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 ¼ cups low sodium chicken broth; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Imagine a meal where tender chicken meets fluffy, lemon-infused rice, all simmered in one beautiful skillet that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. That’s exactly what the Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe serves up — a simple, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day.

The image shows a close-up of a white pot filled with a layer of cooked light brown rice at the bottom. On top, there are three large, seasoned chicken pieces with a golden-brown, slightly charred surface that adds texture. Thin lemon slices with bright yellow edges and translucent centers are placed on top of the chicken and scattered around the rice. Small green herb sprigs are also placed on the chicken breasts, adding a fresh touch. The pot is set on a white marbled surface. 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

This recipe is a go-to for me on nights when I want something fuss-free but impressive. It’s all about layering flavors effortlessly, using simple pantry staples, and ending up with a dinner that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

One-Pot Wonder: With everything cooked together in a single skillet, cleanup is a breeze — ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Lemon and Herb Magic: The fresh brightness of lemon juice combined with Italian seasoning brings vibrant, fresh flavor without any complicated prep.
Tender & Juicy Chicken: Browning the chicken first in butter seals in juices and adds a golden crust for an irresistible texture.
Comforting & Filling: The fluffy rice soaks up all those delicious flavors, making it a satisfying meal everyone at your table will enjoy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a simple but essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. While the list is straightforward, choosing quality basics like fresh lemon and a good chicken broth makes all the difference.

Flat lay of four raw boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with coarse salt, cracked black pepper, and dried Italian herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of uncooked white rice, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear chicken broth, a whole fresh lemon cut in half with one half displaying bright yellow juicy flesh and the other whole and smooth, and a few small sprigs of fresh green parsley, all arranged in perfect symmetry in realistic proportions 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 evenly — perfect for one-pan dishes like this.
Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully, creating a flavor-packed base.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend I reach for to add depth and herbaceous notes without chopping fresh herbs.
Uncooked White Rice: Absorbs the zesty lemon broth and chicken juices for a savory, fluffy result.
Chicken Broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the rice and chicken with savory flavor; low sodium options let you control saltiness.
Lemon Juice: Brings that fresh citrus pop to brighten the entire dish — don’t skip this!

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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

What I love most about the Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. You can make it lighter, more herbaceous, or even add some veggies without losing the soul of the dish.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap the Italian seasoning for fresh rosemary and thyme if I have them on hand — it adds a beautifully fragrant twist.
Diet-Friendly: For a low-carb version, try cauliflower rice instead of white rice — just adjust the liquid as it cooks faster.
Protein Swap: Feel free to use thighs instead of breasts for juicier chicken; just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Veggie Boost: Adding in sliced mushrooms or chopped spinach during the last 5 minutes of simmering sneaks in some greens effortlessly.

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

The image shows a close-up of several cooked chicken pieces with a golden-brown crust. Each piece is seasoned with bits of herbs and black pepper, giving the surface a speckled look with green and black spots. The chicken pieces have a light, slightly charred texture and are placed close together in a pan. The background appears dark, with the main focus on the juicy, well-cooked chicken pieces that have a slightly shiny and textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Chicken to Lock in Juices

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat — the aroma of butter heating always makes me smile. While it melts, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in the skillet and brown each side for about 1-2 minutes; don’t worry if it’s not cooked through yet — this step is all about creating a nice crust. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate. This step helps lock in the juiciness that makes the chicken so tender later on.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Rice and Broth

Without cleaning the pan (all those browned bits add flavor!), add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Give that a gentle stir to combine and let the rice start soaking up the brothy goodness.

Step 3: Simmer it All Together

Place your browned chicken breasts right on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and let everything simmer undisturbed for 20 to 25 minutes. This is where the magic happens — the rice cooks through, soaking up the savory lemon broth, while the chicken finishes cooking fragrantly. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the steam trapped for perfectly cooked rice.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the liquid is absorbed and the chicken is cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges — a squeeze of extra lemon juice on each plate really elevates the flavors!

Top Tip

From my experience making this Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe over and over, a few little tricks really help bring it from good to unforgettable. These tips save time and help you get that perfect texture every time.

Don’t Skip Browning: It adds flavor depth and a pretty look — the golden crust on the chicken is so worth the extra minute or two.
Keep That Lid On: Resist the urge to peek at the rice while it cooks to ensure fluffy, evenly steamed rice.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice can be harsh; fresh lemon brightens the dish naturally and adds a clean, vibrant tang.
Low Sodium Broth Helps Control Flavor: I always opt for low sodium chicken broth so I can adjust salt at the end instead of over-seasoning early.

How to Serve Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Lemon wedges are essential on the side — a quick squeeze just before eating brightens the whole dish and makes the flavors sing. If I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a lovely, subtle richness.

Side Dishes

To keep the meal balanced, I usually serve this with a crisp mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans complement the lemon-herb flavors nicely and add some texture contrast. On cozy nights, garlic bread on the side never fails to delight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I sometimes serve this skillet dish family-style right from the pan on the table, garnished with edible flowers and fresh herbs for wow-factor. Another time, I spoon the chicken and rice over a bed of baby arugula, then drizzle with a lemon tahini sauce to fancy it up while keeping it approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually enjoy them within 2-3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as tasty – sometimes even better!

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too. I portion out the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in a covered skillet on low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the rice’s moisture. The chicken stays tender without drying out – much better than microwaving!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can substitute brown rice, but because it takes longer to cook (about 40-45 minutes), you’ll need to increase the cooking time and possibly add more broth. I recommend pre-soaking the brown rice or cooking it separately, then combining at the end for best results.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After simmering in the skillet, the chicken should be opaque and no longer pink in the center. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check doneness.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, you can replace chicken with hearty vegetables like cauliflower florets or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Keep in mind cooking times may vary depending on the veggies you choose.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

If you don't have Italian seasoning on hand, you can mix your own blend using dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and sometimes a pinch of garlic powder. Feel free to adjust the herbs to your taste—fresh or dried herbs work well.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight recipe rotation because it’s reliable, flavorful, and so perfectly cozy. It’s like comfort food that feels a little fancy without any extra effort. I genuinely recommend giving it a try—you’ll have dinner on the table fast, with minimal fuss and maximum smiles around your dinner table.