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#### Instructions:
### 1. **Marinate the Chicken:**
Start by preparing the citrus marinade for the chicken. In a bowl, combine the juice and zest of the orange and lemon, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well-combined.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes!
### 2. **Cook the Rice:**
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the garlic herb rice. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Add the rice to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the rice with the butter and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
### 3. **Cook the Chicken:**
Now it’s time to cook the marinated chicken. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
### 4. **Serve and Enjoy:**
To serve, plate a generous scoop of the garlic herb rice and top it with the sliced citrus-marinated chicken. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle any remaining marinade over the chicken, or garnish with additional fresh parsley.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of sautéed vegetables, a simple green salad, or roasted potatoes. But honestly, with all the flavor packed into the chicken and rice, you won’t even need anything else to make it complete.
### Why This Dish is Bursting with Flavor:
1. **Citrus Kick**: The combination of fresh orange and lemon juice gives the chicken a zesty, refreshing flavor that’s both tangy and slightly sweet. The citrus marinade works its magic to infuse the chicken with layers of bright, lively flavors.
2. **Smoked Paprika & Cumin**: These spices bring warmth and depth to the dish, making the chicken feel hearty and savory without overpowering the citrus. Smoked paprika gives it that subtle smoky richness, while cumin adds a savory earthiness.
3. **Honey Balance**: The touch of honey in the marinade balances out the tang of the citrus and spices, creating a perfectly sweet and savory flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
4. **Garlic Herb Rice**: The garlic herb rice is the perfect complement to the citrusy chicken. The buttery rice, with its fragrant garlic and fresh parsley, adds a savory, aromatic base that helps ground the dish and tie everything together.
5. **Versatile and Vibrant**: This dish is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spices to your taste or swap in different herbs for the rice, making it a recipe you can easily customize. It’s the kind of meal that will never feel repetitive, and you’ll look forward to making it again and again.
### Why We Can’t Wait to Make It Every Time
This dish has quickly become a favorite in our household. It’s the perfect combination of fresh, zesty flavors and comforting textures. Every time we make it, it feels like a treat, and it’s always a hit at the dinner table. The marinade for the chicken is so flavorful, and the garlic herb rice is the ideal side to soak up all that deliciousness.
It’s also quick to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of hands-on time, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but easy to make. But, at the same time, it’s elegant enough to serve to guests for a dinner party or special occasion.
### Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor and will have everyone at the table asking for seconds, look no further. This Zesty Citrus Chicken with Garlic Herb Rice is a winner every time. The combination of tangy citrus, savory spices, and buttery rice makes it a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. It’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to, and we guarantee it’ll become one of your go-to meals too!
So, go ahead—give it a try and get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite. Your taste buds will thank you!
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