Description
Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is a flavorful one-pan Mediterranean meal featuring juicy herb-marinated chicken and zesty lemon rice cooked together for maximum flavor. This easy and comforting dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, offering tender chicken, fragrant rice, and bright, fresh flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- For the chicken marinade:
- Boneless or bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Oregano (dried or fresh)
- Salt and black pepper
- Paprika (optional)
- For the lemon rice:
- Long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
- Chicken broth
- Lemon juice and zest
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
-
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
-
Make the rice: In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Stir in rice, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
-
Bake: Nestle the chicken into the rice. Cover the pan with foil or a lid and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
-
Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Add feta, olives, or baby spinach for extra Mediterranean flair.
- Substitute rice with quinoa or orzo for a variation.
- For the chicken marinade:
- Boneless or bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Oregano (dried or fresh)
- Salt and black pepper
- Paprika (optional)
- For the lemon rice:
- Long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
- Chicken broth
- Lemon juice and zest
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Best with bone-in, skin-on thighs for the most flavor.
- Reheat with a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.
