Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Bowl with Bold Zesty Flavor

why make this recipe

This Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Bowl is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together quickly for a weeknight meal. With zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and tender chicken, it’s a delightful treat that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s a one-bowl meal that keeps cleanup to a minimum!

how to make Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Bowl

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts (choose tender, evenly sized pieces)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic (roasted or minced)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh-squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking and marinating)
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (for soaking up sauce)
• 2 cups chicken broth (used to cook rice)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for extra aroma and taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
• 2 stalks sliced green onions (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)

Directions:

For the Chicken and Marinade

1. Start by mixing the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. After marinating, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.

For the Rice Base

1. While the chicken is cooking, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
3. Add the rice and lemon zest, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Assemble the Bowl

1. Once the chicken is cooked and the rice is ready, slice the chicken into strips.
2. In bowls, layer the rice and top with sliced chicken.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, sliced green onions, and red pepper flakes for a little heat.

how to serve Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Bowl

Serve the Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Bowl warm. It makes a great lunch or dinner option and can be enjoyed with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

how to store Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Bowl

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will last for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

tips to make Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Bowl

• For extra flavor, you can add more herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste; if you like it tangy, feel free to add more.
• Consider adding some vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the rice for added color and nutrition.

variation (if any)

You can easily make this bowl vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. The same marinade works perfectly with these alternatives to keep the bold flavors intact.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and rice separately. Just ensure they are in tightly sealed containers to avoid freezer burn.

What can I serve with this rice bowl?
You can serve it with a simple green salad, mixed veggies, or even some grilled corn for a complete meal!

Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Rice Bowl

A simple and flavorful one-bowl meal featuring zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and tender chicken, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Marinade

• 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts Choose tender, evenly sized pieces
• 3 cloves fresh garlic Roasted or minced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice Fresh-squeezed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking and marinating
• 1 teaspoon salt To taste
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper To taste

For the Rice Base

• 1 cup long-grain white rice For soaking up sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth Used to cook rice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest For extra aroma and taste

For Garnish

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro For garnish
• 2 stalks sliced green onions For garnish
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes For a spicy kick

Method

 

For the Chicken and Marinade

1. Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.

For the Rice Base

1. While the chicken is cooking, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
3. Add the rice and lemon zest, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Assemble the Bowl

1. Once the chicken is cooked and the rice is ready, slice the chicken into strips.
2. In bowls, layer the rice and top with sliced chicken.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, sliced green onions, and red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Notes

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. For extra flavor, consider adding more herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade. You can easily make this bowl vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu or chickpeas.