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Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice brings vibrant Mediterranean Recipes flair to your table with juicy poultry and bright citrus-infused grains. This dish blends the comforting warmth of chicken dinner recipes with the tang of fresh lemon, perfect for Mediterranean Diet Recipes Dinners or Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes. Featuring lean chicken thighs simmered alongside fragrant rice, garlic, and herbs, it’s both a Health Dinner Recipes option and a simple spin on Greek Recipes classics. Ideal for Healthy Meal Prep, this recipe shines in Mediterranean Diet Recipes and Chicken Dishes Recipes collections. Prepare to indulge in a one-pot meal that celebrates wholesome flavors and effortless cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice
- The luscious lemon rice soaks up every drop of savory chicken juices for unforgettable flavor.
- Incorporates key Mediterranean Diet Recipes ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and oregano for health benefits.
- One-pot preparation means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your Chicken Dinner Recipes creation.
- Perfectly balanced between protein and carbs, making it ideal for Healthy Meal Prep routines.
- Customizable with extra vegetables or herbs to suit any Mediterranean Recipes twist or Greek Recipes theme.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Healthy |
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 40 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free |
| Serves: | 4 |
| Best Served: | Warm |
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs – tender, protein-packed base for Greek dishes (Chicken as food)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil – heart-healthy fat essential in Mediterranean Diet Recipes
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – aromatic flavor and immune-boosting benefits
- 1 cup long-grain white rice – fluffy, gluten-free carbohydrate (Rice)
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth – rich cooking liquid for tender rice
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons – bright citrus punch loaded with vitamin C (Lemon)
- 1 tsp dried oregano – classic Greek Recipes seasoning
- ½ tsp dried thyme – subtle herbal note
- Salt and pepper – to taste, balancing all flavors
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley – garnish with vibrant color and freshness
Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and half the oregano.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in rice, remaining oregano, and thyme. Toast 1–2 minutes until rice edges look translucent.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice and zest; stir to combine.
- Return chicken thighs to skillet, nestling them into the rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165 °F.
- Remove lid, fluff rice around chicken with a fork, and top with chopped parsley and a fresh lemon squeeze before serving.
Notes
How to Make the Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice
Creating this Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice is a harmonious blend of searing, simmering, and zesty finishing touches.
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and half the oregano.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic to the pan and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up browned bits.
Step 4: Toast the Rice
Stir in rice and remaining oregano and thyme. Cook 1–2 minutes, stirring, until edges of rice look translucent.
Step 5: Add Liquids
Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Stir to combine.
Step 6: Simmer with Chicken
Nestle chicken thighs back into the skillet. Cover and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F.
Step 7: Finish and Garnish
Remove lid and fluff rice with a fork. Garnish with parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the salt level in this Health Dinner Recipes dish.
- Toast rice in the pan until lightly golden for a nuttier aroma and improved texture.
- Add a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes in the last 5 minutes for added color and nutrients.
- Rest the covered pan off heat for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to finish steaming.
How to Serve Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice
Present this vibrant meal in ways that highlight its Mediterranean charm and versatility:
- Spooned onto plates alongside a crisp Greek salad with feta and olives.
- Served in bowls with a dollop of creamy tzatziki on top.
- Accompanied by warm pita bread and hummus for a full Mediterranean Recipes spread.
- Paired with roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- As part of a Healthy Meal Prep lineup in individual containers.
- Garnished with sliced cucumber and tomato for fresh crunch.
- With a side of pickled red onions to cut through the richness.
- Drizzled with extra olive oil and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Alongside grilled shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist.
- Family-style on a platter garnished with lemon wedges and parsley sprigs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers and refrigerate up to 3 days.
• Keep garnish separate to maintain freshness.
• Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth to restore moisture.
• Stir occasionally to heat rice evenly.
Freezing
• Freeze cooled chicken and rice in portioned freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in a covered dish with added broth in microwave or skillet.
• Add fresh parsley and lemon zest after reheating for bright flavor.
Reheating
• Reheat in a skillet over low heat, covered, adding broth as needed.
• Microwave covered for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Avoid overheating to keep chicken tender.
• Finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon and herbs before serving.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of chicken, rice, and lemon?
Chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle health. Rice offers energy-boosting carbohydrates and B vitamins, while lemon adds vitamin C and antioxidants for immunity (Wikipedia).
Can I substitute brown rice?
Yes—use brown rice for more fiber and a nuttier flavor, increasing cook time by 10–12 minutes and adding extra broth as needed.
How can I add flavor without extra calories?
Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or mint, citrus zest variations, or a dash of smoked paprika to enhance taste without added fat.
Can I meal prep Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice?
Absolutely—prepare in bulk, portion into containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth and fresh lemon for a quick, healthy lunch.
Final Thoughts
Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice is a bright, satisfying marriage of tender poultry and citrus-kissed grains that embodies Mediterranean Diet Recipes. Its one-pot simplicity and bold flavors make it a go-to for Chicken Dinner Recipes and Healthy Meal Prep alike. Whether you’re feeding a family or batch-cooking for the week, this dish delivers nutrition and joy in every spoonful. Embrace the fresh herbs, lean protein, and zesty lemon to transport your taste buds straight to the Aegean coast. Enjoy the ease and elegance of a truly memorable dinner.
