Lemon Garlic Chicken With Rice: A Simple, Healthy Dish
If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s both flavorful and healthy, this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice recipe is a winner. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken breasts, aromatic garlic, fresh lemon juice, and parsley, all served over a bed of fluffy brown rice. Ideal for a single-serving meal, this recipe can easily be scaled up to serve more people. Whether you’re preparing it for yourself or for a small family dinner, this dish provides a delicious, low-cholesterol, and balanced meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. Let’s dive into the details of this flavorful dish!
Recipe Overview
- Total Time: 20 minutes (10 minutes prep time, 10 minutes cook time)
- Servings: 1 (easily scalable)
- Recipe Category: Chicken Breast
- Keywords: Chicken, Brown Rice, Poultry, Rice, Vegetable, Meat, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Free Of…, < 30 Mins, Beginner Cook, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 608.2 kcal |
| Fat Content | 14.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 54.4 mg |
| Sodium | 235.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 84 g |
| Fiber | 6.4 g |
| Sugar | 5.2 g |
| Protein | 29.1 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 3 oz (1 serving) |
| Reduced-Calorie Margarine | 2 tsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Lemon Juice | 1/2 tbsp |
| White Wine (optional) | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh Parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
| Brown Rice (cooked) | 1/2 cup |
Instructions
-
Melt the Margarine
In a medium skillet, melt the reduced-calorie margarine over medium heat. As the margarine begins to melt, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. -
-
Cook the Chicken
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Stir in the lemon juice, white wine (if using), and chopped parsley. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook the chicken for about 5–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). -
Prepare the Rice
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the brown rice according to package instructions. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of cooked rice per serving. -
Assemble and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, serve it on a plate over the freshly cooked brown rice. Spoon some of the flavorful garlic-lemon sauce from the skillet over the chicken and rice for extra flavor. -
Garnish and Enjoy
Garnish the dish with additional fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your nutritious, tasty meal!
Tips for Perfecting Your Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice
- Adjust Seasonings: Depending on your taste preferences, you can add more lemon juice for an extra citrusy kick or a dash of salt and pepper for additional seasoning.
- Add Vegetables: For a well-rounded meal, consider adding steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach on the side, or even mixing them in with the rice while it cooks.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Scalable Recipe: This recipe is easy to multiply based on the number of servings needed. Just adjust the ingredients proportionally and follow the same method.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Chicken With Rice
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. It’s low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium while providing a hearty serving of protein and fiber from the chicken and brown rice. The bright, zesty flavors of garlic and lemon give the chicken a deliciously fresh taste that pairs wonderfully with the nutty brown rice. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this simple recipe will help you create a balanced meal in no time.
Additional Recipe Variations
-
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Quinoa
For a gluten-free twist, substitute brown rice with quinoa. Quinoa provides a similar texture but has more protein and fiber than rice, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious meal. -
Grilled Version
Take this recipe outdoors by grilling the chicken breasts instead of sautéing them. This method will give the chicken a smoky flavor while still keeping the garlic-lemon marinade intact. -
Add a Creamy Twist
If you enjoy creamy dishes, try adding a tablespoon of low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt to the sauce after cooking the chicken. This will create a rich and creamy sauce without adding much fat. -
Vegan Version
For a plant-based option, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. The tofu will absorb the flavors of the garlic and lemon beautifully, offering a satisfying and vegetarian alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Rice recipe is not only simple and quick to prepare but also highly customizable to fit various dietary preferences. Its fresh ingredients and zesty flavors make it an ideal choice for those who want a healthy, filling meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or cooking for one, this dish is a great addition to your repertoire. Give it a try and enjoy the vibrant flavors of garlic and lemon in every bite!
By following this easy and healthy recipe, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty and nourishing but don’t have a lot of time to spare. Plus, with its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s an ideal choice for beginner cooks.
This dish is guaranteed to become one of your favorites, whether you’re cooking for yourself or a small group of friends or family.
Happy cooking!
