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lemon chicken rice bake in a blue dutch oven garnished with parsley.
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4.44 from 46 votes

Lemon Chicken Rice Bake

Lemon Chicken Rice Bake is a heartwarming symphony of zesty lemon, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice, all harmonizing beautifully in one oven-safe skillet. With crispy chicken skin, aromatic garlic, and a hint of white wine, this dish will transport your senses straight to a cozy Mediterranean kitchen. Every bite promises comfort and a burst of flavor that's sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Marinating Time20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Keyword: chicken rice bake, chicken rice recipes, lemon chicken rice bake
Servings: 6
Calories: 391kcal

Ingredients

For Marinade

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup white wine I used Sauvignon blanc
  • ¼ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 chicken thighs with bone and skin

For Rice

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup rice long grain uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth low sodium
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • zest from 1 lemon
  • lemon slices
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

  • In a ziploc bag combine with wine, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic and chicken thighs. Shake the bag well and marinate for at least 20 minutes up to overnight.
    process shots showing how to make lemon chicken rice bake.
  • Preheat your oven to 350℉ (177℃).
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet that's oven safe. Add the chicken thighs and cook on both sides until skin is golden brown and crispy. Make sure to reserve marinade. Chicken doesn't have to be cooked through since it will continue cooking in the oven. Transfer the chicken to a plate. 
    process shots showing how to make lemon chicken rice bake.
  • In the same skillet add the onion and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes just until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the garlic and saute for another 30 seconds just until it becomes aromatic.
    process shots showing how to make lemon chicken rice bake.
  • Stir in the rice and cook for 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth, reserved marinade and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Add the lemon zest, stir and bring to a boil.
    process shots showing how to make lemon chicken rice bake.
  • Add the chicken back to the skillet on top of the rice, arrange lemon slices around the chicken and cover the skillet with a lid. 
    process shots showing how to make lemon chicken rice bake.
  • Bake covered for 20 minutes then remove the lid and bake for another 10 minutes.
    process shots showing how to make lemon chicken rice bake.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Video

Notes

  1. Chicken Selection: While chicken thighs are recommended for their juicy nature, you can also use chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
  2. Wine Choice: If you don't have Sauvignon Blanc on hand, any dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay will do.
  3. Rice Type: Using long-grain rice ensures a fluffy texture. If substituting with short-grain or brown rice, adjust liquid and cooking time as needed.
  4. Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice can be more acidic than fresh. For the best flavor, stick to freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 391kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 549mg | Potassium: 541mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 101IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg