Zesty Lemon Chicken & Asparagus Rice
This Zesty Lemon Chicken & Asparagus Rice is a flavorful and easy one-pot meal. Fluffy rice is cooked with chicken broth, tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and bright lemon for a satisfying dish.
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- tight-fitting lid
- fork
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small onion finely diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup fresh asparagus cut into 1-inch pieces
- lemon zest Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until clear, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan, then cook diced onion until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and black pepper; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat, toasting lightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Turn off heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in cooked chicken, asparagus, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Cover again for 2-3 minutes to tenderize asparagus and meld flavors.
- Adjust seasoning, serve hot, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For best results, do not lift the lid during the initial 15-minute simmering and subsequent 5-minute steaming to ensure perfectly cooked rice.