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Easy One Pan Lemon Pepper Yogurt Chicken and Rice. dish image

One Pan Lemon Pepper Yogurt Chicken and Rice.

This One Pan Lemon Pepper Yogurt Chicken and Rice is a zesty, flavorful delight! Enjoy tender chicken, aromatic rice, and vibrant broccoli with minimal cleanup.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 6 pieces 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
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Rice and Vegetables:

  • 1 3/4 cups dry basmati rice
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 cups broccoli (roughly chopped)

Instructions

Cooking Instructions:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, plain Greek yogurt, lemon zest, chopped garlic, black pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, onion powder, and a generous pinch of kosher salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, in the refrigerator for a few hours for maximum flavor.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking.
  • In your large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, add the marinated chicken along with any remaining marinade. Place it over medium heat and sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same pan, add the dry basmati rice and sauté for about 2 minutes. Then pour in 3 1/2 cups of water, and add the chopped broccoli. Season with additional kosher salt and chili flakes as desired.
  • Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, ensuring it’s partially submerged in the rice mixture. Dot the top with salted butter. Cover the pan and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
  • Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, and serve the chicken on a bed of rice, garnished with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Oven mitts

Notes

  • Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving for extra flavor.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes in the recipe.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • This dish can be doubled for larger gatherings; just ensure your pan can accommodate the quantity.