One Pan Lemon Pepper Yogurt Chicken and Rice Recipe
This One Pan Lemon Pepper Yogurt Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a zesty yogurt sauce with lemon, garlic, and herbs, then baked together with fluffy basmati rice and broccoli for a wholesome, comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes to overnight marinating time)
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (not including marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
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 (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh basil and/or thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs or breasts with extra virgin olive oil, plain Greek yogurt, lemon zest, chopped garlic, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, onion powder, kosher salt, and chili flakes if using. Toss everything together to coat the chicken evenly. For best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you assemble the dish.
- Prepare the Rice and Broccoli Base: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, pour in the dry basmati rice and spread the roughly chopped broccoli evenly over it. Add 2 cups of water to the baking dish, then place 2 tablespoons of salted butter on top of the rice and broccoli.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces evenly over the rice and broccoli mixture. If desired, add lemon wedges around the chicken to infuse additional citrus flavor as it bakes.
- Bake the Dish: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. The rice should become fluffy and fully absorb the water, and the chicken should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If after this time the rice is still hard or dry, add an additional 1/3 cup of water and continue baking for another 10 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with fresh basil and/or thyme for added freshness and aroma. Serve the chicken, rice, and broccoli together hot and enjoy your wholesome one-pan meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Use skin-on chicken for more juicy results, but skinless works well too.
- If you prefer spicier food, increase the amount of chili flakes.
- Basmati rice is recommended for its fluffy texture and aromatic quality.
- Feel free to substitute broccoli with other vegetables like green beans or asparagus.
- Check the internal temperature of chicken to ensure it is fully cooked for safety.
- Adding lemon wedges while baking intensifies the citrus flavor and keeps chicken moist.