Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Ranch Drizzle

Welcome to your new favorite meal: Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Ranch Drizzle! This delightful dish is not only vibrant and refreshing but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, these bowls are a wholesome combination of juicy marinated chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of fresh veggies, all topped off with a zesty ranch drizzle. What’s more, it’s super easy to make, and the results are sure to impress your family and friends!

Imagine a warm bowl of fluffy jasmine rice, perfectly seasoned chicken, and vibrant veggies, all drizzled with a creamy ranch dressing that ties it all together. It’s a dish that strikes the perfect balance between health and comfort, making it a go-to for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious yet nutritious meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, these Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bowls will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling great.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to fall in love with these Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Ranch Drizzle. First and foremost, the flavors are simply irresistible. The marinade for the chicken, made with fresh lemon juice and fragrant herbs, gives the meat a bright and zesty flavor that’s hard to resist. Each bite bursts with freshness, making it a perfect dish for warm weather or whenever you want something light yet satisfying.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Swap out the cherry tomatoes for diced bell peppers, or add some shredded carrots for an extra crunch. Change up the protein by using grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken; the possibilities are endless!

Another great aspect of this recipe is its nutritional value. Each bowl is filled with lean protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the rice, and a variety of vitamins from the fresh vegetables. This meal is not only hearty and satisfying but also promotes a balanced diet, making it a great choice for health-conscious eaters.

Lastly, this dish is designed for convenience. The chicken can be marinated ahead of time, and the rice cooks quickly. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or meal prepping for the week, these Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Ranch Drizzle are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Trying out new recipes can be daunting, but these Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Ranch Drizzle are worth the effort! One of the main reasons you should give this recipe a go is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to whip up a tasty meal in less than an hour. Even novice cooks can achieve delicious results!

Moreover, this dish is perfect for those who love to meal prep. The chicken can be marinated and cooked in batches, while the rice and veggies store well in the fridge. This makes it an ideal option for busy individuals or families who want to enjoy homemade meals without the hassle of cooking every night. Just reheat and assemble your bowls, and you’re good to go!

Another compelling reason to try this recipe is its crowd-pleasing nature. Whether hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these rice bowls are sure to impress. The colorful presentation and the creamy ranch drizzle add an appealing touch that everyone will love. Plus, the flavor combinations will have your guests coming back for seconds!

Lastly, don’t forget that cooking at home is often healthier than dining out. By preparing these Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bowls from scratch, you control the ingredients, portion sizes, and flavors. It’s a great way to ensure you’re eating wholesome, nutritious meals while still enjoying delicious flavors.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To make these Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Ranch Drizzle, gather the following ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Rice:
• 1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt to taste
• For the Toppings:
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• For the Creamy Ranch Drizzle:
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

In addition to the ingredients, you’ll need a few essential utensils to ensure your cooking goes smoothly:

• Medium saucepan for cooking the rice
• Bowl for marinating the chicken
• Grill or skillet for cooking the chicken
• Cutting board and knife for slicing vegetables
• Small bowl for mixing the ranch drizzle
• Measuring cups and spoons

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients and utensils ready, let’s dive into the cooking process for these Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Ranch Drizzle.

Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. This marinade will infuse the chicken with flavor.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

Cook the Rice

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
3. Remove from heat, add butter, and fluff the rice with a fork. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
2. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.

Prepare the Creamy Ranch Drizzle

1. In a small bowl, mix together ranch dressing, sour cream, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Assemble the Bowls

1. In bowls, layer the cooked rice, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh parsley.
2. Drizzle with the creamy ranch dressing before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bowls with a refreshing creamy ranch drizzle! They’re perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and can easily be customized to suit your taste.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Ranch Drizzle are a delightful way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal. With easy preparation and customizable ingredients, this recipe offers a delicious combination of tastes and textures that everyone will love. We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own!

If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment below sharing your thoughts, tips, or variations. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family, and check out our other delicious recipes like Sweet Teriyaki Beef Skewers and Garlic Butter Shrimp Poppers. Happy cooking!

For more delicious ideas, check out our Pinterest board: Che Flora Recipes.

Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Ranch Drizzle

A refreshing and flavorful rice bowl featuring marinated lemon herb chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy ranch drizzle.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Grill or Skillet

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (450g)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 Lemon juice from 1 lemon
• 1 Lemon zest from 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons Dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• 1 cup Jasmine or basmati rice
• 2 cups Chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon Butter
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cup Cucumber diced
• ½ cup Red onion thinly sliced
• ½ cup Fresh parsley chopped
• ½ cup Ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons Sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
• In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
• Remove from heat, add butter, and fluff the rice with a fork. Set aside.
• Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
• Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
• In a small bowl, mix together ranch dressing, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
• In bowls, layer the cooked rice, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh parsley.
• Drizzle with the creamy ranch dressing before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken longer. You can also customize the toppings based on your preference.

Keyword chicken, dinner, healthy, rice bowls