3 Ingredient Dump and Go Meals are the ultimate solution for busy weeknights, offering incredibly satisfying and fuss-free dinners that require minimal effort. This method is perfect for anyone seeking delicious, convenient, and budget-friendly meal options without sacrificing flavor.
Key Ingredients for Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice :
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 1 packet (1 oz) Zesty Italian Dressing Mix (dry powder)
- 1 cup Uncooked White Rice (long-grain or basmati recommended)
How to Make Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice :
Prepare to be amazed by the simplicity and incredible flavor packed into this Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice. In under 5 minutes of prep, you’ll have a wonderfully tender chicken dish infused with vibrant lemon and herb notes, served over perfectly cooked fluffy rice. This is a truly satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours, but only requires minimal effort and about 30-40 minutes of cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions :
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This consistent heat is crucial for ensuring the chicken cooks through evenly and the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Ensure they are spread out in a single layer to allow for even cooking.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of dry Zesty Italian Dressing Mix evenly over the chicken. Make sure to cover all the pieces of chicken as much as possible, as this seasoning packet is the primary flavor base for the entire dish.
- Next, pour the 1 cup of uncooked white rice directly into the baking dish, around and on top of the chicken. Do not rinse the rice, as the starch helps to create a slightly creamy texture on the bottom.
- Carefully pour 2 cups of water over the rice and chicken. The water will hydrate the rice and create steam, which is essential for cooking both the rice and the chicken to perfection. Ensure the rice is mostly submerged.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam and moisture, allowing the rice to cook properly and the chicken to become incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the foil (beware of steam!). Let the dish rest, covered, for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to settle.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice :
You’ll adore this Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice for its foolproof simplicity and bursting flavor profile. The Zesty Italian Dressing Mix, combined with the natural juices from the chicken, creates a wonderfully aromatic and savory sauce that coats every grain of rice. Forget the hassle of marinating or complex sauces; this dish is incredibly cost-effective, utilizing pantry staples to deliver a restaurant-worthy meal for a fraction of the price. Its bright, herbaceous notes offer a delightful contrast to the richness of the chicken, making it a more flavorful and exciting alternative to plain baked chicken and rice.
This dish is your new weeknight superhero, offering a complete and satisfying meal with virtually no cleanup beyond the baking dish. It’s the perfect testament to how a few simple ingredients can transform into something truly special, proving that delicious home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated. Give this 3 ingredient dump and go meal a try tonight – your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips :
To store leftovers, allow the Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice to cool completely. Once at room temperature, transfer the dish to an airtight container and refrigerate. The dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can do so in the microwave or in a conventional oven. For the microwave, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For the oven, spread the leftovers onto a baking sheet or back into a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If the rice seems a bit dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth before reheating. Freezing is also an option: portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts :
This 3 ingredient dump and go meal is a game-changer for effortless weeknight dinners, proving that delicious can be incredibly simple. Give this Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice a try and discover your new go-to for busy nights. You won’t be disappointed with the ease and fantastic flavor it brings to your table!
3 Ingredient Dump and Go Meals: Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This consistent heat is crucial for ensuring the chicken cooks through evenly and the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Ensure they are spread out in a single layer to allow for even cooking.1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Sprinkle the entire packet of dry Zesty Italian Dressing Mix evenly over the chicken. Make sure to cover all the pieces of chicken as much as possible, as this seasoning packet is the primary flavor base for the entire dish.1 packet Zesty Italian Dressing Mix (dry powder)
- Next, pour the 1 cup of uncooked white rice directly into the baking dish, around and on top of the chicken. Do not rinse the rice, as the starch helps to create a slightly creamy texture on the bottom.1 cup Uncooked White Rice (long-grain or basmati recommended)
- Carefully pour 2 cups of water over the rice and chicken. The water will hydrate the rice and create steam, which is essential for cooking both the rice and the chicken to perfection. Ensure the rice is mostly submerged.2 cups water
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam and moisture, allowing the rice to cook properly and the chicken to become incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the foil (beware of steam!). Let the dish rest, covered, for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to settle.
Notes
To store leftovers, allow the Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice to cool completely. Once at room temperature, transfer the dish to an airtight container and refrigerate. The dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can do so in the microwave or in a conventional oven. For the microwave, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For the oven, spread the leftovers onto a baking sheet or back into a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If the rice seems a bit dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth before reheating. Freezing is also an option: portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.