From the Cook
1/2
Skillet Lemon-Garlic Chicken and Rice
Instructions
1
Heat oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Remove and discard chicken skin, then sprinkle chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon salt and the pepper. Brown chicken on both sides, turning as needed, about 10 minutes total.
2
While chicken browns, zest 1 lemon and squeeze 1 or 2 lemons to make 1/4 cup juice. Slice a whole lemon into thin rounds and set aside.
3
Transfer chicken to a plate. Add onion to drippings in skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until onion is softened, 2-3 minutes.
4
Stir in garlic and rice. Cook, stirring, until garlic is softened and rice is well-coated in drippings, about 1 minute.
5
Add broth, reserved lemon zest and lemon juice, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt, distributing rise evenly in skillet. Nestle chicken bone-side down in rice and pour in any chicken juices from plate. Top with lemon slices.
6
Bring mixture to a boil. Tightly cover pan with a lid or aluminum foil, protecting hands. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, 25-30 minutes.
7
Coarsely chop basil, then scatter over chicken and rice and stir a couple of times to incorporate it. Top with basil sprigs and serve the dish right from the skillet.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Sear the Chicken First 🔥Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes before adding rice to develop a golden, flavorful crust that adds depth to the entire dish.
- Toast the Rice Separately 🍚Briefly toast the uncooked rice in the pan's rendered chicken fat for 1-2 minutes before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavor and prevent mushy texture.
- Reserve Lemon Zest for Finish 🍋Add lemon zest (not juice) during cooking, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish to brighten flavors without cooking off the volatile aromatics.
- Don't Stir the Rice 🙌Resist the urge to stir once the broth is added; undisturbed rice creates a slightly crispy bottom layer while staying fluffy on top for textural contrast.
- Minced vs. Sliced Garlic Strategy 🧄Use minced garlic for cooking and sliced garlic for finishing—minced distributes flavor throughout the dish while fresh slices add pleasant texture and bright punch at the end.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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