Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Greece with this one-pot wonder! Juicy lemon-infused chicken thighs bake alongside fragrant rice, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. This easy-to-prepare dish bursts with Mediterranean flair, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6-8 bone less chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter divided
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- lemon zest
For the Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 large red onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup spinach optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 4-5 lemon slices optional
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Pat chicken thigh dry with paper towels.
- Season chicken with lemon juice, salt, garlic, olive oil, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil and 1/2 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken skin-side down until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Flip chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes more.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Cook the Rice:
- 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.
Finish the Dish:
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and rice. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra burst of brightness. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.