If you love bright, zesty flavors and easy one-pot meals, this Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is about to become your new go-to dinner! ππβ¨ Juicy, well-seasoned chicken is cooked to perfection and nestled in fluffy, lemon-infused rice, all made in one pan for easy cleanup.
This dish is bursting with Mediterranean flavors, packed with garlic, oregano, and a hint of cumin, making it the perfect balance of tangy, herby, and savory. Serve it with tzatziki, a Greek salad, or warm pita bread, and youβve got yourself a restaurant-worthy meal in just 30 minutes!
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
βοΈ One-Pot Wonder β Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
βοΈ 30-Minute Meal β Quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights.
βοΈ Juicy & Flavorful Chicken β Marinated to perfection!
βοΈ Authentic Greek Flavors β Bright, herby, and tangy.
Ingredients for Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
For the Chicken:
- 1 Β½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into large chunks)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Β½ tsp ground cumin
- Β½ tsp smoked paprika
- Β½ tsp salt
- Β½ tsp black pepper
- Juice of Β½ lemon
For the Lemon Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati)
- 1 ΒΎ cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon + zest of Β½ lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Β½ tsp dried oregano
- Β½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Lemon wedges, for extra zest
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove from the pan and set aside (it will finish cooking in the rice).
Step 3: Toast the Rice
- In the same pan, melt butter and sautΓ© garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the rice, oregano, and lemon zest, stirring to coat the rice in the flavors.
- Toast for 1-2 minutes until the rice is slightly golden.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring well.
- Nestle the seared chicken back into the rice, cover, and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Fluff & Serve!
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, feta cheese, and lemon wedges.
π₯ Enjoy your one-pot Greek feast! ππβ¨
Servings & Cooking Time
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
Variations & Substitutions
1. Make It Spicy πΆοΈ
- Add Β½ tsp red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey.
2. Low-Carb/Keto Option
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice, reducing broth to 1 cup.
3. Extra Veggies
- Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for added nutrients.
4. Dairy-Free Version
- Omit feta cheese and use olive oil instead of butter.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Heat with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Cut them into chunks to ensure even cooking.
2. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sear the chicken on SautΓ© mode, add the rice & broth, then pressure cook on High for 5 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.
3. Can I use brown rice?
Yes! Increase the broth to 2 ΒΌ cups and cook for 40 minutes on low.
4. Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely! It reheats beautifully and stays fresh for up to 4 days.
5. What should I serve with this?
Pair it with tzatziki, hummus, a Greek salad, or warm pita bread.
6. Can I bake this dish instead?
Yes! Transfer to an oven-safe dish and bake at 375Β°F for 25 minutes, covered.
7. What if my rice is too wet?
Let it sit uncovered for 5-10 minutes to absorb excess moisture.
8. Can I add more protein?
Yes! Add shrimp, chickpeas, or extra chicken for a protein boost.
9. How do I get extra crispy chicken?
Sear it longer before adding it to the rice, or finish under a broiler for 2 minutes.
10. Can I freeze this meal?
Yes! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and reheat when needed.
Final Thoughts on Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is the perfect balance of tangy, herby, and savory flavors, all made in one pan for easy cleanup. Whether youβre making it for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a Mediterranean-inspired feast, this dish is sure to be a hit!
π₯ Try it tonight and enjoy a taste of Greece in just 30 minutes! ππβ¨
Have you made this recipe? Let us know in the comments!