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Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Featured in Easy Chicken Recipes.

This one-pot meal combines Greek-seasoned chicken with zesty lemon rice, fresh vegetables and feta. Everything cooks in the same pan with Mediterranean flavors.
Fatima
Updated on Wed, 22 Jan 2025 02:00:46 GMT
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Imagine the aroma of lemon and herbs filling your kitchen as golden chicken sizzles in the pan, its skin crisping to perfection while fluffy rice soaks up all those wonderful citrus and savory flavors beneath. This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice isn't just dinner - it's a vacation to the Mediterranean in a single skillet. The way the rice absorbs the lemony chicken juices while cooking creates something truly magical.

I discovered this recipe during a cooking class in Santorini, where our instructor insisted that the secret lies in letting the chicken flavor the rice as they cook together. She was absolutely right.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Chicken Thighs: Choose bone-in, skin-on for the best flavor and juiciness
  • Lemons: Look for heavy, fragrant fruits with thin skins - they'll have more juice
  • Rice: Long-grain varieties like basmati or jasmine create the fluffiest texture
  • Olive Oil: Use Greek extra virgin olive oil for authentic flavor
  • Fresh Herbs: Oregano and parsley add brightness and color
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Detailed Instructions

Perfect your marinade:
Combine lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs in a bowl rather than a plastic bag. This allows you to really massage the flavors into the chicken. Let it marinate long enough for the lemon to tenderize the meat.
Master the sear:
Get your pan properly hot before adding the chicken skin-side down. Don't move it until it releases easily - this ensures that golden, crispy skin we're after.
Build your rice base:
Those browned bits left in the pan after searing the chicken? That's flavor gold. Let the rice toast slightly in these drippings before adding your liquid.
Time the liquid:
Add hot broth to keep the cooking temperature consistent. This helps the rice cook evenly and absorb flavors better.
Finish with patience:
Let everything rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and the rice to achieve the perfect texture.
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Creating Mediterranean Magic

Through countless times making this dish, I've learned that the magic lies in how the chicken and rice work together. As the chicken cooks, its juices mingle with the lemon and herbs, creating a flavor-packed liquid that the rice eagerly absorbs. The result is rice that's anything but ordinary.

My Greek friend Elena always says that good Mediterranean food should taste of the sun. This dish proves her point - bright with lemon, rich with olive oil, and warm with herbs and garlic.

Make-Ahead Tips

While this dish is best served fresh, you can marinate the chicken overnight and prep all your ingredients in advance. When ready to cook, everything comes together smoothly, making it perfect for entertaining.

Perfect Pairings

I love serving this with a classic Greek salad - the cool, crisp vegetables and briny olives complement the warm, lemony chicken and rice beautifully. A glass of crisp white wine makes it feel like dining on a Greek island.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Save the lemon zest for finishing - it adds bright bursts of flavor
  • Don't skip browning the chicken - it's essential for developing depth
  • Keep some extra hot broth on hand to adjust rice consistency if needed

After years of making this dish, I've come to see it as more than just a recipe - it's a celebration of simple ingredients treated with respect. Whether you're making it for a quiet family dinner or hosting friends, this Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice brings Mediterranean sunshine to your table. The combination of crispy-skinned chicken, lemony rice, and fresh herbs creates something truly special that transports you to a seaside taverna with every bite.

Remember, good food doesn't need to be complicated - it just needs to be made with care and attention to detail. This dish proves that beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Just adjust cooking time since breasts cook faster - about 4-5 minutes per side until they reach 165°F.
→ What if I want to make this dairy-free?
Simply skip the feta cheese. The dish is still delicious with all the lemon, herbs and seasonings.
→ Can I use different rice?
Any cooked rice works - brown rice, basmati, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth.
→ Can I meal prep this?
Yes! Cook everything and portion into containers. The flavors get even better the next day.

One Pot Greek Chicken Rice

A 30-minute one-pot Mediterranean dinner with seasoned chicken, lemony rice, chickpeas, fresh vegetables and crumbled feta.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Fati

Category: Chicken

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken

01 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
02 1 teaspoon dried oregano
03 1 teaspoon paprika
04 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
06 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ For the Lemon Rice

07 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
08 8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved
09 5 cloves garlic, minced
10 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 1/4 teaspoon salt
12 5 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
13 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
14 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas
15 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ For the Feta Mixture

16 6 ounces feta cheese, diced into small cubes
17 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
18 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
19 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
20 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Season chicken thighs with oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add oil, and cook chicken about 5 minutes per side until done. Remove from pan.

Step 02

In the same pan, cook half the tomatoes with garlic, oregano, and salt until softened. Stir in spinach until wilted. Add your cooked rice and drained chickpeas.

Step 03

Pour in fresh lemon juice and add remaining tomatoes. Stir everything together and heat through. Add an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Step 04

Mix cubed feta with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano until well coated.

Step 05

Stir half the feta mixture into the rice. Add back the chicken, top with remaining feta, and garnish with fresh oregano if using. Give it a final season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  1. Make sure not to burn the oil while cooking chicken - those juices flavor the rice
  2. Can be made dairy-free by omitting the feta
  3. Use precooked rice to keep this truly 30-minutes

Tools You'll Need

  • Large high-sided skillet or cast iron pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 755
  • Total Fat: 34 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
  • Protein: 53 g