Name: Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 cup diced yellow onion; 2 lbs chicken breasts; 1½ tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp ground black pepper; ½ lb cauliflower florets; 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 Lemons (juice and zest); 3 cups fresh baby spinach

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

The aroma of sizzling chicken fills the kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation as bright notes of fresh lemon dance through the air. You glance down at the beautiful golden rice, shimmering with hints of green from the fresh spinach. Everything is nestled together in one skillet, a warm and inviting meal just waiting to be devoured. The Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet isn’t just a dinner; it’s a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for any weeknight when you want something delicious yet uncomplicated.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet

This recipe brings back a flood of memories from family gatherings, where my grandmother would whip up similar one-pan wonders amidst laughter and chatter. It’s comforting to think of those moments and to recreate them in my own home. This dish is perfect for adding brightness to a dreary day or making a busy weeknight feel special. Come on in, let’s create this delightful Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This meal can be on your table in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
Irresistible Flavor: With zesty lemon, tender chicken, and earthy cauliflower, the flavors are bright yet comforting.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of green spinach and sunny lemon zest make for a stunning presentation.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a family meal, a leftover lunch, or even a cozy dinner for two.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to gluten-free by using appropriate rice and broth; a great option for various diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 Tbsp olive oil: This oil adds a rich flavor and helps to sauté the onions; feel free to use avocado oil for a different profile.
1 cup diced yellow onion: Onions provide a sweet base for the dish. Sweet onions can serve as a substitute for a milder taste.
2 lbs chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking—boneless thighs can be used for added moisture.
1½ tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complement the lemon nicely; feel free to use your own favorite herbs for a personal touch.
1 tsp garlic powder: For that fantastic savory base; fresh garlic can be substituted if preferred.
1 tsp paprika: Adds a warm depth; smoked paprika can introduce a beautiful smoky flavor.
½ tsp ground black pepper: A simple seasoning that enhances all the flavors; adjust to your liking.
½ lb cauliflower florets: Not only does cauliflower add nutrients, but it also offers a nice crunch; broccoli works too!
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: A staple that absorbs flavors beautifully and cooks evenly; brown rice can also be used, just expect longer cooking time.
2 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level; vegetable broth is a great vegetarian alternative.
2 Lemons (juice and zest): The star ingredient, bringing brightness and tanginess to the dish; make sure they are fresh for the best flavor.
3 cups fresh baby spinach: Look for vibrant green baby spinach, which wilts nicely; kale can be an alternative for a heartier texture.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet

Heat and Sauté: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes until it’s softened and translucent. The aroma is already promising deliciousness!

Add Chicken and Seasoning: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces into the skillet, adding the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and ground black pepper. Cook until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a fantastic depth of flavor for your **Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet**.

Incorporate Cauliflower and Rice: Stir in the cauliflower florets along with the uncooked rice. Add the lemon zest and juice from both lemons, along with a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. This adds a layer of flavor to the rice!

Pour and Boil: Now, pour in the remaining chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The rice will soak up the broth, and the moisture will steam the cauliflower until fork-tender.

Finish with Spinach: After 10 minutes, stir in the fresh spinach. Turn off the heat, cover the skillet again, and let it sit for another 10 minutes. The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly without overcooking it. You’ll see that lovely bright green pop!

Fluff and Serve: Finally, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Taste and add any additional seasoning if needed—after all, it’s about adjusting to your palate. Serve warm and enjoy the hearty, comforting essence of your **Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet**.

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet can be stored at room temperature for no more than 2 hours for food safety. After that, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it in a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. You may notice slight changes in texture, but fluffing it with a fork and adding a splash of broth can rejuvenate those flavors beautifully.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure that the chicken is cut into uniform pieces to enable even cooking.
Preheat your skillet before adding the oil for the best sear on the chicken.
Keep the lid on while simmering, as this helps retain moisture and cook the rice thoroughly.
Experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
For a touch of creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream at the end.
This recipe can be prepped in advance by cutting the ingredients ahead of time, making it a breeze to throw together on busy nights.

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about creating a meal that brings both comfort and ease to the table. The Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet packs in flavor and nutrition all in one dish, making it easy to enjoy while still feeling like you’re indulging. Don’t be shy—feel free to tweak the ingredients or add hints of your personality to the dish. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun! Dig in and enjoy every bite.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a nutritious alternative, just keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time—usually around 20-25 minutes. It might also absorb a little more liquid, so you may need to add an extra half cup of broth.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, indeed! The Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet stores well and can be portioned into meal prep containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be sure to let it cool before sealing for storage.

Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Definitely! This recipe is quite versatile. Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is properly cooked.

What can I serve with this dish?

While the Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet is a complete meal on its own, you can enhance the experience with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious lemony goodness. Enjoy!