Pin it Succulent chicken breasts seasoned with zesty lemon and cracked black pepper, served over fluffy rice for a bright, comforting meal.
This dish reminds me of the first dinner I made for my family after a long weekend away & the aroma of lemon and pepper brought everyone to the kitchen with smiles.
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Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, Zest of 1 lemon, Juice of 1 lemon, 2 cloves garlic minced
- Rice: 1 cup long-grain white rice, 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water), 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Garnish (optional): 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, Lemon slices
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Instructions
- Prep Oven and Chicken:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, black pepper, salt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Season and Sear:
- Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2 minutes per side until golden.
- Bake Chicken:
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
- Prep Rice:
- While the chicken bakes, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, bring chicken broth (or water) and butter to a boil. Add the rice and salt, stir once, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Serve:
- Serve the chicken breasts over the rice. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Pin it My kids love sprinkling extra parsley on top & it turns mealtime into a fun moment they all share together.
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Required Tools
Large ovenproof skillet, Small mixing bowl, Saucepan with lid, Measuring cups and spoons, Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter). Gluten-free if using gluten-free chicken broth always check labels to confirm.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 340, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 32 g, Protein 32 g
Pin it 
Enjoy this bright and cozy meal with your favorite white wine and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for the perfect finishing touch.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you ensure the chicken stays moist?
Sealing the chicken breasts by searing each side before baking helps lock in juices and maintain tenderness.
- → Can brown rice be used instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice may be substituted but will require a longer cooking time and additional liquid.
- → What is the purpose of lemon zest and juice in this dish?
Lemon zest adds intense citrus aroma while the juice delivers bright acidity, balancing the pepper’s spice.
- → Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating for up to 2 hours enhances flavor, but quick seasoning and immediate cooking still yield great results.
- → How is the rice kept fluffy and light?
Rinsing rice before cooking removes excess starch; gentle simmering with broth and resting covered allows proper steam absorption.
