Low Sodium Chicken And Rice Recipe

This tender fluffy Low Sodium Chicken And Rice Recipe is made with chicken breast, garlic, and herbs, and ready in 40 minutes. The rich aroma of thyme and onions fills the kitchen as the grains absorb the savory cooking liquid. I rely on fresh lemon and herbs to provide intense flavor without needing extra salt.

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• Low Sodium Mac and Cheese
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Why This Classic Works

I used to rely heavily on canned broths and salt to make my weeknight dinners taste good. Making this dish taught me that aromatics like garlic, onion, and fresh lemon juice do most of the heavy lifting.

The surprise is how deeply flavorful the rice becomes without any added sodium. Toasting the rice in oil before adding the liquid locks in a nutty taste that stands completely on its own.

Low Sodium Chicken And Rice Recipe Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups unsalted chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How To Make Low Sodium Chicken And Rice Recipe

1. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook for 5 minutes until browned on all sides.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Lower the heat to medium, add the chopped onion to the skillet, and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Toast the rice: Add the rinsed white rice, dried thyme, and black pepper. Stir frequently for 2 minutes to toast the grains and coat them in the oil and chicken juices.
4. Simmer the dish: Pour in the unsalted chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Fluff and garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and stir in the fresh lemon juice and parsley.

Recipe Tips

• Rinse the rice: Washing away the excess surface starch prevents the dish from becoming gummy.
• Use fresh citrus: Lemon juice adds a bright acidity that tricks the palate into not missing the salt.
• Don’t peek while simmering: Lifting the lid releases the trapped steam needed to cook the rice evenly.

What To Serve With Low Sodium Chicken And Rice

This hearty meal pairs beautifully with steamed green beans or roasted asparagus. A crisp garden salad dressed with a simple oil and vinegar vinaigrette also balances the savory richness of the grains.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Add a splash of water when reheating to keep the rice moist.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white? Yes, but you will need to increase the unsalted broth by half a cup. The cooking time will also extend to about 45 minutes to tenderize the grains.
• What if I don’t have unsalted chicken broth? You can easily substitute water mixed with a salt-free herb seasoning blend. The garlic, onions, and chicken will still flavor the liquid nicely.
• Can I make this with chicken thighs? Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay very tender. They will release a bit more fat, which adds extra richness to the rice.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 73 mg
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 36 g
• Protein: 26 g

Try More Recipes:

• Low Sodium Crockpot Chicken Recipe
• Low Sodium Crockpot Chicken Recipe
• Low Sodium Stuffed Peppers Recipe