Introduction

Grief changes the shape of our days. For a long time, even the idea of cooking felt heavy—an unnecessary task when the world already seemed impossible to manage. But slowly, quietly, the kitchen became a place where I could breathe again. The rhythmic chop of vegetables, the warmth rising from a simmering pot, and the aroma of familiar ingredients began to stitch together the soft beginnings of comfort.
The recipe below isn’t just food; it’s a moment of grounding—something warm to hold onto when everything else feels uncertain. This dish became one of the first meals that made me feel like myself again.

Ingredients
For the Hearth-Style Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup long-grain rice

1 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)

½ cup peas or chopped spinach

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Sauté the aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic until fragrant.

Toast the rice:
Pour in the rice and stir so every grain is coated with the oil. Toast for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Add the broth and seasonings:
Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.

Simmer to perfection:
Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.

Fold in the comfort:
Add the shredded chicken and peas/spinach. Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes until everything is warmed through and the rice is tender.

Finish with freshness:
Remove from heat and fluff gently with a fork. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve warm with a squeeze of extra lemon for brightness or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.

For leftovers: store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to restore the dish’s soft, comforting texture.

This meal also freezes well for up to 2 months—perfect for days when you need nourishment without the effort.

Variations