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This bright Lemon Rice is the perfect addition to any meal. It’s quick and delicious and always a crowd pleaser.

This rice can be served under any meat including Lemon Pepper Chicken, steak, Lemon & Thyme Smothered Pork Chops or fish or as a side with any dinner.

Lemon Rice in a white bowl
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Easy Lemon Rice

We make this lemon rice ALL the time. It literally goes with everything. Chicken, steak, pork, fish, you name it (thinking it would be perfect with our Creamy Swiss Chicken Bake, Fried Pork Chops or Smothered Pork Chops)!

There is lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, and lemon zest in this recipe. All of those mixed with some butter and chicken broth make one tasty side dish. Make it alongside any dinner recipe because it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

You’ve got to give this zesty lemon rice recipe a try. Print it out and file it in with your other recipes so you always have it on hand. It will probably become one of your favorite side dishes to make. Easy, yummy, and pairs with everything- a perfect recipe!!

How to Make Lemon Rice

This recipe is SO easy!

COMBINE. Put all the ingredients (except the lemon pepper) into saucepan and mix around to combine.

SIMMER. Cook on high heat until it begins to boil. Then turn the heat down a bit, cover with a lid, and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed. This will be about 20 minutes, give or take.

SERVE! After all the liquid is absorbed, transfer the rice to a serving dish and sprinkle with the lemon pepper.

I told you it was so simple!! I like to serve mine with a few slices of lemon for garnish and color.

Tips + Storing Info

Use a small or medium sized lemon, a medium sized lemon makes about a tablespoon of zest

A Meyer lemon is sweeter than a normal lemon, so if you want that type of flavor go ahead and find a few Meyer lemons, otherwise a typical lemon will work just fine.

Use brown rice, low sodium chicken broth, and a healthier alternative to butter.

STORE rice in an airtight container, it should last 4-6 days in the fridge.

A lot of the time REHEATED rice becomes dry and not as appealing as fresh rice. I would suggest sprinkling a little bit of water on top of the rice before reheating so that it keeps some of its moisture. Microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Lemon Rice in a white bowl

For more rice recipes:

4.86 from 7 votes

Lemon Rice Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
This bright Lemon Rice is the perfect addition to any meal. It's quick and delicious and always a crowd pleaser.
Servings: 4
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 35 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tsp butter
  • 1 cup long grain rice uncooked
  • 1/4 tsp dried basil
  • 1/8-1/4 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 1/4 tsp lemon pepper seasonings

Instructions 

  • In a saucepan on high heat, add all ingredients, except lemon pepper, and stir to combine.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with lemon pepper before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 191kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 238mg, Potassium: 100mg, Vitamin A: 65IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 16mg, Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe from Genius Kitchen.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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4.86 from 7 votes (1 rating without comment)

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Recipe Rating




7 Comments

  1. Kristi says:

    5 stars
    The Bright lemOn flavor is great to pair with a heavier protein. Makes the overall meal seem lighter.

  2. Amy L Huntley says:

    5 stars
    The Flavor of this rice is delicious! It makes the perfect side dish or added to an Entree, is amazing too!

  3. Natalie says:

    5 stars
    I love how light & lemony this is! It’s definitely better than normal white rice.

  4. Olivia says:

    5 stars
    You will love this simply made rice with a hint of lemon!

  5. Joy says:

    5 stars
    Love lemon rice. The taste isn’t too powerful, it’s just enough & it’s great with so many main dishes!

  6. Ashley Bird says:

    4 stars
    This was a good rice. I paired it with lemon chicken.fluffy with a hint of lemon.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Sounds perfect! Thank you so much for letting me know 🙂