Lemon Parsley Chicken And Brown Rice
A bright and flavorful chicken and rice dish featuring lemon zest, fresh parsley, and tender chicken breasts, perfect for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chicken breasts in hot oil in a skillet.
- Add chicken broth; bring to a boil. Stir in the instant brown rice.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir in chopped parsley, grated lemon peel, and pepper.
- Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for a couple of hours before cooking. If you don't have Minute rice, other quick-cooking brown rice varieties can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley, but use only about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lemon Parsley Chicken and Brown Rice with a side of steamed vegetables, like green beans or broccoli, for a balanced meal. A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette can also complement the dish nicely. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with crusty bread or a side of Aunt Ange's Chicken for a comforting family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice mixture in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Parsley Chicken And Brown Rice contains roughly 321 calories, with 32g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (241% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (121% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 483mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking times. If you start with frozen chicken, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they are fully cooked through.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth is a great substitute that will still provide flavor. Alternatively, you can use water mixed with a bouillon cube or powder to create a similar broth-like quality. This is especially useful if you're making chicken recipes without any broth on hand.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots can enhance the dish's nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the chicken before adding the broth and rice, ensuring they are tender by the time the rice is finished cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).