Lemon Pepper Chicken and Broccoli Rice

When it comes to creating a dish that excites the palate and nourishes the body, Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken & Vibrant Broccoli Rice stands out as a delightful option. This recipe harmoniously combines the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemon and the robust seasoning of black pepper with tender, juicy chicken. Paired with fluffy, vibrant broccoli rice, this dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a perfect choice for both casual weeknight dinners and more elaborate gatherings.

Lemon Pepper Chicken and Broccoli Rice

Elevate your dining experience with this vibrant Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken paired with nutritious Broccoli Rice. This dish combines tender chicken marinated in fresh lemon juice and black pepper for a burst of flavor, alongside fluffy broccoli rice packed with vitamins. Perfect for every occasion, this recipe is easy to prepare and versatile enough to impress guests or satisfy family dinners. Discover the health benefits and delightful elements of this colorful meal!

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Ingredients

For the Lemon Pepper Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

Juice of 1 fresh lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 teaspoon)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish - optional)

For the Broccoli Rice:

2 cups broccoli florets

1 cup uncooked long-grain rice (either white or brown)

2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined.

- Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor absorption.

Prepare the Broccoli Rice:

- a. Using a food processor, pulse the broccoli florets until they are chopped into rice-sized pieces. If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the florets by hand.

- b. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

- c. Add the uncooked rice to the saucepan, stirring well to toast it slightly for about 1-2 minutes.

- d. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer according to package instructions (typically 15-20 minutes).

- e. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the prepared broccoli rice. Cover again and allow everything to cook together until the rice is tender and the broccoli is a vibrant green.

- f. Once done, remove the saucepan from heat and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. If using, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Set the broccoli rice aside.

Cook the Chicken:

- Heat a grill pan or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting the excess marinade drip off.

- Place the chicken breasts in the hot pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and show a beautiful golden brown color with grill marks.

Serve:

- Slice the grilled chicken breasts and arrange them over a generous bed of broccoli rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve with extra lemon wedges on the side for an added zesty touch. Enjoy your delightful meal!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4