Lemon Chicken and Rice

Lemon Chicken and Rice Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lemon Chicken and Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with zesty lemon and fragrant oregano. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

The origins of Lemon Chicken and Rice are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have Mediterranean roots. The combination of lemon, chicken, and rice is a classic flavor profile that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) boneless chicken breast chunks
salt, ground black pepper, and paprika
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup uncooked rice
0.5 tsp dried oregano leaves
0.5 tsp grated lemon peel
1.75 cups chicken broth
juice of one lemon
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to prepare

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
In a large non-stick skillet, brown the chicken in oil over high heat.
Add the rice, oregano, lemon peel, broth, and lemon juice; bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with parsley.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option.
Add a sprinkle of feta cheese on top for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken well before browning to ensure maximum flavor.

- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.

- Be sure to fluff the rice with a fork after cooking to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Chicken and Rice pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include browning the chicken, simmering the rice, and fluffing the rice with a fork.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast.

- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Lemon Chicken and Rice up to a day in advance and reheat it before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lemon Chicken and Rice in a large serving dish garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Lemon Chicken and Rice pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lemon Chicken and Rice contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lemon Chicken and Rice contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lemon Chicken and Rice contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Lemon Chicken and Rice contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemon Chicken and Rice is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains chicken and may not be suitable for those with poultry allergies.

Summary

Lemon Chicken and Rice is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Lemon Chicken and Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With its bright and zesty flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Lemon Chicken and Rice. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished browsing through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I flipped through the pages, a worn and stained card fell out from between the pages. Intrigued, I picked it up and read the faded handwriting that detailed the ingredients and instructions for this delicious dish.

The recipe was simple yet enticing - tender pieces of chicken cooked in a tangy lemon sauce, served over fluffy white rice. I could almost taste the bright and zesty flavors as I read through the instructions. Excited to try something new, I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work in the kitchen.

As I prepared the dish, memories flooded back to me of my own childhood and the meals my own grandmother used to make. She was a talented cook who had a knack for creating simple yet delicious dishes that always brought our family together around the dinner table. I could still remember the aromas that would fill her kitchen as she worked her magic with humble ingredients, turning them into culinary masterpieces that never failed to impress.

As I cooked the Lemon Chicken and Rice, I could feel her presence in the kitchen with me, guiding my hands and infusing the dish with her own special touch. I followed the recipe carefully, adding a little extra lemon zest here, a pinch of herbs there, until the flavors were just right. The chicken sizzled in the pan, releasing its savory aroma as it browned, while the lemon sauce bubbled and thickened, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing scent.

When the dish was finally ready, I plated it up and took a bite, savoring the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The tender chicken practically melted in my mouth, while the tangy lemon sauce added a burst of brightness to each bite. The rice soaked up all the delicious juices, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would make time and time again for my own family and friends. And true to my prediction, Lemon Chicken and Rice quickly became a favorite among my loved ones, who never failed to ask for seconds whenever I served it.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, passing down the recipe to anyone who asks, just as my mother did before me. And each time I make it, I am reminded of the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating a delicious meal from scratch, using nothing but a few simple ingredients and a lot of love.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for all the wonderful cooks and chefs who have inspired me along the way. From my own grandmother to the authors of the countless cookbooks that line my shelves, each one has played a role in shaping my culinary skills and enriching my life with delicious flavors and aromas.

And so, as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I know that the legacy of Lemon Chicken and Rice will live on, passed down through the generations as a testament to the power of good food and the joy it brings to all who taste it. For me, this recipe is more than just a dish - it is a symbol of love, tradition, and the simple pleasures of a home-cooked meal shared with those we hold dear.