Lemon Butter Chicken With Rice

Name: Lemon Butter Chicken With Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon, juiced and zested; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Meal Staples

I can’t express how much I love this Lemon Butter Chicken With Rice! The vibrant lemon flavor combined with the richness of butter creates an indulgent dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I find that the simplicity of this recipe allows the chicken to shine, and the creamy rice acts as the perfect accompaniment. Plus, this dish comes together in just a little over 30 minutes, making it a favorite in my home for those busy evenings when time is of the essence.

Created by

Harper Collins

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:53:35.678Z

When I first made this Lemon Butter Chicken With Rice, I knew I had stumbled upon something magical. The bright acidity of the lemons blends so beautifully with the butter, creating a silky sauce that coats the tender chicken. I remember experimenting with herbs during my initial attempts, finally settling on a combination of thyme and garlic that really elevate the flavors.

This dish is not just quick to make but also incredibly satisfying. The buttery sauce seeps into the rice, making each grain flavorful and a perfect match to the lemony chicken. I recommend squeezing a little extra lemon juice before serving for an even bolder flavor!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The zesty lemon sauce brightens up the chicken perfectly.
Creamy rice soaked in rich butter sauce is pure comfort food.
Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for weeknight dinners.

Perfectly Cooking the Chicken

When cooking the chicken, ensure that your skillet is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the oil and butter. This helps to achieve a golden-brown crust on the chicken, enhancing both flavor and presentation. Cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side is crucial; if you're unsure about doneness, you can use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remember, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moister bite.

For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and thyme for 30 minutes prior to cooking. This infuses the meat with the bright lemony essence and ensures that the herbs permeate the chicken. If you're pressed for time, you can skip the marinating step and still achieve a flavorful dish with the zesty lemon sauce you'll create later.

Understanding the Rice

The rice acts as a canvas for the rich lemon butter sauce; using long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine will provide a fluffy texture that absorbs the sauce beautifully. Be sure to rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear; this removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy during cooking. The ratio of rice to broth is important—using two cups of broth for every one cup of rice ensures a flavorful and perfectly cooked texture.

If you're looking to make this dish a bit heartier or wish to reduce the calories, feel free to substitute half of the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Cooking times may vary slightly, so check the packaging for specific instructions. Both alternatives maintain the dish's integrity while adding unique textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking:

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice

1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Salt to taste

Once you have everything prepped, you can start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious Lemon Butter Chicken With Rice:

Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth, and a tablespoon of butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

Make the Lemon Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and thyme. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan and let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes.

Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it well with the lemon sauce. Serve the chicken over the rice and drizzle any remaining sauce on top.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Butter Chicken With Rice!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. You can also add vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to the skillet for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Lemon Butter Chicken can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and make the lemon sauce in advance; simply store both in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or a bit of water to prevent drying out. Prepare the rice fresh as it takes just 15 minutes to cook and will stay fluffy.

For long-term storage, you can also freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. Portion them out into freezer-safe containers, and they can last for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Note that the texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing; stirring in a tablespoon of butter when reheating can help restore its creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

For an appealing presentation, serve the Lemon Butter Chicken over a bed of the creamy rice, and garnish with additional lemon zest and fresh thyme leaves. This not only adds color but also enhances the lemon aroma, inviting your guests to dig in. Pair the dish with steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a balanced meal; their crispness provides a delightful contrast to the creamy rice and succulent chicken.

If you're entertaining or looking to elevate this dish for a special occasion, consider adding toasted almonds or a sprinkle of capers to finish. The almonds lend a crunchy texture while capers introduce a briny tang that compliments the lemon butter sauce beautifully, giving the dish an exquisite touch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier and more flavorful result.

→ What can I substitute for rice?

You can substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and reheat them before serving.

→ What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony flavors beautifully.