Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe

This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual lunch. It features tender chicken thighs cooked to perfection and served over a bed of fluffy rice with fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy lemon dressing. The addition of creamy feta cheese and fragrant oregano completes this flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

• Flavorful and Healthy: This dish is bursting with fresh, Mediterranean flavors, thanks to the combination of lemon, garlic, oregano, and feta cheese. It’s also a healthy and satisfying meal that’s packed with protein and nutrients.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, even for beginner cooks.
• Quick and Versatile: It’s a quick and easy meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. You can also easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
• One-Pan Wonder: This dish is mostly made in one pan, which means less cleanup for you.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Chicken:

• Skinless, Boneless Chicken Thighs: I prefer chicken thighs for this recipe because they’re more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts.
• Dried Oregano and Paprika: These spices add a warm and savory flavor to the chicken.
• Salt and Red Pepper Flakes: To season the chicken and add a touch of heat.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken.

Greek Lemon Rice:

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the vegetables and rice.
• Grape Tomatoes: Adds sweetness and acidity.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor.
• Dried Oregano: Adds a fragrant, earthy flavor.
• Salt: To season the rice.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds nutrients and a pop of color.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity.
• Cooked Jasmine Rice: I use cooked Jasmine rice for this recipe, but you can use any type of cooked rice you prefer.
• Chickpeas: Adds protein and fiber.

Feta Cheese Mixture:

• Feta Cheese: Adds a salty, tangy flavor and a creamy texture.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity.
• Dried Oregano: Adds a fragrant, earthy flavor.
• Fresh Oregano: Optional, but adds a fresh, herby flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Veggie Delight: Add some other vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, to the rice.
• Herby Twist: Experiment with different herbs, like dill, mint, or parsley.
• Lemon-Herb Chicken: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
• Grains: Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice.

How to Make Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs with dried oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Greek Lemon Rice

Add half of the halved grape tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and olive oil to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. Stir in the spinach until wilted. Add the cooked rice, chickpeas, lemon juice, and the remaining halved grape tomatoes. Reheat, stirring to combine.

Step 3: Make the Feta Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the cubed feta cheese with olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, and fresh oregano (if using). Mix well.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Mix half of the feta cheese mixture into the skillet with the lemon rice. Add the sliced cooked chicken to the skillet and reheat. Top with the remaining feta cheese mixture and sprinkle with fresh oregano. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Tips and Tricks

• Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken thighs are similar in size so they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. This will help it brown properly.
• Fresh Herbs: I love using fresh herbs for this recipe, but you can substitute with dried herbs if needed.

How to Serve

This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Side Salad: A simple Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese would be a refreshing complement to this dish.
• Pita Bread: Serve with warm pita bread for dipping into the sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can cook the chicken and rice ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Storing: Store leftover Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may not be as juicy as chicken thighs. If using chicken breasts, I recommend pounding them to an even thickness before cooking.

Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can use any type of cooked rice you like, such as brown rice, quinoa, or even couscous.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add more vegetables or chickpeas to the dish. You can also use tofu or tempeh as a protein source.

There you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice. I hope you enjoy it!

Print