Name: lemon herb chicken & rice with fresh salad side
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 lemons (zested and juiced); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 garlic cloves minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon mixed dried herbs; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 onion chopped; 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional); 4 cups mixed leafy greens; 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved; 1/2 cucumber sliced; 1/4 red onion thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1.5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic minced; 1/2 teaspoon honey; salt and pepper to taste

Description

This one-pan lemon herb chicken and rice paired with a crisp fresh salad offers a balanced, easy weeknight meal. Bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and a tangy balsamic dressing make this dish simple yet flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 lemons (zested and juiced)

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 garlic cloves minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon mixed dried herbs

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1/2 onion chopped

1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional)

4 cups mixed leafy greens

1 cup cherry tomatoes halved

1/2 cucumber sliced

1/4 red onion thinly sliced

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1.5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic minced

1/2 teaspoon honey

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and combine lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs in a bowl.

2. Marinate chicken breasts in mixture for 20–30 minutes.

3. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden.

4. Remove chicken and sauté onion in the same pan until translucent.

5. Stir rice into onions for 1 minute, then add broth and turmeric.

6. Nestle chicken on top of rice, cover with foil, and bake for 25–30 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F.

7. Meanwhile, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper for dressing.

8. Toss mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion with dressing just before serving.

9. Let the chicken and rice rest 5 minutes after baking, then serve alongside the salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: dinner
Method: baked
Cuisine: american

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500
Sugar: 5
Sodium: 500
Fat: 15
Saturated Fat: 3
Unsaturated Fat: 10
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 55
Fiber: 4
Protein: 35
Cholesterol: 80

Keywords: lemon herb chicken, fresh salad, onepan chicken, healthy dinner, clean eating, chicken meal prep, balsamic dressing