Description
A vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender lemon pepper chicken cooked with aromatic rice, fresh zucchini, and yellow squash. This healthy and gluten-free recipe combines bright lemon zest and juice with savory spices to create a comforting yet light dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into half moons
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with lemon pepper seasoning and garlic powder. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and toast rice: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the rice and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast it.
- Simmer chicken and rice: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then return the chicken to the pan. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and chicken to finish cooking.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the sliced zucchini and yellow squash. Cover again and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the rice is tender and vegetables are cooked but still vibrant.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes before serving.
- This dish can be made with brown rice—just increase cook time and liquid slightly.
