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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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