This delicious and easy Lemon Parmesan Brown Rice recipe is a healthy side dish made with fresh-squeezed lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. It’s a no-frills dish that goes well with nearly everything!

Love easy side dish recipes? Then you need to try my Pesto Risotto recipe!brown rice in a white bowl sprinkled with parmesan cheese and parsley

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    Healthy and Easy Lemon Parmesan Brown Rice

    Brown rice is a staple in my kitchen. It is easier for your stomach to digest and unlike white rice has a quicker cooking time. Brown rice has a wonderfully nutty flavor and a nice bite.

    Brown rice also known as the “unrefined” version of white rice is loaded with health benefits. 1 cup of brown rice equals 5g of protein and 4g of fiber! Brown rice has much more fiber and nutrients than white.

    For this Lemon Parmesan Brown Rice recipe, I added fresh squeezed lemon juice, chopped parsley, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese to the cooked rice. Season with salt and pepper, and you’re done! How easy is that?

    TIP: If you like this rice you will love my Cilantro Lime Brown Rice!

    Ingredients

    It’s not easy to get excited over a side dish, but this one is worth the hype! You only need a few fresh ingredients and pantry staples to make this healthy and delicious Lemon Parmesan Brown Rice.

    You’ll need some olive oil, brown rice, a small onion (yellow or white), chicken broth (homemade is always best!), a lemon (for the juice and zest), a bay leaf, fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese (freshly grated, if possible).

    Reserve some lemon wedges, parsley, and parmesan to garnish before serving.

    fluffing rice in silver saucepan

    How To Make Lemon Parmesan Brown Rice

    This Lemon Parmesan Brown Rice could not be easier to make!

    Brown rice and onion: Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Add in rice and onion and saute for 2-3 minutes to get some color on the rice and onions.

    sautéing brown rice and onion in skillet

    Simmer rice: Once rice and onions are slightly browned and toasted add in chicken broth, lemon zest and bay leaf. Cook for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender and all of the liquid is absorbed.

    adding broth and bay leaves to pot

    Fluff rice: Take off of the heat and stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with parmesan cheese on top of each bowl and enjoy!

    adding parsley to the cooked rice

    Serve alongside fish, chicken, or grilled vegetables. It goes well with everything!

    How To Make Lemon Parmesan Brown Rice | chefsavvy.com

    Serving Suggestions

    Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions

    • Store leftover cooled rice in an airtight container or plastic bag in the fridge for up to 5 days.
    • Freeze cooked and cooled rice in a freezer-safe, airtight container or plastic bag for up to 3 months.
    • Reheat thawed or chilled rice in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. Add some chicken broth if it seems dry.
    lemon parmesan brown rice in medium saucepan

    More Rice Recipes To Try

    How To Make Lemon Parmesan Brown Rice | chefsavvy.com

    Lemon Parmesan Brown Rice

    4.23 from 9 votes
    Lemon Parmesan Brown Rice. A healthy side dish made with fresh squeezed lemon juice, Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
    Servings: 4
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes

    Ingredients 

    Instructions 

    • Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Add in rice and onion and saute for 2-3 minutes to get some color on the rice and onions.
    • Once rice and onions are slightly browned and toasted add in chicken broth, lemon zest and bay leaf. Cover and cook for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender and all of the liquid is absorbed.
    • Take off of the heat and stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with parmesan cheese on top of each bowl and enjoy!

    Notes

    *Note: This rice was originally made with 5 minute brown rice. I have updated the recipe to use regular brown rice since more people have that in the pantry. However this recipe can be made with minute rice to shorten the total recipe time to 15 minutes.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 219kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 434mgPotassium: 268mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 187IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg
    How To Make Lemon Parmesan Brown Rice | chefsavvy.com

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