High-Protein Lemon Chicken & Rice Skillet

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This one-pan chicken and rice skillet packs in protein, greens and flavor for a complete meal that comes together with minimal fuss. It’s a weeknight dinner that’s satisfying and delicious. And the best part? Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

A recipe image of High-Protein Lemon Chicken & Rice Skillet.
Credit:

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

Active Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
4
  • Everything cooks in a single skillet so cleanup is minimal.
  • Chicken breast, brown rice and Parmesan cheese deliver a hearty boost of protein and fiber to keep you full and energized.
  • Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients arranged on a marble counter including chicken rice lemon spinach and seasonings in bowls and plates

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed

  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided

  • ½ teaspoon plus teaspoon salt, divided

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1 medium shallot, finely chopped (about cup)

  • 6 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme, plus more for garnish

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • 2 (8.8-ounce) packages precooked brown rice (about cups)

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup lower-sodium chicken broth

  • 5 cups packed baby spinach (5 ounces)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (2 ounces)

  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)

Directions

  1. Place 2 chicken breasts on a cutting board; slice in half horizontally into 4 cutlets. Pat dry and sprinkle with 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning and ¼ teaspoon salt.

    Four raw chicken breast fillets seasoned with spices on a green cutting board

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, undisturbed, until browned on both sides and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 160°F, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a clean cutting board. Do not wipe the skillet clean.

  3. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in the same skillet over medium-low heat. Add chopped shallot, chopped garlic, 1 teaspoon thyme, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt and the remaining ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring often, until the shallot softens, about 2 minutes. Stir in 2 packages brown rice, ½ cup cream and ½ cup broth, scraping up any browned bits. Spread the mixture in an even layer, cover and cook, undisturbed, until the rice is heated through, about 3 minutes.

    Cooked rice in a skillet with handles placed on a marble background with a teal kitchen towel

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

  4. Meanwhile, slice the chicken. Stir 5 cups spinach into the skillet in batches; cook, uncovered, over medium-low heat until wilted, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in ½ cup Parmesan, 2 teaspoons lemon zest and 3 tablespoons lemon juice; cook, stirring, until the cheese melts, about 1 minute. Spread the mixture in an even layer and top with the sliced chicken in a single layer. Remove from heat, cover and let stand until the chicken is warmed through, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining ⅛ teaspoon salt. Garnish with additional thyme, if desired.

    A skillet with cooked slices of chicken on rice and herbs prepared meal

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

EatingWell.com, September 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

531 Calories
28g Fat
51g Carbs
21g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 cup rice mixture & 3 oz. chicken
Calories 531
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 51g 19%
Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
Total Sugars 3g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 21g 42%
Total Fat 28g 36%
Saturated Fat 11g 56%
Cholesterol 71mg 24%
Vitamin A 343µg
Vitamin C 17mg 19%
Vitamin D 1µg
Vitamin E 3mg 19%
Folate 93µg
Vitamin K 192µg
Sodium 661mg 29%
Calcium 228mg 18%
Iron 3mg 17%
Magnesium 129mg 31%
Potassium 615mg 13%
Zinc 2mg 22%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.