Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty lemon herb chicken & rice stew that warms you from the inside out.

Cold evenings call for something deeply satisfying and nourishing.

Fragrant herbs dance with tender chicken pieces, creating a melody of flavors that feels like a culinary embrace.

Zesty lemon brightens each spoonful, cutting through rich broth and adding a tangy spark.

Soft rice soaks up the savory liquid, making every bite more delectable than the last.

Packed with nutrition and soul-soothing warmth, this stew delivers pure kitchen magic.

Dive into this recipe and transform your dinner into a comforting celebration of simple, delicious ingredients.

Serving Lemon Herb Stew Gracefully

• Mediterranean Comfort Feast: Pair this hearty stew with a crisp Greek salad topped with feta cheese for a refreshing contrast.
• Family-Style Sharing Platter: Serve in a large communal dish with warm crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious lemony broth.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the citrusy flavors with a chilled glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance the herb notes.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Transform the stew into a weekend brunch centerpiece by adding a poached egg on top and serving with toasted sourdough bread for a luxurious meal.

How to Store Chicken & Rice Stew

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a double batch of this stew and store portions in airtight containers for quick, delicious meals throughout the week. Perfect for busy professionals and families seeking convenient, nutritious options.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Carefully store cooled stew in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Keeps well for up to 3 months, providing a fantastic backup meal for hectic days.
• Refrigeration Revival Technique: When reheating, add a splash of fresh chicken broth to restore the stew's original creamy consistency and prevent drying out. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain texture.
• Ingredient Preparation Hack: Shred chicken and chop herbs in advance, storing separately in sealed containers. This meal prep approach cuts down cooking time and ensures you're always ready to whip up this comforting stew with minimal effort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes into Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice Stew

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for sautéing vegetables and building deep flavor.
• Onions: Creates a sweet, aromatic base that adds depth and complexity to the stew.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent, robust flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Chicken Broth: Delivers rich, savory liquid that helps cook rice and infuse the stew with hearty flavor.
• Arborio Rice: Creamy, starchy rice that creates a luxurious texture and helps thicken the stew.
• Thyme, Oregano: Herbaceous seasonings that bring Mediterranean warmth and earthy undertones.

• Chicken: Tender, protein-packed meat that provides substance and satisfying texture.
• Eggs, Egg Yolks: Creates silky, smooth consistency and adds richness to the stew.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy elements that cut through richness and add refreshing acidity.
• Parsley, Dill: Fresh herbs that provide vibrant garnish and light, crisp flavor.
• Aleppo Pepper: Optional spice that adds gentle heat and complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all other flavors.

Tools for Prepping Chicken & Rice Stew

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing onions and simmering the stew, with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise dicing and chopping.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs and creating smooth lemon-egg mixture.
• Separate Bowl: Needed for whisking eggs and tempering.
• Blender: Helps create a smooth, creamy texture for the egg mixture.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate for measuring broth and liquid ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Ladle: Useful for transferring hot stew while tempering eggs.

Making Chicken Stew with Lemon Herb Flare

• Aromatic Foundation

Warm olive oil in a spacious pot, creating a fragrant canvas. Gently dance diced onions until they soften and become translucent. Welcome minced garlic, letting its bold essence mingle with the onions.

• Rice and Herbal Symphony

Introduce arborio rice to the pot, inviting chicken broth and a harmonious blend of thyme and oregano. Allow the mixture to simmer quietly, transforming rice into tender morsels.

• Citrus Whispers

Craft a luminous mixture of eggs, sunny egg yolks, vibrant lemon zest, and tangy juice. Blend with gentle precision, creating a silky landscape of flavor.

• Liquid Alchemy

Carefully marry hot stew with egg mixture, incorporating droplets at a time. This delicate dance prevents unwelcome curdling, creating a smooth, creamy texture.

• Final Flourish

Reunite the blended mixture with the stew, welcoming shredded chicken into the warm embrace. Season with salt and pepper, allowing each ingredient to sing.

• Celebration

Crown your creation with sprinkled parsley, dill, and a playful hint of Aleppo pepper. Serve with joy and savor the culinary journey.

Additions & Notes for Chicken Stew Perfection

• Chicken Broth Magic: Swap homemade or store-bought chicken broth for unique flavor profiles, experimenting with low-sodium or organic varieties for depth.
• Rice Revolution: Replace arborio rice with other grains like quinoa, barley, or brown rice to create exciting texture and nutritional variations.
• Herb Garden Twist: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or tarragon instead of thyme and oregano to transform the stew's aromatic signature and surprise your taste buds.
• Temperature Trick: When tempering eggs, move slowly and whisk continuously to prevent scrambling, ensuring a silky smooth consistency that elevates the entire dish's texture and richness.
• Protein Power-Up: Substitute chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or chickpeas for a personalized protein experience that suits different dietary preferences.

Hearty Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice Stew Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty lemon herb chicken & rice stew blends Mediterranean flavors with comforting warmth. Home cooks can savor this simple yet elegant one-pot meal that nourishes and satisfies you completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ¾ lb (340 g) cooked boneless, skinless chicken fillets, shredded
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 8 cups (1.9 L) chicken broth or bone broth
• 1 ½ cups (285 g) arborio rice, uncooked
• 2–3 tbsps (30–45 mL) olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, mashed
• ½ cup (120 mL) lemon juice
• zest of 2 lemons
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• chopped parsley (for garnish)
• aleppo pepper (for garnish)
• fresh or dry dill (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, gently sweating onions until they become translucent and softened, approximately 6-7 minutes.
2. Aromatic Enhancement: Add minced garlic and continue cooking for 2 minutes, releasing robust flavor profiles throughout the base.
3. Rice Integration: Combine arborio rice, chicken broth, thyme, and oregano in the pot, reducing heat to low, covering, and simmering for 20-25 minutes until rice reaches desired tenderness.
4. Egg Mixture Preparation: Whisk eggs, egg yolks, lemon zest, and lemon juice into a smooth, harmonious blend, creating a creamy foundation for the stew.
5. Tempering Process: Gradually incorporate hot liquid from the stew into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling and maintain a silky texture.
6. Final Integration: Blend the tempered egg mixture, then return to the pot, stirring thoroughly to marry flavors and incorporate shredded chicken.
7. Seasoning and Garnish: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley, dill, and optional Aleppo pepper for a vibrant flavor explosion.
8. Serving: Present the aromatic lemon herb chicken and rice stew immediately, inviting diners to savor the rich, comforting culinary creation.

Notes

• Prevent Egg Curdling: Slowly add hot liquid to eggs while continuously whisking to create a smooth, silky texture without scrambling.
• Rice Selection Matters: Arborio rice provides creamy consistency due to its high starch content, making the stew rich and luxurious.
• Herb Freshness Tip: Use fresh thyme and oregano for maximum flavor intensity, avoiding dried herbs that can taste muted.
• Temperature Control: Maintain low heat when simmering rice to ensure even cooking and prevent burning or sticking to the pot bottom.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg