Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1.5 cups Jasmine or Basmati rice, rinsed
2.5 cups chicken broth, low sodium
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano on both sides.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden. Flip and sear for another 2 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up the browned bits from the chicken.
Step 4: Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat in the oils. Toast the rice for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh thyme. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 6: Place the chicken thighs back into the pan on top of the rice. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 7: Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon slices before serving.
Notes
For best results, use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the rice from scorching at the bottom. If using chicken breasts, reduce the simmering time to 15 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with approx 1 cup of rice
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: one pot meal, lemon chicken, herb rice, easy dinner, chicken thighs, mediterranean recipe

