Lemon Rice

This easy lemon rice recipe is light, fresh, and full of bright citrus flavor. Make it in only twenty-five minutes with simple ingredients.

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This lemon rice brings bright, zesty flavor to your table with just a few simple ingredients. It pairs perfectly with chicken, seafood, or grilled veggies. You’ll love how fast it comes together for busy weeknights or easy lunches. Fresh lemon juice and fluffy rice make this side dish taste extra light and refreshing.

This recipe is quick and easy to make—just follow the simple steps below. We include step-by-step photos and clear directions to guide you. You’ll also find helpful pro tips and answers to the most frequently asked recipe questions.

You can make this lemon rice recipe in under half an hour using pantry staples and fresh lemon juice. It tastes bright, fluffy, and goes great with chicken, shrimp, or veggies.

Serve it at dinner, bring it to a potluck, or make it for lunch—this easy side dish fits every occasion. The bold lemon flavor makes each bite pop and keeps everyone coming back for more.

What you'll need to make this Greek lemon rice recipe:

• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 cup of jasmine rice
• 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves (plus additional for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper

Personalize your lemon rice recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding tasty extras! These easy changes can make your rice stand out. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

• Rice: You can swap jasmine rice with basmati rice in this easy lemon rice recipe. Both cook fast and stay fluffy, not sticky. If you use standard long-grain rice, the texture will turn out stickier from the extra starch. You may also need to adjust the liquid, so check the package directions for the best results.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped parsley, dill, or cilantro to boost the flavor and add a pop of color.
• Add Garlic: Sauté minced garlic with the onions for an extra layer of bold, savory flavor in every bite.
• Add Toasted Pine Nuts: Sprinkle some on top for a crunchy texture that pairs well with the bright lemon flavor.

Follow along with our step-by-step photos to make this easy lemon rice recipe from scratch. Use the tips and tricks listed below to get the best results every time. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP : In a medium saucepan, on medium-high heat, add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt before adding the jasmine rice. Gently toss the rice in the melted butter and let the rice lightly toast for 1 to 2 minutes. 

SECOND STEP: Add the low-sodium chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Bring the rice and chicken broth to a boil, stirring as needed to prevent the rice from clumping.

THIRD STEP: Once the chicken broth comes to a boil, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low heat.

FOURTH STEP: Simmer the lemon rice for 20 to 22 minutes, without opening the lid during that time, until the jasmine rice has absorbed all the liquids.

FIFTH STEP: Remove the saucepan from the heat, and gently fluff the cooked rice with a fork.

SIXTH STEP: Garnish the lemon rice with an additional sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves. This lemon rice should be served warm.

This lemon rice recipe works with all kinds of meals and seasons. It’s kid-friendly, easy to serve, and always full of flavor.

• Serve at dinner parties: This rice adds fresh flavor without stealing the spotlight. Pair it with grilled chicken or beef kabobs for a full meal.
• Perfect for spring and summer meals: The bright lemon taste makes this rice a warm-weather favorite. Try it with air fryer chicken breasts or honey walnut shrimp.
• Easy weeknight dinners for the family: Kids and adults both love this mild, zesty rice. Serve it with chicken kabobs or stuffed pork chops for a fast meal.

Lemon rice pilaf has become a favorite with readers who want fast, fresh, and flavorful sides without the fuss. It’s bright, easy, and always hits the spot, whether it’s a busy night or a special dinner.

• Quick Cooking Time: It comes together in under thirty minutes, which makes it perfect for last-minute meals.
• Family Friendly: Kids and adults both enjoy the mild lemon flavor and fluffy texture.
• Great for Any Occasion: This rice works for dinner, potlucks, holidays, or everyday lunches.
• Customizable: You can add herbs, broth, or extras to fit your mood or what’s in your kitchen.
• Fresh and Light: The lemon keeps the rice tasting bright without feeling heavy or greasy.

This recipe keeps things simple, fresh, and tasty—no wonder our readers come back for it again and again!

Is lemon rice a vegetarian recipe?
Lemon rice isn’t vegetarian if you use chicken broth, but you can swap in vegetable broth for a meat-free version.

Can I use bottled lemon juice in this recipe?
You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemon juice gives the rice a brighter, more natural flavor.

What kind of rice works best in lemon rice?
Jasmine or basmati rice work best. They cook up light and fluffy and soak up the lemon flavor without turning mushy.

Can I serve lemon rice in individual bowls for a casual dinner?
Yes, serving in small bowls keeps it casual and neat, especially for family-style meals or outdoor gatherings.

How can I dress up my rice for a special dinner?
Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thin lemon slices for a simple but polished presentation.

Is lemon rice a good option for potlucks?
Yes, it travels well and holds up on a buffet. Serve it warm in a covered dish to keep it fresh.

What type of bowl or dish works best for serving rice?
Use a shallow serving bowl, so the rice stays fluffy and easy to scoop without clumping.

Does lemon rice work well in a lunch wrap or pita?
Yes, spoon rice into a warm pita with grilled meat or veggies for a quick and tasty handheld meal.

Here’s how to store and reheat your lemon rice the right way. Follow these tips to keep it fresh and full of flavor.

Can I make Greek rice ahead of time?
You can make it a day in advance. Cook the rice, mix in the lemon, then cool it completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

What is the best way to store leftover rice?
Let the rice cool fully before placing it in a sealed container or resealable bag. Keep it in the fridge for up to three to four days. Stir before serving to bring the flavor back together.

Can I freeze lemon Greek rice for later?
Cool the rice completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out the air and freeze for up to two months.

How should I reheat lemon rice?
To reheat, place rice in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in one-minute intervals, stirring between rounds.

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Lemon Rice

This easy lemon rice recipe is light, fresh, and full of bright citrus flavor. Make it in only twenty-five minutes with simple ingredients.

Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 3

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus additional for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

DIRECTIONS

 

• In a medium saucepan, on medium-high heat, add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt before adding the jasmine rice. Gently toss the rice in the melted butter and allow the rice to lightly toast for 1 to 2 minutes. You are not looking to brown the rice.
• To the saucepan, add the low-sodium chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Bring the rice and chicken broth to a boil, stirring as needed to prevent the rice from clumping.
• Once the chicken broth comes to a boil, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low.
• Simmer the lemon rice for 20 to 22 minutes, without opening the lid during that time, until all the liquids have been absorbed by the jasmine rice.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat, and gently fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
• Garnish the lemon rice with an additional sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves.

Notes

• If you use full-sodium chicken broth, you may want to omit the added salt. I like using low-sodium and adding my own salt because some brands are much saltier than others.
• Keep an eye when toasting the rice as you don’t want to brown it too much, or it will alter the flavor of this dish.
• Be sure to rinse your lemons under cool water to remove any film on the lemon skin before zesting them. You will also want to zest your lemons before squeezing them for the juice. It is very tricky to zest an already squeezed lemon.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 439mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 266IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg

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