Description

This One Pan Lemon Pepper Yogurt Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring marinated chicken thighs or breasts baked over a bed of basmati rice and broccoli. The creamy yogurt marinade with lemon zest, garlic, and aromatic spices ensures tender, juicy chicken while the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors for a complete meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

6 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 to 2 teaspoons black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
Kosher salt, to taste
Chili flakes, optional and to taste

Rice and Vegetables

1 3/4 cups dry basmati rice
2 cups roughly chopped broccoli
2 tablespoons salted butter
2 cups water (plus extra 1/3 cup if needed)
Lemon wedges, optional for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, chopped garlic, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, onion powder, kosher salt, and chili flakes if using. Mix thoroughly to coat all the chicken evenly with the marinade. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or preferably overnight in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors and tenderize the meat.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (205°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the dish evenly.
Assemble the Dish: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread the dry basmati rice evenly. Scatter the roughly chopped broccoli over the rice. Pour 2 cups of water over the rice and vegetables, then dot the butter on top. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on top of the rice and broccoli layer. Add lemon wedges around for extra citrus aroma and presentation if desired.
Bake Until Tender: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through and the rice is fluffy. If the rice is still hard or undercooked after this time, add an additional 1/3 cup of water and continue baking for another 10 minutes until fully cooked.
Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Serve the chicken, rice, and broccoli together, garnished with fresh basil or thyme for added color and flavor. Enjoy this wholesome, one-pan meal hot for best taste.

Notes

Marinating the chicken overnight will greatly enhance the flavor and tenderness.
Use skin-on chicken for more flavor and juiciness; skin-off works for a leaner option.
You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or green beans depending on preference.
Add lemon wedges while baking to impart a fresh citrus aroma and juice to the dish.
Use a tight-fitting baking dish or cover with foil if you want to retain extra moisture and prevent drying.
Check rice doneness mid-way and add water as necessary to ensure fluffy texture.