One Pot Lemon Basil Chicken & Wild Rice

If you’re looking for a meal that feels light, fresh, and comforting all at the same time, this One Pot Lemon Basil Chicken & Wild Rice is exactly what you need.

It’s no secret that I LOVE a one-pot meal! With 2 growing boys, I’m always looking for convenience! This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken with bright lemon, fresh basil, and hearty wild rice for a dish that feels just as perfect for spring/summer as it does for a cozy night in. It’s one of those meals that looks impressive, but is actually really simple to make!

How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken & Wild Rice (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a bowl, toss the chicken with lemon juice, basil, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, and garlic powder until well coated.

2. Sear the chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown (about 5–6 minutes), then flip and cook for 1 more minute. Remove and set aside.

3. Build the flavor base

In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Stir in the wild rice and let it toast for 1–2 minutes.

4. Add broth and chicken

Pour in chicken broth and stir. Nestle the chicken back into the pan.

5. Bake

Cover and bring to a boil, then transfer to the oven. Bake for 35 minutes, then uncover and cook an additional 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender.

Tip: If the rice starts to dry out, just add a little more broth.

6. Garnish and serve

Top with fresh basil and lemon slices for that final bright, fresh touch.

What Makes This Recipe So Nourishing

This healthy one pot chicken and wild rice recipe isn’t just delicious, it’s also balanced:

• Chicken provides protein to help keep you full and satisfied
• Wild rice adds fiber and a nutty texture that supports digestion
• Lemon + basil bring freshness while enhancing flavor without excess sodium
• Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats

It’s a great example of how you can create a meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.

Tips for the Best One Pot Chicken and Rice

• Use an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great!)
• Don’t skip browning the chicken because it adds so much flavor
• Let the rice toast slightly before adding broth
• Add extra broth if needed toward the end for perfectly tender rice

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of legs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work just as well and stay nice and juicy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prep.

What can I serve with this?

It’s a complete meal, but you can pair it with:

• A simple salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Fried cabbage

This One Pot Lemon Basil Chicken & Wild Rice is one of those meals that reminds you that eating well doesn’t have to feel complicated.

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One Pot Lemon Basil Chicken & Wild Rice

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Author Beautiful Eats & Things

Ingredients

• 8 chicken legs
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon lemon pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt/pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 ½ cups dry wild rice blend
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• For garnish: lemon slices and fresh basil leaves

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400ºF.
• Place chicken in a bowl and toss with lemon juice, chopped basil, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, and garlic powder. Toss well to coat.
• Heat extra virgin olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chicken legs and cook until golden-brown for about 5-6 minutes. Turn and cook for 1 minute. Transfer to a plate.
• Add onions and garlic to that same pan. Cook until softened, for about 5 minutes or until onions are translucent. Stir in wild rice and let rice toast for about 1 to 2 minutes. Add broth and stir.
• Nestle chicken legs back into pan, cover, bring to a boil, and transfer pan to the oven. Cook for 35 minutes. Then, uncover and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender.
• *If you notice the rice starting to dry out towards the end of cooking, add more broth.
• When done, garnish with lemon slices and fresh basil, if desired.

Notes

Nutrition Information: (1 serving): Calories: 420 | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Sodium: 450 mg | Cholesterol: 115mg