Zesty Greek Chicken & Lemon Rice Recipe: A Sunny Flavor Adventure

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this mouthwatering greek chicken and lemon rice delivers pure culinary magic.

Bright citrus notes dance across tender, herb-infused chicken pieces that promise an authentic Mediterranean experience.

Golden-brown chicken thighs nestle perfectly atop fluffy, zesty rice, creating a harmonious plate bursting with flavor.

Oregano and garlic weave their aromatic spell, transporting you straight to a sun-drenched Greek taverna.

Each forkful carries the warmth of traditional Greek cooking, blending simple ingredients into something extraordinarily delicious.

The combination of tangy lemon, fragrant herbs, and juicy chicken guarantees a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a dish that turns an ordinary evening into a Mediterranean celebration.

Tasty Ideas For Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice

• Flavor Boosting Tricks: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of white wine to the marinade for extra depth and complexity.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap chicken for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for richer flavor or use plant-based chicken alternatives for a vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Guarantee: Confirm all broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Protein Power-Up: Replace white rice with quinoa for a protein-packed alternative that maintains the dish's Mediterranean essence and adds nutritional value.

Serve Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice Easily

• Mediterranean Feast Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and kalamata olives for a complete Mediterranean dining experience.
• Protein Power Boost: Add a scoop of creamy tzatziki sauce or Greek yogurt on the side to enhance protein content and provide a cool, tangy complement to the warm chicken and rice.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley, dill, or mint over the dish to brighten flavors and add a vibrant green touch that increases visual appeal and provides a fresh herbal note.
• Wine and Dine: Pair with a light, citrusy white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lemon notes and enhance the overall Greek-inspired meal's flavor profile.

How To Store Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and divide into portion-sized containers for quick weeknight meals throughout the week. This strategy saves time and ensures delicious lunches or dinners are always ready.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftover Greek chicken and lemon rice in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken and rice when storing to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy rice.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
• Flavor Enhancement Tip: When reheating, sprinkle fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley to revive the dish's bright, zesty flavors and give it a fresh-made taste. Avoid multiple reheating cycles to maintain the chicken's tenderness and rice's fluffy texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Use For Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice

• Olive Oil: Helps infuse flavors and creates golden exterior for chicken.
• Lemon Juice: Tenderizes meat and adds bright, zesty brightness.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic depth to chicken's flavor profile.
• Oregano: Introduces classic Mediterranean herbal notes.
• Thyme: Contributes earthy, slightly minty undertones.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance overall seasoning and balance.

• Onion: Builds foundational savory sweetness for rice.
• Rice: Creates hearty, comforting main starch component.
• Chicken Broth: Ensures rich, deep flavor absorption.
• Lemon Zest: Adds intense citrusy essence without excessive acidity.

• Fresh Parsley: Introduces fresh, green color and herbaceous brightness.
• Lemon Wedges: Allows personalized citrus intensity at serving.
• Chicken: Primary protein with succulent, well-seasoned texture.

Tools To Cook Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice

• Large Skillet: Ovenproof and essential for searing chicken and cooking rice.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for marinating chicken with herbs and seasonings.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Crucial for precise ingredient quantities.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, parsley, and preparing lemon.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Foil: Used to cover skillet while baking, trapping moisture and heat.
• Fork: Helps fluff rice after cooking.
• Wooden Spoon/Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.

Steps For Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice

• Fire Up the Flavor Marinade

Blend zesty olive oil, tangy lemon juice, crushed garlic, rustic herbs, and a sprinkle of seasoning. Dive your chicken into this magical mixture, letting it soak up all the Mediterranean goodness for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

• Sizzle and Seal the Protein

Crank your oven to 375F. In a heavy skillet, create a golden crust on the chicken by searing each side until it’s beautifully bronzed. Set the chicken aside while keeping the delicious pan drippings.

• Build the Aromatic Base

Toss chopped onions into the same skillet, creating a fragrant foundation. Tumble in the rice and let it dance around until it’s slightly toasted and nutty.

• Liquid Magic Infusion

Pour in chicken broth, splash of lemon juice, vibrant zest, and a whisper of herbs. Stir everything until it’s harmoniously blended.

• Oven Transformation

Nestle the seared chicken atop the rice landscape. Wrap the skillet snugly with foil and slide into the oven. Let it bake for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken reaches perfect doneness.

• Final Flourish

After removing from the oven, let the dish rest and settle. Fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle fresh parsley, and serve with bright lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick.

Succulent Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Greek chicken nestled in zesty lemon rice brings Mediterranean magic to your dinner table. Fragrant herbs and tangy citrus create a simple yet elegant meal that transports diners straight to Greece’s sunny shores.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup + 3 tbsps fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Blend olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate.
2. Sear and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken pieces on both sides for 3-4 minutes, creating a golden crust. Remove chicken and reserve skillet with flavorful remnants.
3. Build Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent. Toast rice, stirring to release its nutty profile. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, and seasonings, creating a fragrant base.
4. Bake and Infuse: Nestle seared chicken on top of the rice mixture. Cover skillet with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken reaches 165F internal temperature.
5. Finish and Serve: Rest dish for 5 minutes to harmonize flavors. Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and present with lemon wedges for a vibrant, citrusy accent.

Notes

• Maximize Marination: Give chicken ample time to soak up Mediterranean flavors, with longer marination (2-4 hours) delivering deeper taste profiles.
• Sear for Succulence: Create a golden-brown crust by patting chicken dry before searing, ensuring crispy exterior and locking in juicy interior.
• Rice Perfection Technique: Toast rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavor and prevent clumping, stirring constantly for even browning.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas for vegetarian version, use cauliflower rice for low-carb option, and ensure gluten-free broth for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg