One Pot Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken and Rice
There’s something comforting about gathering around the dinner table for a meal that feels both hearty and wholesome. That’s precisely what you’ll experience with One Pot Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken and Rice. Imagine coming home after a long day, the aroma of savory chicken mingling with the freshness of lemon filling your kitchen. This dish has been a staple in my home; it brings back memories of cozy evenings spent with family, sharing stories over a comforting meal. Every ingredient plays its part, creating a symphony of flavors that resonates with warmth and love.
Recipe Snapshot
60 mins
10 mins
50 mins
Medium
450 kcal
30 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
12 g
Chef’s Knife, Cutting Board, Grater, Large Pot, Wooden Spoon, Skillet, Oven
The Appeal of This One Pot Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken and Rice
One-Pot Wonder
What I love most about this recipe is how it all comes together in just one pot. No need to dirty a dozen dishes; everything cooks harmoniously, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. This makes cleanup a breeze, which is a huge plus after a busy day.
Flavorful Ingredients
The combination of lemon, garlic, and rosemary creates a zesty flavor profile that elevates the dish. The brightness of the lemon cuts through the richness of the chicken, while fresh herbs add depth and aroma.
Versatile Meal
This dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a casual family dinner or dress it up for a gathering with friends. It pairs well with a crisp salad or some crusty bread, making it the perfect centerpiece for any meal.
Great for Meal Prep
Another reason I adore One Pot Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken and Rice is that it’s fantastic for meal prep. You can make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunches or quick dinners.
Kid-Friendly
Finally, this dish is a hit with kids! The flavors are familiar yet exciting, and it’s a great way to introduce them to new herbs and spices without overwhelming their taste buds.
Ingredients for One Pot Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken and Rice

In this dish, each ingredient brings its unique qualities to the table. The key players are chicken, rice, and an array of fresh herbs and spices that work in harmony to create a delicious meal. The avocado oil adds richness, while the lemon juice and zest provide bright notes that elevate the overall flavor.
- Avocado oil: 1 Tbsp – Provides a rich base for sautéing and brings healthy fats to the dish.
- Yellow onion: 1, diced – Adds sweetness and depth, creating a flavorful base when sautéed.
- Garlic: 5 cloves, minced – Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Brown rice: 1 cup, uncooked – The hearty grain that absorbs all the flavors during cooking.
- Chicken broth: 2 cups – Provides moisture and flavor, making the rice deliciously savory.
- Lemon zest: 2 tsp – Adds a bright, citrusy aroma that lightens the dish.
- Lemon juice: 2 Tbsp – Offers acidity that enhances the flavors and cuts through richness.
- Fresh rosemary: 1 Tbsp, finely chopped – Provides an earthy aroma that complements the chicken.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: 4 to 6, about 1.5 to 2 pounds – The star ingredient, tender and juicy.
- Broccoli: 1 large crown, chopped into florets – Adds color and nutrition to the dish.
How to Make One Pot Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken and Rice

Making One Pot Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken and Rice is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious and fragrant meal that will impress your family and friends.
- Start by heating the avocado oil in a large thick-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced yellow onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. This initial step lays the foundation for the flavors to develop.
- Next, stir in the uncooked brown rice and minced garlic. Continue to cook and stir the mixture for another 3 minutes. The rice should begin to absorb the fragrant oil and garlic, turning slightly opaque.
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped fresh rosemary, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together to combine well. The mixture should start to bubble gently as it heats up.
- Carefully place the boneless skinless chicken thighs into the pot. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overlapping. This allows each piece to cook evenly and soak up those delicious flavors.
- Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 40 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to cook through while the rice absorbs all the flavorful broth.
- After 40 minutes, carefully remove the lid and add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot. Replace the cover and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender yet still vibrant in color. You want it to maintain a bit of crunch.
- Once everything is cooked, give the pot a good stir, ensuring the chicken, rice, and broccoli are well combined. The dish should be beautifully fragrant, with the broccoli adding color.
- Serve the chicken and rice mixture warm, topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy every bite of this comforting and flavorful dish!
Things Worth Knowing
- Consistent Heat: It’s essential to maintain a low heat after boiling to ensure even cooking.
- Resting Time: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together.
- Broccoli Timing: To keep the broccoli vibrant and crisp, add it towards the end of the cooking process.
- Texture Check: The rice should be tender but not mushy; it should have a slight bite.
Recipe Notes about One Pot Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken and Rice

If you’re looking to enhance your experience with One Pot Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken and Rice, here are some helpful tips:
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dish in individual portions for easy reheating later.
- Pairing: Consider serving this dish with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to swap the vegetables based on what’s in season. Carrots and peas also work wonderfully.
- Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh rosemary, dried herbs can be used, though fresh is recommended for the best flavor.
Perfect Matches for One Pot Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken and Rice
When reaching for the perfect accompaniments for One Pot Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken and Rice, consider these delightful options:
- Side Salads: A fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices and add a satisfying texture.
- Seasonal Pairings: In the spring, consider a light asparagus salad; in the winter, roasted root vegetables can complement the meal.
- Casual Gatherings: This dish is ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers, providing an easy yet impressive main course.
- Leftover Ideas: Use leftovers to create wraps or grain bowls for quick lunches throughout the week.
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, One Pot Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken and Rice is a beautiful blend of simplicity and flavor, making it a standout choice for any dinner. I encourage you to try this dish and share it with your loved ones. It’s a meal that brings everyone together around the table, creating memories and smiles with every bite.

One Pot Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the avocado oil in a large thick-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced yellow onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Stir in the uncooked brown rice and minced garlic. Continue to cook and stir the mixture for another 3 minutes.
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped fresh rosemary, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Carefully place the boneless skinless chicken thighs into the pot. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overlapping.
- Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, carefully remove the lid and add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot. Replace the cover and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.
- Once everything is cooked, give the pot a good stir, ensuring the chicken, rice, and broccoli are well combined.
- Serve the chicken and rice mixture warm, topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dish in individual portions for easy reheating later.
- Pairing: Consider serving this dish with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to swap the vegetables based on what's in season. Carrots and peas also work wonderfully.
- Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh rosemary, dried herbs can be used, though fresh is recommended for the best flavor.


