Zesty Lemon-Dill Chicken and Asparagus Rice
This delightful Zesty Lemon-Dill Chicken and Asparagus Rice is a perfect meal for two, blending juicy chicken, tender asparagus, and fragrant dill into a single, flavorful dish. Inspired by a recipe featured in Diabetic Cooking Magazine, this easy-to-prepare dish not only pleases the palate but also makes presentation effortless. With bright lemon notes and the freshness of asparagus, this one-dish meal transports you to a quaint bistro with every bite. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a romantic date night, this recipe satisfies without compromising dietary needs.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked rice
1/2 cup (none)
low sodium chicken broth
1 1/4 cups (none)
water
1/2 cup (none)
fresh asparagus
1 cup (cut into 2-inch pieces)
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (none)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
dried dill weed
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
parsley
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, cook the rice in low sodium chicken broth according to package instructions, typically about 15 to 20 minutes for white rice.
2
While the rice cooks, bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
3
Add the fresh asparagus pieces to the boiling water. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for about 3 minutes or until the asparagus is crisp-tender.
4
Carefully drain the asparagus and set aside.
5
Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel, then spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray and return to medium-high heat.
6
Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken breast to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
7
Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the cooked asparagus, covering it to keep warm.
8
In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, dried dill weed, and salt. Stir this mixture into the cooked rice until well combined.
9
Finally, incorporate the lemon-dill rice mixture into the skillet with the chicken and asparagus. Toss gently to mix evenly.
10
Before serving, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Zesty Lemon-Dill Chicken and Asparagus Rice.
What are the primary ingredients in this dish?
The main ingredients include uncooked rice, low sodium chicken broth, fresh asparagus, and boneless skinless chicken breast.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve two people, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or date night.
What is the recommended cooking time for the rice?
The rice should be cooked in chicken broth for approximately 15 to 20 minutes according to package instructions.
What type of broth should be used for the rice?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of low sodium chicken broth.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The fresh asparagus should be cut into 2-inch pieces.
How long should the asparagus simmer?
The asparagus should simmer for about 3 minutes until it is crisp-tender.
What size skillet is needed for this recipe?
A 12-inch nonstick skillet is recommended.
How should the chicken breast be cut?
The chicken breast should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
How long does the chicken take to cook?
The chicken takes about 3 minutes of frequent stirring to cook through.
How do I know when the chicken is finished cooking?
The chicken is done when it is cooked through and no longer pink.
What is the recipe for the lemon-dill dressing?
Combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried dill weed, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
Is this recipe suitable for individuals with diabetes?
Yes, this dish is inspired by Diabetic Cooking Magazine and is tagged as diabetic friendly.
What should I do after cooking the asparagus but before cooking the chicken?
Carefully drain the asparagus, set it aside, and wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel.
How is the skillet prepared for cooking the chicken?
Spray the skillet lightly with non-stick cooking spray and heat it over medium-high heat.
When should I add the lemon-dill mixture?
Stir the lemon-dill mixture into the cooked rice before incorporating the rice into the skillet with the chicken and asparagus.
What is used as a garnish for this dish?
The dish is finished with a sprinkle of 1 tablespoon of finely chopped parsley.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered a one-dish meal as everything is combined in the skillet for the final presentation.
What is the flavor profile of this recipe?
The dish features bright lemon notes, fresh asparagus, and fragrant dried dill weed.
How much water is needed to blanch the asparagus?
You need 1/2 cup of water to bring to a boil for the asparagus.
What source inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a dish featured in Diabetic Cooking Magazine.
Can I use fresh dill?
The recipe specifies 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried dill weed, but fresh dill could be substituted if adjusted for potency.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
What amount of uncooked rice is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of uncooked rice.
How much salt is added to the dressing?
The recipe uses a minimal 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
Should the chicken be cooked over high or medium heat?
The chicken should be cooked over medium-high heat.
How do I keep the asparagus warm while the rice finishes?
Once the chicken is cooked, fold in the asparagus and cover the skillet to keep the heat in.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include healthy, low sodium, quick dinner, and easy to prepare.
How do I prepare the parsley?
The parsley should be finely chopped before sprinkling.
Is this recipe considered a quick dinner?
Yes, with a chicken cook time of 3 minutes and an easy assembly, it is tagged as a quick dinner.