Name: Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: greek
Ingredients: Chicken & Marinade 4 chicken thighs or breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried dill; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; Rice & Cooking Base 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking); 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp lemon zest; 2 garlic cloves, minced; Garnishes & Optional Additions 2 tbsp chopped parsley; ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional); ¼ cup kalamata olives (optional)

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Greek cuisine is renowned for its bright flavors, fresh ingredients, and comforting dishes, and this Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is no exception. This dish brings together tender, marinated chicken infused with Mediterranean herbs and zesty lemon, perfectly paired with fragrant, lemony rice. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of citrus, garlic, and herbs creates a bold, refreshing taste.
One-Pan Wonder: Both the chicken and rice are cooked together, making cleanup a breeze.
Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores and reheats well, making it a great choice for batch cooking.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to dietary needs and personal preferences.

Ingredients

chicken thighs or breasts
olive oil
lemon juice
garlic cloves
oregano
dill
salt
black pepper
long-grain rice
chicken broth
lemon zest
parsley
feta cheese (optional)
kalamata olives (optional)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, dill, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Rice: In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the rice and toast for a couple of minutes.
Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon zest, stirring well. Place the seared chicken on top of the rice.
Cook Until Tender: Cover and reduce the heat to low, letting it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
Rest and Garnish: Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley, crumbled feta, and olives if desired.
Serve Warm: Plate the chicken over the rice and enjoy!

Variations

Swap Proteins: Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken.
Make it Creamy: Stir in a bit of Greek yogurt or butter at the end for a richer texture.
Add Vegetables: Toss in spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrients.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Use Different Grains: Try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marination Time: 30 minutes (or overnight)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How can I make the chicken extra juicy?

Marinate the chicken overnight and avoid overcooking. Using bone-in, skin-on thighs can also help retain moisture.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes! Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and extra broth. Cook for 40-45 minutes instead of 20-25.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free chicken broth.

Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sear the chicken on “Sauté” mode, add the rice and broth, then cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a quick release.

What can I serve with this dish?

A Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, or roasted vegetables complement it beautifully.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Use long-grain rice, avoid excessive stirring, and ensure the correct broth-to-rice ratio.

Can I add lemon slices while cooking?

Absolutely! Adding lemon slices on top of the chicken enhances the citrusy aroma.

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes! Use half the amount if substituting dried herbs, as they are more concentrated.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bright citrusy notes, savory chicken, and aromatic rice, it’s a meal that transports you to the Mediterranean with every bite. Try it for a satisfying weeknight dinner or as part of a larger Greek-inspired feast!

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