Side Dishes > Side Dishes for Specific Mains > Sides for Chicken > Simple Rice Pilaf

Lemon Herb Rice Pilaf

A light and fragrant rice pilaf infused with lemon and fresh herbs, perfect as a side dish for grilled or roasted chicken. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite herbs and is a delightful alternative to plain rice.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Long-grain rice
  • 2 cups Chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 small, minced Shallot
  • 2 cloves, minced Garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon, chopped Fresh thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper

Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to brown the garlic.

Toast Rice

Add the rice to the saucepan and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step enhances the flavor of the rice.

Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Fluff and Serve

Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, covered. Fluff with a fork and stir in the fresh parsley and thyme. Serve immediately with your favorite chicken dish.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 130kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 2g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This recipe is relatively low in fat and sodium. Using brown rice instead of white rice will increase the fiber content. Consider using low-sodium chicken broth to further reduce sodium intake.

← Herb-Infused Quinoa with Lemon for Fish Lemon Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan →

FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of rice?

    Yes, you can use other types of rice such as basmati or jasmine rice. Adjust the cooking time and liquid amount as needed based on the rice package instructions.
  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

    Yes, you can substitute dried herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
  • Can I add vegetables to the pilaf?

    Yes, feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the pilaf. Add them along with the rice to sauté them.