Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice

This one-pot wonder emerged from Greece! Juicy lemon-infused chicken thighs baked alongside rice are a satisfying recipe for the taste buds. You will love this easy to prepare Mediterranean dish.

The secret to this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. By combining juicy, lemon-marinated chicken thighs with fragrant rice, olives, and fresh herbs, you create a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

The lemon juice not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses the rice with a bright, citrusy flavor.

The key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors is to use high-quality ingredients. Opt for fresh herbs like oregano and thyme. Additionally, using good-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall flavor profile.

While the original recipe was a great starting point, I added my own twist by incorporating sun-dried tomatoes into the rice mixture. This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is the perfect weeknight meal.

Other Chicken Recipes You’ll Love To Try:

Chicken Pot Pie With Puff Pastry

Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Quick and Healthy Asian Chicken Raisin Salad Recipe

Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas with a Sour Cream Sauce

Carnivore Baked Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients for Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

For the Chicken:

Bone-in, Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe. The skin adds a crispy texture, while the bone helps to keep the meat moist. You can even use boneless chicken for this recipe. For this recipe, I’m using boneless chicken thighs because they cook quickly and stay juicy.

Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: The bright, citrusy flavor of lemon is a classic pairing with chicken. Freshly squeezed lemon juice tenderizes the meat, while the zest adds a fragrant note.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds flavor to the marinade. Look for an oil that is cold-pressed and has a fruity flavor profile.
Butter for frying

For the Rice:

Long-Grain White Rice: This type of rice holds its shape well and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients. It’s a versatile choice for many dishes.

Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds richness and flavor to the rice. For a more flavorful broth, consider using homemade chicken broth.

Butter
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the marinade and rice.

Additional Ingredients

Fresh Oregano: This fragrant herb is a staple of Greek cuisine. Fresh oregano adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Red Onion: A red onion adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of color to the dish.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty, tangy flavor and a creamy texture to the dish. I like to use organic feta cheese, as it is often made with milk from grass-fed sheep and goats.

Directions

First, we’ll prep the chicken. In a bowl, combine the boneless chicken thighs, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat, then let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Heat 1½ tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned. Since the chicken is boneless, it cooks quickly. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1½ tablespoons of butter. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the rice to the skillet and stir well to coat it with the butter, onion, and garlic mixture. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it starts to smell nutty.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Season with a pinch of salt if needed. Place the cooked chicken thighs on top of the rice, cover the skillet with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and rice. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra flavor.
Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Chef Tips

Tip # 1: Make Your Rice Even More Tasty

For more flavorful rice, consider adding a pinch of saffron or turmeric to the broth. These spices will not only add color but also a unique flavor profile.

Tip # 2: Citrus Burst

Squeeze a fresh lemon wedge over the dish before serving for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.

Tip # 3: Herby Twist

Experiment with different herbs like dill, mint, or parsley to add a fresh and fragrant twist to the dish.

Tip # 4: Crispy Skin

To achieve extra crispy skin on the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels before marinating.

Tip # 5: One-Pot Wonder

For a hands-off approach, consider cooking the entire dish in one pot. Sear the chicken, add the rice and broth, then bake it in the oven until everything is cooked through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, they may dry out more quickly, so keep an eye on them while baking.

Can I use a different type of rice?

While long-grain white rice is traditional, you can experiment with other types of rice like brown rice or jasmine rice. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and cook the rice separately. Reheat the chicken and rice when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with a side salad, Greek yogurt, or a glass of crisp white wine.