Lemon Thyme Chicken and Rice

Don't you just love that half your groceries can come from your own backyard if you have a garden?  Even just a big pot or two with a single tomato plant in one and herbs in another can add to the daily joy of cooking for your family.

So far we've had lettuce, onion, and kale from our garden, and then just yesterday, the thrill of the first gathering of sugar snap peas!  I love to shell peas and snap beans.  It takes me back to porch sitting with my grandma, watching The Lawrence Welk  Show while we shelled!  Each pod full of little green jewels.

We also have three gorgeous beds of herbs.  With each meal, I try to discover new ways to use fresh herbs in my dishes. 

We have two recipes in this feature of "What's for Dinner" because I used garden goodies in each part of my meal.

Chicken and Rice with Lemon &Thyme Glaze:

Bring two cups of water to a boil and drop in a couple of sprigs of thyme and squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the boiling water.  Stir in one cup of rice. Our favorite is Valencia.  It has a buttery flavor on it's own and a creamy texture.  

Reduce heat and let simmer on low until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.

Meanwhile, saute a small sweet onion in 1/4 cup of olive oil until clear, and then add boneless, skinless chicken tenders and saute them until just done, but don't overcook.

Remove chicken and onion from pan and add 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine on medium heat. To melted butter stir in 1/4 cup of flour, and half a cup of fresh lemon juice.  Stir until blended and reduce heat.  Thin with water or chicken broth if necessary and add chicken tenders back to the pan and turn off heat.  Let this sit for a couple of minutes.

Fluff the rice as you add butter or margarine and 2 tablespoons of half and half or whole milk.

Plate the rice and put chicken and glaze over the top.

Sugar Snap Peas:

Bring salted water to a boil and simmer until tender .  Add a dollop of butter or margarine and serve.

The crispness of the peas, the softness of the rice, and the burst of flavor from the lemon and thyme are so pleasant together.  Enjoy!