One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Caramelized Lemon Recipe

One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Caramelized Lemon is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, fragrant rice, and the zesty, slightly sweet notes of caramelized lemon. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even for special occasions when you want a simple yet impressive meal. The caramelized lemon adds a wonderful depth of flavor, balancing the savory chicken and rice.

One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Caramelized Lemon Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts, if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water + chicken bouillon)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color and flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or thyme)
• 1 large lemon, sliced into rounds
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Chicken:

• Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (such as a Dutch oven) over medium-high heat.
• Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place the chicken, skin-side down, into the hot pot and sear for about 5-7 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

2. Caramelize the Lemon:

• In the same pot, add the lemon slices and honey. Let the lemon slices cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and slightly caramelized. Remove the lemon slices and set them aside with the chicken.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

• Add the butter to the pot and melt it over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

4. Cook the Rice:

• Stir in the rice, turmeric (if using), and oregano, allowing the rice to toast slightly for 1-2 minutes.
• Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Combine the Chicken and Rice:

• Once the broth is boiling, return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, placing them on top of the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F/74°C) and the rice is tender.

6. Finish the Dish:

• Once the chicken and rice are done, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Gently fluff the rice with a fork, and top with the caramelized lemon slices you set aside earlier.

7. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the chicken and rice with the caramelized lemon slices on top for a lovely, tangy contrast.

Tips for the Best One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Caramelized Lemon:

• Chicken Choice: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for this dish because they stay juicy and tender while the skin crisps up nicely. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken legs can be used as alternatives.
• Rice: If you prefer brown rice, just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as it will take longer (about 35-40 minutes). You may also need to add a little more liquid.
• Lemon: Caramelizing the lemon slices brings out their sweetness and reduces some of their bitterness. If you’re not a fan of the tangy flavor, you can use fewer lemon slices or even squeeze a little lemon juice over the dish at the end instead.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add some vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the rice to make the dish even more hearty and colorful.

Serving Suggestions:

• This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
• You can also serve it with a side of yogurt or a drizzle of tahini for extra creaminess.

This One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Caramelized Lemon is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup. The caramelized lemon adds a unique twist, making this dish both savory and subtly sweet! Enjoy!