One-Pot Lemon Chicken Rice (Printable)

A zesty blend of tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy rice cooked together in one pot.

# What Goes In:

→ Meats

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12.3 oz), diced

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 3.5 oz baby spinach (about 2 cups, packed)
07 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

→ Grains

08 - 2/3 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

→ Liquids

09 - 5.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 2 cups water

→ Herbs & Seasonings

11 - 1 bay leaf
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

→ Oils

16 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
04 - Add rice, bay leaf, thyme, and oregano. Stir to combine thoroughly.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
06 - Discard the bay leaf. Stir in spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
07 - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and lemon slices if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor
  • The bright lemon adds a refreshing twist to traditional chicken soup
  • Perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and grains in each spoonful
  • Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable
  • Ready in under an hour for a quick weeknight dinner
02 -
  • For more intense lemon flavor, add the zest earlier in the cooking process
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the flavors often improve overnight
  • The soup may thicken as it sits as the rice continues to absorb liquid; add more broth when reheating if needed
  • To make ahead, prepare through step 5, then add spinach and lemon just before serving
  • For a time-saving shortcut, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken added in the final few minutes of cooking
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