Creamy Lemon Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy Lemon Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup long-grain rice; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh dill for garnish

Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Dishes

I absolutely love making Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice on those busy weeknights when we crave something comforting yet delightful. The luscious creaminess of the dish paired with a zesty lemon flavor creates a joyful balance that makes my taste buds dance. Each bite melts in my mouth, and I always appreciate how the simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels elegant. It’s easy to prepare, and the aroma that fills the kitchen is irresistible, making it a beloved favorite in my home.

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2026-02-02T02:01:37.092Z

When I first tried making Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice, I was nervous about balancing the flavors without overwhelming the dish. After several iterations, I discovered that a splash of white wine and fresh dill elevate the taste without overshadowing the bright lemon notes. It was a total game-changer!

Also, ensuring I cooked the chicken just right before adding the rice made a huge difference. The chicken stayed tender while still allowing all the ingredients to marry beautifully. Now, this recipe is a staple in my kitchen; it's a fulfilling dish that impresses everyone!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy, tangy flavor that's bright and refreshing
Comforting texture that's perfect for cozy dinners
Simple ingredients that create a luxurious dish

Mastering the Creaminess

Achieving the perfect creaminess in Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice relies heavily on the heavy cream. Using high-quality cream will enhance the richness of the dish. If you're looking to lighten it up a bit, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or even a non-dairy alternative, like coconut cream. Just remember that non-dairy milks may change the flavor profile slightly, so choose wisely to maintain the zesty lemon brightness.

To ensure a velvety texture, avoid bringing the cream to a full boil. Instead, let it simmer gently after adding the broth, allowing the flavors to meld without curdling. If you see the cream start to separate or boil vigorously, reduce the heat immediately. Stir occasionally to help create a luxurious consistency that coats the rice and chicken.

Ingredient Roles and Variations

The combination of lemon juice and zest plays a pivotal role in brightening the dish, cutting through the richness of the cream. The acidity in the lemon not only enhances flavors but also helps tenderize the chicken as it marinates – especially if you have time to let it sit for about 30 minutes before cooking. If you're after a different citrus kick, lime or even orange could be delightful alternatives, adjusting the overall tanginess to your liking.

Fresh dill provides a herbal note that elevates the dish beyond ordinary chicken and rice. However, if dill isn’t available, try substituting with fresh parsley or chives. These offer a fresh taste, though they do bring a different profile. Experimenting with herbs allows you to customize this recipe to fit your personal preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain rice
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh dill for garnish

Mix well before serving.

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Rice

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the rice and stir, cooking for another 2 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and thyme. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, and return the chicken to the skillet.

Simmer

Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh dill over the top before serving. Enjoy your creamy, zesty meal!

Serve hot, and enjoy the flavors!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs a few hours ahead of cooking. Also, adding steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas can enhance the dish with more textures and nutrients.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice in advance, making it a great option for meal prep. While I recommend cooking it fresh for the best texture, assembling the ingredients a few hours ahead can help streamline your dinner routine. Just remember to store the components separately until you're ready to cook; otherwise, the rice may absorb too much liquid and become mushy.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to help rehydrate the rice and maintain the creamy texture. Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Scaling Up for a Crowd

This recipe can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings. If you're serving a crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients. When scaling, ensure you have a sufficiently large skillet or consider using a Dutch oven to accommodate the increased volume without crowding the chicken, which is essential for proper browning.

Keep an eye on cooking times; larger quantities may require a few extra minutes for the chicken to cook through and the rice to become tender. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F. This helps ensure that everyone enjoys tender, juicy chicken.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or substitute with Greek yogurt, though the texture will differ slightly.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently on the stove with a little added broth.

→ What can I serve with Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables go well with this flavorful dish.