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Lemon Pepper Yogurt Chicken 52.png

Lemon Pepper Yogurt Chicken


  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Mediterranean

Description

🍋 Bright lemon notes lift this comforting one‑pan meal, delivering juicy chicken and fluffy rice in one skillet.
🐔 Yogurt tenderizes the chicken while providing a creamy, protein‑packed dinner that’s quick and minimal‑mess.


Ingredients

– 6 thighs or breasts, skin on or off (≈ 1 kg) Chicken

– ¼ (adjusted) Extra-virgin olive oil

– 2 teaspoons Dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon Dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon Paprika

– 1 teaspoon Onion powder

– to taste (≈ ½ teaspoon) Kosher salt

– to taste (≈ ¼ teaspoon) Chili flakes

– 1 ¾ cups (≈ 330 g) Basmati rice (dry)

– 2 tablespoons (≈ 30 g) Unsalted butter

– 2 cups, roughly chopped (≈ 150 g) Broccoli

– 2 cups (≈ 480 ml) Water

– Optional garnish lemon wedges and fresh herbs (basil or thyme)


Instructions

1-First, start by gathering all your ingredients and patting the chicken dry this helps the flavors stick better and brings back memories of my mom’s prep tips.

2-In a bowl, combine the olive oil, yogurt, lemon zest, minced garlic, and pepper to create that magical marinade.

3-Next, coat the chicken pieces evenly, cover them, and let them chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to really let those tastes soak in.

4-Once that’s done, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and heat some olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

5-Sear the marinated chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side to get that golden crust I love how this step adds extra flavor.

6-Then, assemble everything in a 9×13-inch baking dish: spread the dry Basmati rice evenly at the bottom, scatter the chopped broccoli over it, pour in the water, and dot with butter.

7-Arrange the chicken on top, skin-side up, and if you’re feeling fancy, tuck in a few lemon wedges for more aroma.

8-Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the chicken hits 165°F internal temperature and the rice is tender.

9-If the rice needs more time, add a bit more water, cover loosely with foil, and bake another 10 minutes.

10-Finally, let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot, topped with fresh herbs it’s always a hit at my table!

Notes

🧂 Yogurt acts as a natural tenderizer; marinating longer yields juicier chicken.
🔥 Do not cover the pan during the initial bake to allow the chicken skin to crisp and the rice to steam properly.
💧 If the rice looks dry before the chicken is done, add a splash of water and continue baking to prevent dryness.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Prep: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One‑Pan Bake
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of the dish)
  • Calories: 593 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: Lemon, Pepper, Yogurt, One-Pan