This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice dish is a tasty blend of juicy chicken and fluffy rice, all brightened up with fresh lemon. It’s like a sunny day on your plate!
The zesty flavor of lemon makes everything extra special. I love that it’s an easy one-pot meal, so cleaning up is a breeze—more time to relax and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are great here for their juiciness and flavor. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they might be a bit drier. Thighs are my go-to for this recipe!
Rice: Brown rice is my favorite for a nutty flavor, but jasmine rice works well too for a tender finish. If you’re short on time, white rice can be used, but adjust the cooking time as it cooks faster.
Chickpeas: These add a nice texture and protein boost. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, try using diced zucchini or bell peppers instead.
Feta Cheese: Feta provides a creamy, tangy touch that’s classic in Greek cooking. If you can’t find feta, you could try goat cheese for a similar richness.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley brighten the dish. You can play around with other herbs like mint if you want to switch things up a bit!
How Do I Get the Rice Just Right?
Cooking rice might seem tricky, but it’s all about the water ratio and timing. Here’s a foolproof approach:
- After toasting the rice for 1-2 minutes in the skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest.
- Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes.
- Check if the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. If not, cover and let it sit for a few more minutes.
Letting it rest covered for a few minutes at the end helps the rice fluff up nicely! Don’t forget to fluff with a fork before serving—this makes a big difference.
How to Make Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 cup brown rice (or jasmine rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
For the Add-Ins:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For Garnish:
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as dill or parsley)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy-to-make dish will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to cook. So in total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes to have a tasty Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice meal ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While it’s heating, season the chicken thighs with dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once the oil is hot, cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate.
2. Cook the Rice:
In the same skillet, take advantage of the flavors left behind and add in your rice. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring often. Then, pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover it, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Once the rice is cooked, it’s time to add in the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
4. Slice the Chicken:
While the rice and veggies are finishing up, slice the grilled chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easy to serve and enjoy.
5. Serve:
Finally, fluff the rice mixture with a fork to separate the grains. Top the rice with the sliced chicken and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs for that extra pop of flavor before serving!
Enjoy your delicious Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice!
Can I Use Different Types of Rice?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for brown rice or jasmine rice, you can use other types depending on your preference. Just be mindful that cooking times will vary. For example, if using white rice, it usually cooks faster (about 15-20 minutes), so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Can I Substitute Fresh Spinach?
Yes, if you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces for quicker cooking. Cook them until wilted just as you would with the spinach.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally, or heat on the stove until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist during reheating!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You may also want to add some extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more flavor and texture!
