Herbed Chicken with Brown Rice Pilaf

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Herbed Chicken with Brown Rice Pilaf, a wholesome and flavorful meal that's as comforting as it is nutritious. Tender, golden-brown chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, thyme, rosemary, and lemon juice, then baked to juicy perfection. Paired with a nutty brown rice pilaf that’s simmered in savory chicken broth and studded with aromatic vegetables like onion, carrot, and celery, this dish delivers hearty, well-balanced flavors in every bite. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this recipe is a perfect harmony of protein, whole grains, and herbs. Ideal for meal prepping or a family dinner, this recipe is ready in under an hour and is as satisfying as it is easy to make.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely diced
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 15 minutes while preparing the rice pilaf.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Add the brown rice to the saucepan and stir for 2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth, then season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the rice simmer for 40 minutes or until cooked and all the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6

While the rice cooks, heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Step 7

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 8

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 9

Fluff the cooked rice pilaf with a fork and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

Step 10

Serve the herbed chicken on a plate alongside a generous portion of the brown rice pilaf. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1911.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2136.9

Total Fat 92.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g
Cholesterol 657.4mg	0%
Sodium 5532.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 81.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.7g	0%
Total Sugars 15.3g
Protein 232.6g	0%

Vitamin D 11.4IU	0%
Calcium 335.4mg	0%
Iron 11.5mg	0%
Potassium 3395.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.0%

Protein: 44.5%

Carbs: 15.5%