Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot) – A Bright, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

Introduction

Craving a comforting yet vibrant dinner that comes together in just one pot? This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is the answer. Juicy, herb-marinated chicken thighs are nestled into a bed of fluffy, lemon-infused rice for a meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavor—and ready in just 30 minutes.

Inspired by the traditional flavors of Greece—like garlic, oregano, lemon, and olive oil—this one-pot meal is simple enough for weeknights and elegant enough for entertaining. Plus, everything cooks together, meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy dinner.

For more 30-minute meals and Mediterranean-inspired favorites, visit recipeservice.net—where healthy meets hearty in every bite.

🛒 Ingredients

🍗 For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Juice of ½ lemon

🍚 For the Lemon Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)
• 2¼ cups chicken broth
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Optional add-ins: ¼ cup chopped spinach, ¼ cup crumbled feta, or kalamata olives for a more robust flavor.

👨‍🍳 Directions

🔥 Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine:

• Chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Salt & pepper
• Juice of ½ lemon

Let marinate for 15–30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge).

Short on time? Skip the marinade and season right in the pan—still delicious!

🍳 Step 2: Brown the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the chicken on both sides for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
3. Remove and set aside (chicken will finish cooking with the rice).

🍚 Step 3: Sauté and Build the Rice Base

In the same skillet:

1. Add a splash of oil if needed.
2. Add:
   • Rinsed rice
   • Zest of 1 lemon
   • Juice of 1 lemon
   • 2¼ cups chicken broth
   • ½ tsp salt
3. Stir and scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor.

🍗 Step 4: Cook Everything Together

1. Nestle the browned chicken back on top of the rice.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Cover and reduce heat to low.
4. Cook for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Avoid lifting the lid while cooking to keep the steam trapped!

🌿 Step 5: Fluff, Garnish & Serve

• Remove skillet from heat and let sit 5 minutes covered
• Fluff the rice with a fork
• Sprinkle with chopped parsley, crumbled feta, or lemon wedges

Serve immediately with:

• A crisp Greek salad
• Grilled vegetables
• Or warm pita bread

🍽️ Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

🍴 Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with:

• Tzatziki or hummus
• Oven-roasted green beans
• Chilled cucumber salad
• Marinated olives

Leftovers? Stuff into a wrap or bowl for a fresh lunch option.

🧑‍🍳 Variations

• Use chicken breasts: Just be careful not to overcook; slice before serving.
• Low-carb version: Sub cauliflower rice and reduce broth to 1 cup.
• Add veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes with the rice.
• Make it creamy: Add 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or cream cheese to the rice before fluffing.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey over the top.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Freezer:

• Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months

Reheating:

• Microwave with a splash of water or broth to revive the rice
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, covered

Best when reheated gently to keep rice fluffy and chicken moist.

❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use brown rice?

Yes—just increase liquid to 2¾ cups and cook for 35–40 minutes.

2. Does this work with bone-in chicken?

Yes—just sear longer and bake covered at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.

3. Can I skip the lemon?

You can reduce it, but the lemon adds brightness that balances the dish.

4. Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken.

5. Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes—marinate chicken and prep rice base ingredients in advance.

6. Can I add cheese?

Yes! Crumbled feta or grated Parmesan are both delicious.

7. How do I keep rice from being mushy?

Use long-grain rice and don’t stir after it starts cooking.

8. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the broth and spices are certified gluten-free.

9. What other herbs can I use?

Try dill, basil, or mint for a fresh twist.

10. What’s the best pan to use?

A large Dutch oven or nonstick deep skillet with a lid works best.

📝 Conclusion

This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is the kind of dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. With juicy chicken, herby lemon rice, and just one pot, you’ve got a wholesome, satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes.

It’s the ultimate Mediterranean comfort food—fresh, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping for the week, this recipe is a keeper.

Want more easy, flavorful recipes like this? Browse dozens of one-pot wonders and Mediterranean favorites at recipeservice.net.

Adam

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot) – A Bright, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

Craving a comforting yet vibrant dinner that comes together in just one pot? This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is the answer. Juicy, herb-marinated chicken thighs are nestled into a bed of fluffy, lemon-infused rice for a meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavor—and ready in just 30 minutes. Inspired by the traditional flavors of Greece—like garlic, oregano, lemon, and olive oil—this one-pot meal is simple enough for weeknights and elegant enough for entertaining. Plus, everything cooks together, meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy dinner. For more 30-minute meals and Mediterranean-inspired favorites, visit recipeservice.net—where healthy meets hearty in every bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

🍗 For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Juice of ½ lemon

🍚 For the Lemon Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
• 2¼ cups chicken broth
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon about 2 tbsp
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Optional add-ins: ¼ cup chopped spinach ¼ cup crumbled feta, or kalamata olives for a more robust flavor.

Method

 

🔥 Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

1. In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine:
2. Chicken thighs
3. Olive oil
4. Garlic
5. Oregano
6. Paprika
7. Salt & pepper
8. Juice of ½ lemon
9. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge).
10. Short on time? Skip the marinade and season right in the pan—still delicious!

🍳 Step 2: Brown the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the chicken on both sides for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
3. Remove and set aside (chicken will finish cooking with the rice).

🍚 Step 3: Sauté and Build the Rice Base

1. In the same skillet:
2. Add a splash of oil if needed.
3. Add:
4. Rinsed rice
5. Zest of 1 lemon
6. Juice of 1 lemon
7. 2¼ cups chicken broth
8. ½ tsp salt
9. Stir and scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor.

🍗 Step 4: Cook Everything Together

1. Nestle the browned chicken back on top of the rice.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Cover and reduce heat to low.
4. Cook for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5. Avoid lifting the lid while cooking to keep the steam trapped!

🌿 Step 5: Fluff, Garnish & Serve

1. Remove skillet from heat and let sit 5 minutes covered
2. Fluff the rice with a fork
3. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, crumbled feta, or lemon wedges
4. Serve immediately with:
5. A crisp Greek salad
6. Grilled vegetables
7. Or warm pita bread

Notes

🍴 Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with:

Tzatziki or hummus

Oven-roasted green beans

Chilled cucumber salad

Marinated olives

Leftovers? Stuff into a wrap or bowl for a fresh lunch option.

🧑‍🍳 Variations
Use chicken breasts: Just be careful not to overcook; slice before serving.

Low-carb version: Sub cauliflower rice and reduce broth to 1 cup.

Add veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes with the rice.

Make it creamy: Add 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or cream cheese to the rice before fluffing.

Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey over the top.

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Freezer:
Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months

Reheating:
Microwave with a splash of water or broth to revive the rice

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, covered

Best when reheated gently to keep rice fluffy and chicken moist.

❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use brown rice?
Yes—just increase liquid to 2¾ cups and cook for 35–40 minutes.

2. Does this work with bone-in chicken?
Yes—just sear longer and bake covered at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.

3. Can I skip the lemon?
You can reduce it, but the lemon adds brightness that balances the dish.

4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken.

5. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes—marinate chicken and prep rice base ingredients in advance.

6. Can I add cheese?
Yes! Crumbled feta or grated Parmesan are both delicious.

7. How do I keep rice from being mushy?
Use long-grain rice and don’t stir after it starts cooking.

8. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the broth and spices are certified gluten-free.

9. What other herbs can I use?
Try dill, basil, or mint for a fresh twist.

10. What’s the best pan to use?
A large Dutch oven or nonstick deep skillet with a lid works best.

📝 Conclusion
This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is the kind of dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. With juicy chicken, herby lemon rice, and just one pot, you’ve got a wholesome, satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes.

It’s the ultimate Mediterranean comfort food—fresh, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping for the week, this recipe is a keeper.

Want more easy, flavorful recipes like this? Browse dozens of one-pot wonders and Mediterranean favorites at recipeservice.net.