Chicken Lemon Rice: A Quick and Comforting Family Favorite

Hey friends!
We all have those days when we want something warm, hearty, and easy to whip up for the family. For me, Chicken Lemon Rice has been a lifesaver on busy weeknights and chilly weekends. It’s one of those comforting meals that feels like a hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s packed with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
If you’re like me and always looking for quick, healthy meals that your kids will actually eat (without the endless negotiations), then this recipe is for you! The best part? It’s made in the Instant Pot, which means less time hovering over the stove and more time tackling the million other things on your to-do list.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, you’ll have a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein, veggies, and fresh flavors.
• Kid-Approved: My little ones love the mild, tangy flavor, and I love that they’re getting a wholesome meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb chicken (breasts or thighs, whichever you prefer)
• 1 cup white rice (rinsed)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (or 1 tbsp dried dill)
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Let’s Get Cooking!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your veggies—carrots, onion, and celery. I like to do this ahead of time and store them in the fridge, so when it’s time to cook, I can just toss everything in.

Step 2: Sauté Mode Magic
Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a little oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and smell amazing.

Step 3: Add the Chicken
Place your chicken pieces into the pot. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and give everything a good stir.

Step 4: Rice and Broth Go In
Add the rinsed white rice and pour in the chicken broth (or water). Stir everything together so the flavors blend nicely.

Step 5: Pressure Cook
Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 12 minutes. Let it do its thing while you take a breather (or fold some laundry—let’s be real).

Step 6: Release and Fluff
Once the cooking time is up, do a quick pressure release. Open the lid, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice, and stir in the chopped dill. Fluff everything with a fork and enjoy the fresh, herby aroma filling your kitchen.

A Little Personal Touch
I remember the first time I made this dish, I was rushing between soccer practice and homework help, and I thought, “There’s no way dinner will be ready on time.” But the Instant Pot worked its magic, and within minutes, my family was sitting down to a wholesome meal. My kids even requested seconds—score!

Pro Tips for Busy Parents

• Make it ahead: This dish stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and serve!
• Customize it: Add peas, spinach, or even a handful of shredded cheese for extra goodness.
• Double it up: Make a larger batch and freeze half for those extra hectic days.

Chicken Lemon Rice: A Quick Family Favorite

Recipe by Jeena Wilder

Servingsservings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken (breasts or thighs, whichever you prefer)

• 1 cup white rice (rinsed)

• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)

• Juice of 2 lemons

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (or 1 tbsp dried dill)

• 1 cup carrots, diced

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions

• Chop carrots, onion, and celery into small pieces.
• Turn on Instant Pot to sauté mode, add oil, and cook chopped vegetables for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Place chicken pieces in the pot, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
• Add rinsed white rice and pour in chicken broth. Stir well to mix flavors.
• Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 12 minutes.
• Once done, quick release the pressure, open the lid, squeeze in fresh lemon juice, and stir in chopped dill.
• Fluff the mixture with a fork and serve warm.

Wrapping It Up
I hope this Chicken Lemon Rice becomes a go-to meal in your home just like it has in mine. It’s quick, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and let me know how your family likes it!
Have any Instant Pot tricks or family-favorite recipes you’d love to share? Drop them in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
Happy cooking, friends!
Xoxo, Jeena