Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

If you’re looking for a dinner that combines bold, fresh flavors with a comforting vibe, then Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is the answer. This dish is a total game-changer—tender chicken marinated in a lemony, herbaceous dressing, paired with a zesty, fluffy rice that’s packed with flavor. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, while the rice is a fragrant side that could easily steal the show. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and comforting, all in one meal. Trust me, this is the kind of dish that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy, and it’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight or serve at a dinner party!

Why You’ll Love Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Here’s why this dish is a must-try:

Flavor Explosion: The tangy lemon, fresh herbs, and savory chicken all come together in perfect harmony. Every bite feels like a burst of Mediterranean sunshine.

Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to make, and the ingredients are easy to find. Plus, the chicken and rice cook at the same time, so you can relax while the magic happens.

Versatile: While this dish is packed with Mediterranean flavors, you can easily switch up the rice for something else, like quinoa or couscous, or even add a salad on the side for extra freshness.

Healthy: The marinade uses olive oil, lemon, and herbs, making the chicken light yet flavorful. The rice is just as light, with a zesty lemon kick.

One-Pan Wonder: You’ll have minimal cleanup, as everything can be cooked together in one pan—making both cooking and cleaning up a breeze.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Greek-inspired meal:

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: The star of the dish! Chicken thighs are tender and juicy, and they soak up all the flavorful marinade. If you prefer chicken breasts, they’ll work too, but be sure not to overcook them as they can dry out more easily.
• Olive Oil: Used to marinate the chicken and give it a nice, juicy texture. It also helps enhance the flavors of the lemon and garlic.
• Lemon Juice & Zest: The lemon adds a bright, tangy kick to the chicken and rice. Both the juice and zest are key for that fresh, citrusy flavor.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic adds savory depth to the marinade, giving the chicken an aromatic base.
• Dried Oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that brings earthy, herbaceous notes to the chicken. You can also use fresh oregano if you prefer.
• Fresh Parsley: This is optional, but it adds a burst of color and a hint of fresh, grassy flavor to garnish the finished dish.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste! These two are essential for enhancing all the other flavors.

For the Rice:

• Long Grain White Rice: This type of rice is fluffy and light, making it the perfect base for absorbing all the delicious flavors. You can also use brown rice if you prefer a heartier option, but it will need a little extra cooking time.
• Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth instead of water gives the rice extra depth of flavor. If you want to keep it vegetarian, you can use vegetable broth instead.
• Lemon Juice & Zest: The same lemon you used for the chicken marinade is also added to the rice for that tangy, citrusy punch. It gives the rice a refreshing brightness.
• Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and rice, which adds a richness to the rice.
• Garlic Cloves: Like the garlic in the chicken marinade, minced garlic in the rice brings wonderful aromatic flavor to complement the lemony rice.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. These are essential to balance out the other flavors.

(Note: Specific measurements are in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade and let them sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Prepare the Rice
   In a large pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Rice
   Add the rice to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast it slightly. Then, add chicken broth (or water), lemon juice and zest, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Cook the Chicken
   While the rice is cooking, heat a separate pan over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and cook the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
5. Combine & Serve
   Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly. Serve the sliced chicken on top of the fluffy lemon rice, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~375
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 34g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 28g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

• With Fresh Salad: Pair it with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad for a light, refreshing side.
• Topped with Tzatziki: For an extra Mediterranean touch, drizzle some creamy tzatziki sauce over the chicken.
• With Grilled Vegetables: Serve it with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for a complete, healthy meal.
• As a Meal Prep Option: This meal is perfect for meal prepping. Just divide it into individual portions and refrigerate for a quick and easy lunch during the week.

Additional Tips

• Use Chicken Breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts, just make sure to cook them properly, as they can dry out more easily than thighs.
• Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to stir in some spinach, bell peppers, or olives into the rice while it’s cooking for added flavor and color.
• Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the marinade for a little extra heat.
• Substitute Brown Rice: If you’re looking for a healthier option, try swapping white rice for brown rice—it takes a bit longer to cook but has a nice nutty flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes, you can! Chicken breasts will work, but they might not be as juicy as thighs. Just be sure not to overcook them.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Definitely! The chicken and rice store well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q3: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A2: This dish is already gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and avoid any added sauces with gluten.

Q4: Can I use a different type of rice?
A4: Yes! You can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of rice.

Q5: Can I make the rice ahead of time?
A5: Yes, you can make the rice ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water to fluff it up.

Q6: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano?
A6: Absolutely! Fresh oregano works beautifully, just use about 2 tablespoons of it.

Q7: Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
A7: Yes! Grilling will give the chicken a lovely smoky flavor. Just be sure to marinate it for at least 15 minutes before grilling.

Q8: Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A8: Yes, roasted or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach would be a great addition to either the chicken or rice.

Q9: Can I make this dish spicier?
A9: Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or serve with hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is the kind of meal that will leave you feeling satisfied without being weighed down. It’s fresh, light, and full of flavor—and best of all, it’s easy to prepare! Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this dish is sure to impress. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and comforting, and I promise you’ll be reaching for seconds!

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