Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts with Rice Pilaf.’

Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Pilaf is made with tender chicken that’s covered in a zesty lemon and herb garlic butter, served on a bed of flavored rice, orzo pasta, and veggies to make the perfect dinner recipe.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!SAVE

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you! Read our disclosure policy here.

It’s light, refreshing, and a pretty healthy meal overall. Perfect for filling your belly after a long day without having to clean a pile of dishes later. 

If you’re all about the light and refreshing flavors, you will love my Lemon Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Roasted Asparagus. And, if you’re a huge orzo fan like me, you must try my Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo dish. 

Why this dinner recipe works

This is a flavorful chicken and rice dish that the whole family will enjoy. It’s an easy recipe that uses simple pantry ingredients and the leftovers are even better the next day.

Ingredients needed

• Chicken breasts: with bone-in and skin-on 
• Butter: melted
• Herbs and spices: fresh thyme, minced garlic cloves, fresh chopped rosemary, kosher salt, and black pepper
• Lemon: for both zest and lemon juice
• Orzo pasta
• Veggies: diced onion and carrots
• Garlic cloves: diced
• Long grain rice
• Chicken stock: Low sodium

How to make lemon herb chicken and rice pilaf

• Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, herbs, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
• Step 2: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place chicken breasts on it. Brush lemon butter mixture on the chicken and bake until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

• Step 3: In a deep, large skillet, melt butter. Add carrots and onions, cook until slightly soft.
• Step 4: Add in garlic, rice, and orzo. Cook until the rice and orzo start to brown.

• Step 5: Add chicken stock and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender. 
• Step 6: Turn off heat and let the mixture stand in the hot skillet for a bit before fluffing it with a fork.

• Step 7: Remove chicken from the oven. 
• Step 8: Place chicken on top of the rice pilaf and garnish with parsley, before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep leftovers longer by freezing in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• When reheating leftovers, you may find it easier to add a splash of chicken broth or chicken stock to help keep it moist while reheating.
• Add some heat to the dish by adding cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.  
• Serve this great recipe with lemon slices for a nice garnish.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried options.