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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Lemon Dill Rice

    Published: Oct 16, 2020 Modified: Aug 25, 2021 by Kristin King / This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe | Pin Recipe
    Side view of lemon dill rice garnished with herbs in an olive green bowl on a marble table with a wooden fork on the side.
    Close up shot of lemon dill rice garnished with herbs in an olive green bowl on a marble table with a wooden fork on the side.
    Side view of lemon dill rice garnished with herbs in an olive green bowl on a marble table with a wooden fork on the side.
    Overhead shot of lemon dill rice garnished with herbs in an olive green bowl on a marble table with a yellow cloth and wooden spoon on the side.
    Side view of lemon dill rice garnished with herbs in an olive green bowl on a marble table with a wooden fork on the side.
    Close up overhead shot of lemon dill rice garnished with herbs in an olive green bowl on a marble table with a yellow cloth and wooden spoon on the side.

    Lemon Dill Rice is a perfect side dish for chicken, beef, pork, or fish, and you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now! It's so easy to make and turns even ordinary dinners into something special.

    Close up overhead shot of lemon dill rice garnished with herbs in an olive green bowl on a marble table with a yellow cloth and wooden spoon on the side.
    This lemon dill rice recipe is an easy dish to prepare in minimal time for a busy weeknight!
    Jump to:
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Lemon Dill Rice - Easy Side Dish
    • 🥘 Ingredients Needed
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 👪 FAQs
    • 💭 Top Tips
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥗 Suggested Main Dishes
    • 🍚 Additional Rice Recipes
    • Lemon Dill Rice Recipe
    • 📋 Recipe Card
    • Lemon Dill Rice
    • 💬 Reviews and Comments

    👩🏻‍🍳 Lemon Dill Rice - Easy Side Dish

    I have a confession to make - side dishes are often an afterthought for me.

    I usually have a pretty good handle on what I am going to make for dinner, but sometimes I will be halfway through preparing the entree before it hits me: 'What the heck am I going to serve with this?'

    And with 3 grown men in the house, it is ESSENTIAL to have something in addition to the entree, otherwise people will be walking away from the table still hungry!

    I love this side dish because it's so versatile and pairs well with so many different entrees. In fact, I just made my Skillet Teriyaki Glazed Salmon and served up that salmon right on top of a bed of this Lemon Dill Rice. And everyone loved it! Another delicious and easy rice recipe is this Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice.

    🥘 Ingredients Needed

    Overhead view of ingredients- rice, lemon juice, chicken broth, and dried dill weed.
    With these four simple ingredients, this dill rice recipe is super quick and easy to prepare!
    • chicken broth - a pantry staple that make the rice more flavorful than just using water. You can use regular or low sodium.
    • lemon juice - I keep bottled lemon juice in my refrigerator and it works just fine. But if you have a lemon on hand, fresh lemon juice is even better!
    • dried dill weed - I always have this in my spice cabinet.
    • rice - plain ol' long grain rice is inexpensive and easy to store. You can use other kinds of rice, if you like.

    🔪 Instructions

    Four panel collage of process shots- mixing together ingredients, simmering ingredients over low heat, and fluffing with a fork.
    This recipe only takes four simple steps for a quick and easy side dish!
    1. Place the chicken broth and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
    2. Mix in the dill and rice and return to a boil.
    3. Cover the saucepan and reduce the heat so you get a low simmer. Cook 20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
    4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

    👪 FAQs

    Do I need to soak the rice before cooking?

    Many people swear by soaking their rice before cooking. You can definitely do that, and it will result in a different texture as well as shorten the cooking time. I personally don't do this, but if you prefer slightly sticky rice, then try soaking it for about 20-30 minutes prior to adding it into the boiling chicken broth/lemon juice.

    Can I double this recipe to make enough for a crowd?

    Absolutely! This recipe works well for all different amounts of rice. Adjust your proportions and watch the cooking time. You can adjust the servings in the recipe card and it will do the math for you!

    My rice turned out mushy. Why?

    Mushy rice usually means your proportions were off (either too much liquid or too little rice).

    Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

    Yes, but you may need to increase the proportion of liquid a bit. The reason is because brown rice requires a longer cooking time and so more of the liquid will boil off in with the extra time it takes before it's done. For this recipe, I would use 2 cups of chicken broth instead of 1 ½ cups.

    Can I make this ahead of time and keep it warm on the stove?

    This is actually not recommended, although it can be done if you are very careful. Rice can carry spores of bad bacteria and so if you keeping it warm you need to make sure that the temperature is kept over 140 degrees F. The best way to make rice ahead of time is to make it the day before and refrigerate it right away. You can safely reheat it the next day (or several days later) using these safe handling techniques.

    Overhead shot of lemon dill rice garnished with herbs in an olive green bowl on a marble table with a yellow cloth and wooden spoon on the side.
    This dill rice recipe is unique, flavorful, and super easy to prepare!

    💭 Top Tips

    • This lemon dill rice is so flavorful it can be a side dish all by itself, or you can use it as a bed on which to serve your main dish, like fish, chicken, etc.
    • Store leftovers right away. Place the leftover rice into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
    • Pro tip! Make a double batch and freeze the extra so you have a quick and easy side dish on another night! I like to freeze the rice in a single layer in a lay-flat zippered freezer bag so I don't get those huge icy chunks of frozen rice.
    • Reheating leftover rice is simple. Simply place the grains in a microwave-safe container, add a tablespoon of water, and microwave on high a minute at a time until hot. Or place in a saucepan on the stovetop, add a tablespoon of water, and heat on low, stirring several times during heating to prevent sticking.
    • If you are reheating from frozen, there's no need to thaw! Just follow the above steps. Your rice will just take a little more time to get hot.

    📖 Variations

    • To make this vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
    • Feel free to use low-sodium broth if you are watching salt intake!
    • Use different herbs. I like the dill best with fish and other seafood, but if you are serving with another main dish, you can try rosemary or thyme to change it up!

    🥗 Suggested Main Dishes

    Lemon Dill Rice is versatile and works with many different entrees. It would go great with this recipe for Braised Garlic and Soy Pork, and here are a few more suggestions!

    Skillet Teriyaki Glazed Salmon
    Skillet Teriyaki Glazed Salmon comes together in a snap and it's delicious! Flaky, juicy fish flavored with soy sauce, lime, brown sugar, and ginger for a tangy sauce. What's not to love? It's the perfect combination!
    Close up shot of teriyaki glazed salmon on rice, garnished with chives on a brown plate with a blue background
    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
    This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken recipe is a super-easy way to make a comforting and hearty family supper without slaving all day in the kitchen!
    Overhead shot of whole crock pot chicken on a bed of thyme and sliced lemons on a blue plate with a fork on the side.
    Maple Glazed Salmon with Almonds
    Salmon portions dressed up with a sweet and spicy maple glaze and topped with crunchy almonds.
    Side shot of two maple glazed salmon pieces garnished with almonds and chives on a white plate.

    🍚 Additional Rice Recipes

    Here are a few more more rice recipe ideas for you!

    • Close up shot of cilantro lime asparagus and rice garnished with cilantro in a white bowl on a wooden table.
      Cilantro Lime Asparagus and Rice
    • Side view of zucchini walnut fried rice in a white and blue bowl with chopsticks on the side.
      Zucchini Walnut Fried Rice
    • Side view of slow cooker chicken and wild rice on a black plate with a fork and knife on the side.
      Easiest Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
    • Close up shot of creamy rice and shrimp on a white plate with a spoon on a blue cloth.
      Creamy Rice and Shrimp

    Lemon Dill Rice Recipe

    Love this recipe? Awesome! Please give it a 5 star ⭐ rating below! And if you make this, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. You can find me at DizzyBusyandHungry or #dizzybusyandhungry!

    📋 Recipe Card

    Side view of lemon dill rice garnished with herbs in an olive green bowl on a marble table with a wooden fork on the side.

    Lemon Dill Rice

    Recipe Author: Kristin
    Lemon Dill Rice is a perfect side dish for chicken, beef, pork, or fish. It's so easy to make and turns even ordinary dinners into something a bit special! And you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now!
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Share by Email Bookmark Saved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 134 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
    • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
    • 2 teaspoons dried dill weed
    • ¾ cup uncooked white rice
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken broth and lemon juice to boiling.
      1 ½ cups chicken broth, 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
    • Add the dill and rice, mix to combine, and return to a boil.
      2 teaspoons dried dill weed, ¾ cup uncooked white rice
    • Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.
    • Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

    Notes

    • For the best flavor, make sure your dried dill is not too old. Or use fresh dill, about 2 tablespoons.
    • Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled works really well and I always have some on hand.
    • You can use different kinds of rice but you may need to adjust the proportion of liquid and/or the cooking time. Use the package directions as a guide. If the liquid to rice proportion is different than 2:1, adjust accordingly by varying the amount of broth and lemon juice.
    • Pro tip: Make a double batch and freeze the extra for a quick and easy side dish on another night! Freeze rice in a flat layer in an awesome reusable lay-flat zippered freezer bag.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 325mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 29IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

    Want to make cooking even easier?Sign up here to receive FREE DBH exclusive content, including my favorite kitchen shortcuts and hacks, and unlock access to the DBH resource library with many other free downloads!

    Thanks so much for reading! I also invite you to follow me on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, or INSTAGRAM to keep up with what's going on in my kitchen.

    And you might want to check out my Dizzy Busy and Hungry store on Amazon for a whole bunch of great kitchen products I love!

    Happy cooking!

    Close up of a signature of Kristin.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Farah

      January 09, 2022 at 9:53 pm

      If I have cooked rice already could the ingredients, minus the chicken broth, still be added?

      Reply
      • Kristin

        January 11, 2022 at 11:24 am

        Yes, I think you could do that and you would wind up with something close to what it would taste like if you cooked it with the broth. It might not be QUITE the same, but I think it would still be good!

        Reply
    2. jj

      June 13, 2021 at 5:02 pm

      this is dope thanks kristen you da bomb

      Reply
      • Kristin

        June 14, 2021 at 8:34 am

        You are welcome!

        Reply
    3. Traci

      October 16, 2020 at 11:02 am

      5 stars
      You had me at lemon dill! This easy delicious rice dish has won me over 🤩 Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Kristin

        October 16, 2020 at 5:49 pm

        You're welcome, Traci. It's definitely one of my go-to side dishes now. I hope you like it!

        Reply
    4. Tisha

      October 16, 2020 at 10:46 am

      5 stars
      Great combo of flavors for a fantastic side dish!

      Reply
      • Kristin

        October 16, 2020 at 5:48 pm

        Thanks, Tisha!

        Reply
    5. Lizet Bowen

      October 16, 2020 at 10:34 am

      5 stars
      Perefect side dish! and yes, I have all the ingredients in my pantry. We'll have it tomorrow with our fish.

      Reply
      • Kristin

        October 16, 2020 at 5:48 pm

        This goes so well with fish! Happy cooking and I hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    6. Marlynn

      October 16, 2020 at 10:32 am

      5 stars
      This is such a delicious side dish for so many different dinners! And so easy to make too. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Kristin

        October 16, 2020 at 5:48 pm

        Yes, Marlynn, I LOVE how easy this is. Hope you like it!

        Reply
    7. Dannii

      October 16, 2020 at 10:13 am

      5 stars
      Lemon and dill is such a delicious combination. This looks like a delicious side dish.

      Reply
      • Kristin

        October 16, 2020 at 5:48 pm

        Thanks Dannii! I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply

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    👋 Hey there, I'm Kristin! As a full-time working wife and mom, my life is such a whirlwind, it makes me dizzy sometimes! So I have been working to develop quick, easy, family-friendly recipes for 20+ years, and this site is where I share them with you! Happy cooking!

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