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One Pan Lemon Pepper Yogurt Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.3 from 15 reviews

This One Pan Lemon Pepper Yogurt Chicken and Rice is a vibrant, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a tangy lemon yogurt sauce are baked alongside fragrant basmati rice and fresh broccoli, creating a delicious, comforting dish with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

  • 6 chicken thighs or breasts (skin on or off)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2-4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (use more to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Chili flakes, to taste (optional)

Main Dish

  • 1 3/4 cups dry basmati rice
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 cups roughly chopped broccoli
  • Lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh basil and/or thyme, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, chopped garlic, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, onion powder, kosher salt, and chili flakes if using. Toss everything well to coat the chicken evenly. For best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a 9x13-inch baking dish, pour in the dry basmati rice and roughly chopped broccoli. Add 2 cups of water and dot the butter on top of the rice and broccoli mixture.
  3. Assemble the Dish: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces evenly over the rice and broccoli in the baking dish. If desired, add lemon wedges around the dish for extra citrus aroma and garnish.
  4. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Check that the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). If the rice is still hard after this time, add an additional 1/3 cup of water and bake for another 10 minutes until fully cooked.
  5. Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil and/or thyme. Serve the chicken, rice, and broccoli warm and enjoy a flavorful, wholesome meal all made in one pan.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness dramatically but 30 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
  • If you prefer, you can substitute broccoli with another vegetable like green beans or asparagus.
  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier results; boneless works well too.
  • Be sure to check the rice towards the end to avoid dryness or undercooking; adjust water as needed.
  • Adding lemon wedges before baking intensifies the citrus flavor, but fresh lemon juice can also be squeezed on before serving.

Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/one-pan-lemon-pepper-yogurt-chicken-and-rice-recipe/