Sunshine in a Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Sunshine Dinner

By Amara Vitalis August 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Sunshine in a Pot

Ever get that hangry feeling after work? Then one pot meals are your best friend. This recipe is for One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice .

It’s like a Mediterranean holiday without the pricey plane ticket.

What's the Deal With This Dish?

Think Italy meets your kitchen! This recipe is inspired by Mediterranean flavours. It is a delicious mix of juicy chicken, fragrant herbs, and fluffy rice.

This fast dinner recipes dish is an easy route to a satisfying weeknight dinners .

This recipe is ridiculously easy . It takes about 50 minutes total, with only 15 minutes of prep time. It makes 4 servings , perfect for a small family.

It's so straightforward that even a beginner can make it.

Why You'll Love This One-Pot Wonder

Chicken and rice is pretty much the ultimate comfort food. This recipe kicks it up a notch with lemon and herbs.

It's relatively healthy too. Each serving clocks in around 400 calories with a whopping 35 grams of protein. Plus, who doesn't love fewer dishes?

Forget slaving away over multiple pots and pans. Easy one pot recipes are the future, I tell you! Trust me, this Dutch oven recipes is worth trying.

This simple chicken recipes is my favourite. Let’s dive into those ingredients. You know you want to!

Ingredients & Equipment for Sunshine in a Pot

Let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing one pot meal . It's really straightforward. I'm all about fast dinner recipes and keeping things simple.

This is so cheap dinners are totally achievable.

Main Ingredients - The Stars of the Show

Alright, here's the lowdown on what you need.

Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ). It should be extra virgin. Good olive oil makes everything better, honestly.
Chicken Thighs: 4 boneless, skinless (about 500g / 1.1 lbs ), cut into 1 inch pieces. Get good quality chicken. I once bought some dodgy chicken, never again!
Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced (around 150g ).
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is a must. The jarred stuff just doesn't cut it.
Red Bell Pepper: 1 diced (about 150g ). Adds a nice pop of sweetness and color.
Long Grain Rice: 1 cup ( 200g ). Basmati or Jasmine rice works best.
Chicken Broth: 2 cups ( 475 ml ). Low sodium is always a good shout.
Dry White Wine: 1/2 cup ( 120 ml ) (optional). A splash of wine adds depth. More broth works too.
Lemon: 1 . Zest and juice. Fresh is key for that lovely citrus zing.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon . Adds that Mediterranean vibe.
Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon . Earthy and delicious.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is everything , you know?
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped. For a fresh finish.
Butter: 2 tablespoons ( 30g ). Adds richness.

These are all cheap dinner recipes staples. Perfect for fast dinners .

Seasoning Notes - The Flavour Boost

Oregano and thyme are a killer combo. The lemon brightens it all up. It creates that authentic chicken and rice.

Don't be afraid to add a pinch of red pepper flakes. I love simple chicken recipes . It gives this easy one pot recipes a kick! Use fresh herbs if you have them.

They are a game changer!

Equipment Needed - Keeping it Simple

Large oven safe pot or Dutch oven recipes with a lid (at least 4-quart capacity). My Dutch oven is my best friend in the kitchen.
Measuring cups and spoons. Gotta get those measurements right.
Knife and cutting board.
Lemon zester.

No fancy gadgets needed. These easy casserole recipes are straightforward.

This one pot chicken and rice recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners . Enjoy!

Cooking Method: One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

This ain’t your nan's bland chicken and rice! This is a flavour explosion, all cooked in one pot . Honestly, I love one pot meals because washing up is a nightmare, right? This Sunshine in a Pot recipe is a weeknight winner, giving you Fast Dinners with minimal effort.

Plus, it is Cheap Dinners without skimping on taste. So forget those complicated recipes - you can get to an amazing Fast Dinner Recipes right now!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First, let's get organised. Dice that onion, mince the garlic, and chop the bell pepper. It is essential mise en place!.

Having everything ready to go saves loads of time. It is a crucial step to make some Easy One Pot Recipes .

Zest and juice that lemon. Oh, and cut the chicken thighs into smaller pieces roughly 1 inch chunks.

Time Saving Tip: Get the kids to help! Or, you know, bribe your other half.

step-by-step: From Hob to Heaven

Here's how we get this Dutch oven recipes masterpiece going:

Sauté those aromatics . Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes , until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Brown the Chicken & Pepper . Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Then, add the diced bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes .
Rice Time & Deglaze . Stir in 1 cup of long grain rice, coating it with all those yummy flavours. If you're feeling fancy, deglaze the pot with ½ cup of dry white wine - scraping up all those browned bits. Cook for about 1 minute, letting the wine reduce slightly.
Broth & Seasoning Bash . Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, lemon zest and juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together.
Simmer Down . Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes . Check if the rice is cooked and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .
Finish Strong . Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in ¼ cup of fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it stand for about 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.

Pro Tips: Cooking Like a Boss

Don't peek! Resist lifting the lid while it simmers. Honestly, trust the process!
Rinse your rice before you add it. It removes starch and keeps it from being gummy. It is essential for One pot chicken and rice .
make-ahead magic? This is great for meal prep! Cool it completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. Looking for Simple chicken recipes ? This is your go-to.

Recipe Notes for Sunshine in a Pot

Alright, so you're ready to whip up this one pot lemon herb chicken and rice , yeah? Before you dive in, let's chat about some little things that will make your dish absolutely amazing .

I mean, honestly, this is one of those fast dinner recipes that's hard to mess up, but a few tips never hurt, right? Plus, this can easily become one of your favorite cheap dinner recipes .

Serving Suggestions

Let's talk presentation. Plating is key, even for weeknight dinners . Pile that yummy one pot chicken and rice high in a bowl.

Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a lemon wedge. It just looks better, you know? Maybe a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette? Perfect! And a crisp white wine? Oh, my gosh, perfection!

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Lucky you! This dish refrigerates beautifully. Just pop it in an airtight container and it'll be good for 3-4 days .

When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep it moist. You can also freeze it, but the rice texture might change a bit.

Reheat thoroughly, making sure it's piping hot.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Totally get it! For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for chickpeas. It still tastes incredible! Or, use different herbs, maybe rosemary or sage.

And if you're feeling fancy, stir in a spoonful of crème fraîche at the end for extra creaminess. These are great easy casserole recipes , by the way! These options add an interesting twist to your simple chicken recipes .

Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's keep it simple. This one pot chicken and rice is a good source of protein and carbs, thanks to the chicken and rice.

The lemon and herbs add a boost of vitamins. Just remember, it's an estimate, okay? Each serving has about 400 calories, 35g of protein, 15g of fat, and 30g of carbs.

You can easily adjust the recipe to become cheap dinners .

This recipe is a game changer for Dutch oven recipes , or any oven safe pot that you have on hand. Try this easy one pot recipes this week and see how simple cooking can be! I swear, you'll impress yourself.

Get cooking, you've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are one pot meals, and why should I bother making them?

One pot meals are, as the name suggests, complete dishes cooked entirely in a single pot or pan. They're brilliant because they minimize cleanup think less time scrubbing, more time Netflixing!

Plus, all the flavors meld together beautifully during cooking, creating a truly harmonious and delicious meal, a bit like the Beatles in their prime.

Can I adapt this one pot lemon herb chicken and rice recipe if I'm not a fan of chicken thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, you can certainly substitute them. Chicken breasts will work, but be mindful not to overcook them as they can dry out more easily.

You might want to reduce the cooking time slightly, or even add the chicken breasts later in the cooking process to ensure they remain tender. You could also use other protein sources such as shrimp or sausages.

How do I store leftovers of this one pot meal, and how long will it last?

Leftover lemon herb chicken and rice should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop until piping hot. You may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to prevent it from drying out.

Just make sure it's steaming like a proper cuppa tea when you're done!

Is there a vegetarian version of this chicken one pot meal?

Definitely! You can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Simply omit the chicken and substitute it with an equal amount of chickpeas, white beans, or even diced firm tofu. You might want to add the vegetarian protein source later in the cooking process to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth is another simple change to make.

Can I freeze this one pot lemon herb chicken and rice?

Yes, you can freeze this one pot meal! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or water if needed to restore moisture. Just bear in mind that the texture of the rice may change slightly after freezing, becoming a bit softer.

What are some easy variations I can make to this one pot meals recipe to switch things up?

Loads! For a creamy version, stir in a dollop of crème fraîche, Greek yogurt, or even a splash of cream at the end. You could add different vegetables like chopped zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Experimenting with different herbs and spices is another easy way to customize the flavor to your liking.