Go Back
There's something undeniably comforting about a home-cooked meal, especially one that brings a burst of vibrant flavors to the table. Imagine stepping into your kitchen, the warm aroma of garlic and lemon filling the air while a satisfying sizzle comes from the skillet. This is the scene I found myself in the other evening as I whipped up my go-to recipe for Zesty Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Rice. It’s a dish that never fails to impress, whether it's for a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends. With tender chicken thighs marinated in zesty lemon and garlic, served over fluffy jasmine rice, this recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience.

Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Rice

Elevate your dinner game with this Zesty Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Rice recipe. Experience the comforting aroma of garlic and lemon as you marinate tender chicken thighs and serve them over fluffy jasmine rice. This dish beautifully combines Mediterranean flavors and is simple enough for cooks of any skill level. With its vibrant flavors and straightforward preparation, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Impress your guests with this delightful meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup jasmine rice

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 2 lemons

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine your chicken thighs with the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, dried thyme, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until the chicken is thoroughly coated then cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

    Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to a rolling boil. Once boiling, stir in the jasmine rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Once done, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, still covered, for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a fluffy texture.

      Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once melted and bubbling, add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

        Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the remaining lemon juice and allow the mixture to simmer for around 2 minutes, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

          Combine: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, return the seared chicken to the skillet, and spoon the zesty lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken to ensure a thorough coating. Allow the chicken to warm in the sauce for another 2 minutes, ensuring it is heated through.

            Serve: Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork and distribute it evenly among serving plates. Position the deliciously glazed chicken on top of the rice and generously drizzle the lemon garlic butter sauce over the dish. For a vibrant finish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and add lemon slices on the side.

              Enjoy: Serve immediately while the flavors are fresh and enjoy your delightful Zesty Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Rice!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 50 minutes | 4 servings