Easy Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice (Lower Sodium Recipe)
This Easy Lemon Herb Chicken is a quick, one-pot meal packed with fresh lemon flavor. Lower in sodium, it’s perfect for a simple dinner on a busy night.
We had a reader request a simple, lower-sodium meal.
After a few different recipe tests, we developed this casserole style one-pot meal, which cooks the rice and diced chicken at the same time in the same pot.
It is super easy to make—just press the seasoning into the chicken, then layer the ingredients in order and press start.
What seasoning blend should I use?
The seasoning blend you choose will make up a lot of this dish’s flavor, so make sure to use one you like.
Since our reader requested a lower-salt option, we went with the Original Mrs. Dash no-salt seasoning in the yellow packaging, which features onion, garlic, and lots of other herbs including oregano, black pepper, and basil.
As a note: Since my family isn’t accustomed to eating low-sodium, we’ve found that adding 1 teaspoon salt seasons the chicken and rice to our liking. I’ve included that as an optional ingredient so you can customize this dish to your family’s taste. (Also, if your selected seasoning blend uses salt, make sure to omit this as well.)
Can I substitute the leeks?
Lately we’ve been really enjoying the mild flavor and texture of leeks. I really like how they blend into the rice in a way that chopped onion does not.
If you prefer, you can substitute 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion if you’d like a stronger onion flavor.
Note: The leeks our store carries are huge—I usually will get about 2 cups from one large leek, so I’ll chop everything at the same time and then freeze the remainder for another recipe.
What should I serve with Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice?
We kept things really easy with this meal, so we recommend easy sides as well. When we make it, we serve it with steamed veggies or a tossed salad to round out the meal.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow to cool to room temperature, then store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Remember, this dish continues to thicken as it cools, so you will need to add liquid when you reheat.
Do you LOVE this recipe?
Leave us a review below to tell us why!
Easy Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice | Lower-sodium Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon seasoning blend we used Mrs. Dash no-salt seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt optional*
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped leeks well washed and drained
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice plus lemon zest if desired
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- Steamed veggies optional, for serving
- Lemon slices optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the seasoning and salt (if using). Press the seasoning onto the chicken. Set aside.
- Add the olive oil, leeks, rice, chicken broth, and lemon juice to the pot and stir to combine in an even layer. Place chicken on top and DO NOT STIR.
- Lock the lid in place. Select High Pressure and 4 minutes cook time.
- When the cook time ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then finish with a natural release.
- Add the parsley and stir the chicken and rice until well combined. Serve with lemon wedges and additional seasonings to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
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Chicken breasts around here tend to be gigantic. Can you give an estimated weight of yours?
My regular store tends to have larger ones two. I’d say they average just over a pound and a half for 2.
Can this be made with chicken tenders?
Raw chicken tenderloins should work just great. Just dice them into 1 inch pieces, with no changes to the cook time.
I love your recipes and all the added information. You keep things simple and not so expensive, like fancy cheeses and fresh spices that really add up. I am definitely trying this one and I really enjoy your slow cooker recipes also, please keep it up because groceries are getting expensive and we need all the help we can get to keep it cheaper and yet still good to eat.
We definitely try to mix it up with some more simple recipes and some that are a bit fancier. I think there are a lot of people out there looking for quick recipes that use less expensive ingredients. I am so glad you are enjoying our recipes!