This Easy Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice is a tasty dish that’s full of flavor! Juicy chicken marinated in lemon and herbs pairs perfectly with fluffy rice. Yum!
You’ll love how simple it is to whip up this meal. Just bake the chicken and let the rice soak up all that delicious lemony goodness. Dinner is served! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless breasts or thighs. If you want a quicker option, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, adding it at the end just to warm it up.
Oregano: Dried oregano is essential for that Greek flavor. Fresh oregano can also be used, but increase to about 1 tablespoon since it’s milder.
Rice: Long grain white rice works best here, but you can substitute with brown rice for a healthier option. Just remember it may need a bit more cooking time.
Lemon: Fresh lemon is the way to go for its brightness. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work, but it may not be as vibrant in flavor.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta is a classic topping. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu or omit cheese altogether.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Rice?
Cooking rice can be tricky, but here’s what to do for the best results!
- Start by toasting the rice in oil. This adds a nutty flavor and helps keep the grains separate.
- When you add the liquid, make sure it’s at a rolling boil; this helps set the rice’s cooking rate.
- Cover the pot tightly and reduce heat to low immediately. This traps steam and cooks the rice evenly.
- Let it simmer undisturbed for about 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid, as this lets steam escape.
- Once done, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to firm up.
Following these steps will leave you with a fluffy and delicious rice that perfectly complements the Greek chicken!
Easy Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- For the Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- For the Veggies:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed if canned)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- For Topping:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 35-40 minutes in total. It takes about 10 minutes to prep your ingredients, and then around 25-30 minutes for cooking everything to perfection. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by mixing the dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this flavorful spice mix evenly over your chicken breasts or thighs. This will give your chicken a tasty Greek flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until it’s nice and browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate for a bit. Once it’s slightly cooled, slice it into strips.
3. Toast the Rice:
Using the same skillet, add the other 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the rice and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to toast it. This helps bring out the flavors!
4. Add Liquid and Cook Rice:
Now, pour in the chicken broth (or water), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
5. Mix in the Veggies:
After the rice is cooked, sprinkle in the halved cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and spinach. Stir gently, cover, and let this cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes start to soften a bit.
6. Combine Chicken and Cook Through:
Add the sliced chicken back to the skillet. Stir everything together and warm it through for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve & Garnish:
Remove from heat and sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top. If you like, add fresh parsley or dill for an extra pop of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Greek chicken with lemon rice!
This dish is bright, healthy, and packed with flavors that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Enjoy every bite! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great choice for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken. Replace it with grilled or sautéed vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, and add more chickpeas or a meat substitute for protein. Follow the same cooking method for the rice.
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prep components ahead! Marinate the chicken and cook it a day in advance, then store it in the fridge. You can also cook the rice and veggies ahead of time; just heat everything together before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
