Herbed Lemon Chicken and Rice Is the Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Meal
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2 cparboiled rice
- 2 ¾ cchicken bone broth
- 1 packetMcCormick® Perfect Roast Chicken & Vegetables seasoning
see notes
- 1 smallonion
- 4 clovegarlic
- 2 tbsplemon juice
- 1 smalljar pimentos
- 2 tbspolive oil
- 4 tbspbutter
cut into pieces, see notes
- 2 lbboneless skinless Chicken thighs
- 1 tspthyme
- 1 tspCantanzaro herbs
- ½ tsppaprika
- Pepper
- Parsley for garnish
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Spray a glass casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- 2
In the casserole dish combine: rice, bone broth, McCormick seasoning packet, diced onion, minced garlic, lemon juice, pimentos and olive oil. Stir well to dissolve seasoning into the liquid.
- 3
Place chicken thighs on top. Dot chicken with butter pieces. Cover tightly with foil.
- 4
Bake until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked, about 60 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with thyme, Cantanzaro herbs, paprika, and parsley, and return to the oven to bake for 20 minutes more.
- 5
Finish with additional fresh lemon juice and parsley.
Herbed Lemon Chicken and Rice Is the Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Meal
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About this Recipe
Herbed Lemon Chicken and Rice: A New Family Favorite
Discover the ultimate comfort with this Herbed Lemon Chicken and Rice recipe, a truly special dish inspired by my great-grandma's classic baked chicken and rice casserole. We've taken that beloved, familiar flavor and given it a fresh, zesty spin, making it the perfect easy weeknight dinner that still feels incredibly satisfying.
This recipe shines by combining tender boneless skinless chicken thighs with fluffy parboiled rice, all infused with bright lemon and a fragrant blend of herbs, including thyme and unique Cantanzaro herbs. The secret to its deep, savory base is the rich chicken bone broth and the convenient McCormick® Perfect Roast Chicken & Vegetables seasoning, which adds a depth of flavor that tastes like it cooked all day, even though the hands-on prep is surprisingly quick. A hint of diced onion, minced garlic, and vibrant pimentos complete this incredibly flavorful meal.
What Makes This Dish So Special?
- Modern Twist on a Classic: It evokes the nostalgia of a traditional casserole but with a lighter, fresher profile thanks to the lemon and specific herb blend.
- Effortless Comfort: While it bakes to perfection, your kitchen will fill with irresistible aromas. It's a true set-it-and-forget-it kind of comfort food after minimal assembly.
- Packed with Flavor: Every bite offers a medley of savory chicken, aromatic herbs, and tangy lemon, all absorbed beautifully by the rice.
Tips for Success:
- Don't Skimp on Herbs: The dried thyme and Cantanzaro herbs are key to the unique aromatic profile. If you don't have Cantanzaro, a mix of oregano, basil, and marjoram can be a good substitute.
- Quality Broth Matters: Using chicken bone broth adds a richer, more robust flavor compared to regular chicken broth.
- Serving Suggestions: This hearty herbed lemon chicken and rice is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some steamed asparagus to round out your plate.
This comforting chicken and rice dish is more than just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl, perfect for bringing warmth to your dinner table any night of the week.