teaspoon salt. We all love salt.
½ teaspoon black pepper. Gives it a kick, doesn't it?
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup). Go for a nice, firm one. No one likes a mushy onion.
2 cloves garlic, minced. The more garlic, the better I say!
1 cup (185g) long grain white rice, rinsed. Rinsing is key! It stops it getting all clumpy.
2 cups (475ml) chicken broth, low sodium. Low sodium is the way to go. We're adding enough flavour already.
½ cup (120ml) dry white wine. (Optional, can substitute with more broth). Adds a bit of poshness.
Zest of 1 lemon . Use a microplane zester for the best results.
Juice of ½ lemon . Gives it a right zing!
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped. Fresh herbs make all the difference, I swear.
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves. Lovely smell.
½ cup (50g) frozen peas. Added right at the end. Nobody likes mushy peas.

This easy chicken and rice recipe is so rewarding. Honestly!

Seasoning Notes for a Tasty Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Bake

For this one pan chicken and rice casserole , think lemon and herbs. It's a match made in heaven, innit? Thyme, parsley, and a good whack of lemon zest are your best mates here.

If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a bit of warmth, like a weeknight chicken and rice dinner with a secret! Don't be shy with the seasoning.

You want it to sing. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried will do in a pinch, but use half the amount.

Equipment Needed For a Baked Chicken and Rice One Pan Wonder

Alright, you'll need:

A large oven safe skillet (12 inch cast iron or similar) . Cast iron is ideal for getting that lovely crispy bottom.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Chopping board.
Knife.
Lemon zester.
Lemon juicer.
Optional: Instant read thermometer. This chicken and rice bake recipe easy is all about making sure the chicken is safe to eat. Aim for 165° F ( 74° C) .

That's all, folks. Now, let's make some magic with this One-Pan Chicken And Rice Dinner ! You'll be amazed how simple it is to create the The Best Chicken And Rice

Alright then, let's have a chat about my favourite cooking method, perfect for One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake . Honestly, it's a total game changer for busy weeknights.

Who wants to wash a ton of dishes, right? Not me! This is about quick, easy and delicious. Think of it as a hug in a pan.

Did you know that One Pan Chicken and Rice Dinner recipes are searched over 10,000 times a month? Everyone wants a simple life!

Easy One Pan Chicken And Rice Dinner

This cooking method isn’t just easy; it’s efficient. It’s all about layering flavours and letting the oven do its magic.

Perfect for anyone who loves a home cooked meal without the fuss. I love to whip up The Best Chicken And Rice for the family and this way is the easiest method.

Prep Like a Pro

First things first, get your mise en place sorted. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out your rice and chicken broth.

Pat those chicken thighs dry! It makes all the difference when browning them. Honestly, getting everything prepped saves you so much time later.

Safety reminder: Always wash your hands after handling raw chicken.

The Bake Breakdown

Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Brown those bad boys in olive oil for 3- 4 minutes per side . Then, set them aside.
Sauté the onion until soft, about 5 minutes . Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, roughly 1 minute .
Add the rice, chicken broth, lemon zest, and thyme. Bring it to a simmer.
Nestle the chicken on top of the rice.
Bake for 45 minutes , or until the rice is cooked through and the chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
Stir in the peas and lemon juice. Bake for another 10- 15 minutes .

Pro Tips for the Win

Want to take your easy chicken and rice recipe to the next level? Make sure you rinse the rice. It stops it from getting all clumpy.

Also, don’t overcrowd the pan, that is a classic error. And let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving.

Trust me, it makes a difference! Leftovers taste great the next day, too! You can also use this recipe as a one pan chicken and rice casserole .

I promise! Why not try this lemon herb chicken and rice bake tonight? It's the perfect answer to " what's for dinner? ".

I'm sure your family will love this chicken and rice bake recipe easy version!.

Alright, let's chat about my One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake , shall we? I'm not even joking, this recipe is such a game changer.

It's like, proper, easy, and honestly, who doesn't love fewer dishes? I've had friends say this simple one pan chicken dinner is their new go-to.

Recipe Notes: Making This Magic Happen

Serving Up Some Happiness

Plating matters, you know? A little sprinkle of fresh parsley goes a long way. I like to serve this One-Pan Chicken And Rice Dinner straight from the pan.

It looks rustic and inviting.

As for sides, think green. Steamed broccoli or a simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette does the trick. Crusty bread? Essential for soaking up those delicious lemony juices.

Oh, and a crisp glass of white wine always elevates this baked chicken and rice one pan meal. Honestly.

Storage Savvy

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop them in an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. For reheating, a microwave works, but the oven is The Best Chicken And Rice reheated.

Keeps the rice from going all mushy.

Freezing? Not really recommended. The rice texture changes. It gets a bit weird. Take my word on that one!

Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy a twist? Sub the chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a leaner easy chicken and rice recipe option. Just watch the cooking time. They cook quicker.

For a veggie version, try using chickpeas instead of chicken. It's a surprisingly tasty swap. And get this; if you want to try it with another twist, use brown rice, for a healthier option.

Seasonally, use asparagus instead of peas. In autumn, use butternut squash. It is a flavour one pot chicken and rice that just works. Trust me.

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Ok, let's get real for a sec. This One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake is comforting, but also gives you a good balance.

Roughly, each serving packs around 450 calories, 35g protein, 20g fat, and 30g carbs.

It's a decent source of protein, and the rice provides energy. The lemon and herbs add some vitamins and antioxidants.

But honestly, the biggest benefit? It's home cooked goodness. We have here the perfect option for a weeknight chicken and rice dinner .

Right then, give this chicken and rice bake recipe easy a go, yeah? You'll nail it. It's a lemon herb chicken and rice bake , really is, as simple as it gets.

Promise!

Easy OnePan Chicken And Rice Dinner Weeknight Perfection

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake?

Absolutely! If you're looking for a more wholesome option, brown rice is a great substitute. Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice, so you'll need to increase the baking time.

Keep an eye on the liquid level and add more chicken broth if needed to prevent the rice from drying out you don't want a "soggy bottom" situation like they warn about on the Great British Bake Off!

My chicken is cooked but the rice is still a bit hard. What did I do wrong with this One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake?

Don't worry, it happens to the best of us! This usually means there wasn't enough liquid in the pan, or the oven temperature was slightly too high, causing the liquid to evaporate too quickly.

Add about ½ cup more chicken broth to the pan, cover it with foil (like you're giving it a little blanket!), and return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. This should steam the rice perfectly. A little patience goes a long way!

How do I store leftovers of the One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake, and how long will they last?

Leftovers of this bake are absolutely scrumptious the next day, almost like a proper shepherd’s pie! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll be good for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm it up in the oven.

Add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to prevent the rice from drying out.

Can I add vegetables to this One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake recipe?

You bet your bottom dollar you can! Adding vegetables is a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Hearty vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers can be added along with the onion.

For quicker cooking vegetables like broccoli florets or sliced zucchini, add them during the last 20 minutes of baking. Get creative and use whatever you have lurking in the fridge just like they do on "Ready Steady Cook"!

Can I make this One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake ahead of time?

You can definitely prep parts of this dish in advance to save time during the week. Sauté the onion and garlic, rinse the rice, and chop the herbs ahead of time. Store these separately in the fridge, then assemble everything in the pan when you're ready to bake.

I wouldn't recommend fully baking it ahead of time, as the rice might get a bit mushy upon reheating, similar to what happens with a poorly stored "bangers and mash".