Lemon Rosemary Chicken Rice Recipe

Alright, here’s the deal: When life gives you lemons, grab some rosemary and whip up this zesty, creamy chicken dish that’s bound to make your taste buds dance with joy. Let’s dive into a flavor-packed adventure with my Lemon Rosemary Chicken Rice!

My Lemon Rosemary Chicken Rice is an example of a dish that I love creating, for it brings both comfort and delight. A burst of citrus from lemon juice and zest flavors the chicken breasts, while fresh rosemary imparts its magic to both the chicken and the rice.

Parmesan, stirred into the finished dish, adds the ultimate layer of flavor.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein source, low in fat, supports muscle health.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats, antioxidant-rich, heart-friendly.
• Rosemary: Contains antioxidants, enhances flavor, aids digestion.
• Garlic: Boosts immunity, adds savory depth, heart-healthy.
• Lemon: Rich in vitamin C, adds citrusy brightness, detoxifying.
• Rice: Provides energy, source of carbohydrates, gluten-free.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory flavor, boosts protein, hydrates.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami, source of calcium, enhances flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make this

1. Make sure to add some flavor to the chicken breasts; they are very lean, and they need it! Season them with salt and black pepper. I find that using a pepper grinder gives the best results. If you have one, use it! Also, use a fine kitchen knife and mince some fresh rosemary; I used a little more than the amount called for. You can use dried rosemary if you have it on hand.

2. In a big frying pan, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and totally cooked through. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside. Your skillet will still be hot, but the chicken is done.

3. In the same frying pan, put the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds until it gives off a wonderful smell.

4. Put the rice in the skillet and mix it up. Make sure each grain is covered with oil and garlic. Let the rice sizzle, do its thing, for 2 or 3 minutes, and stir it every now and then. You want it toasted, but not so much that it starts turning brown.

5. Add the chicken broth and white wine (if using), and the lemon zest and juice. Bring to a simmer.

6. Lower the heat to low, put the lid on the skillet, and let it cook for 15-18 minutes. At that point, the rice should be tender, and all the liquid should be absorbed.

7. Use a fork to fluff the rice; then add the butter, the rest of the teaspoon of rosemary, and the Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the butter is melted and the cheese is well blended.

8. Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet with the rice.

9. Sprigs of fresh rosemary make a beautiful garnish, and lemon wedges served on the side add just the right touch.

10. Savor the sweet and aromatic flavors of this Lemon Rosemary Chicken Rice dish while it’s hot. Parmesan cheese and lemon juice make excellent condiments if you want to take this dish to the next level.

Equipment Needed

1. Pepper grinder (optional)
2. Fine kitchen knife
3. Cutting board
4. Large frying pan or skillet with lid
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Fork
9. Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
10. Citrus zester or microplane
11. Citrus juicer (optional)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of the breasts. Alter the cooking time as necessary, since the thighs may take a bit longer to cook all the way through.
• Q: Is the white wine necessary, or can I omit it?A: Depth of flavor comes from the white wine, but you can leave it out if you want. An equal amount of extra chicken broth can replace the wine.
• Q: Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?A: Yes, you can use dried rosemary, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon, as dried herbs are more potent.
• Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?A: For a dairy-free variation of this dish, substitute the butter and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives.
• Q: What type of rice works best for this recipe?A: It is recommended to use long-grain white rice, but for a different aroma and texture, jasmine or basmati rice can also be used.
• Q: Can I prepare the chicken in advance?A: Absolutely. You can prepare the marinade with olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, garlic, lemon zest, and juice ahead of time and mix with the chicken. Then, refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook.
• Q: How can I store leftovers?A: Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator. You can safely keep them in there for up to 3 days. But once those have elapsed, be sure to heat them up until piping hot throughout before serving again.

Lemon Rosemary Chicken Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For a juicier texture, chicken thighs can replace boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
If fresh rosemary is unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
Substitute lime zest and juice for lemon to infuse a different—but still delicious—citrus essence in your dish.
When chicken broth is not available, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.
To make this dish without alcohol, replace the white wine with the same amount of chicken broth and use a high-quality non-alcoholic cooking wine to replace any additional needed.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate the Chicken Before cooking, marinate the chicken breasts with olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, and garlic for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This will enhance the flavors and make the chicken more tender and juicy.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile. Fresh rosemary will also impart a more aromatic and robust flavor compared to dried rosemary.

3. Deglaze the Pan After cooking the chicken, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of the white wine before adding the garlic. This will lift the flavorful browned bits from the pan, adding depth to the dish.

4. Toast the Rice When toasting the rice in the skillet, keep a close eye on it and stir frequently to prevent burning. Toasting the rice can add a nutty flavor and improve the overall texture of the dish.

5. Rest Before Serving After reintegrating the chicken into the skillet, let the dish rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the chicken remains juicy.