The Juiciest Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe in One Pot

Whipping up a delightful greek chicken and lemon rice dish promises pure culinary magic in mere moments.

Aromatic herbs and zesty citrus blend seamlessly to create a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle into fluffy rice, infusing every bite with incredible flavor.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Let this vibrant, comforting dish transport you to a sunny Greek island with just one spoonful.

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice One-Pot Highlights

• Whip Up a Flavor Explosion: This recipe bursts with Mediterranean flavors, combining zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and juicy chicken in a single skillet that'll transport your taste buds straight to Greece.
• Minimize Kitchen Cleanup: One-pot cooking means less washing up, letting you spend more time enjoying your delicious meal and less time scrubbing dishes after dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit your family's preferences, making this dish incredibly flexible for different tastes and dietary needs.
• Nutrition Packed in Every Bite: Loaded with protein from chicken and chickpeas, plus greens like spinach, this meal delivers a powerful nutritional punch that keeps everyone satisfied and energized.

Ingredients for One-Pot Greek Chicken Rice

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that forms the main protein of the dish.
• Chickpeas: Nutritious legume that adds extra protein and texture to the rice.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy Greek cheese that provides a tangy and rich flavor profile.

• Grape Tomatoes, Spinach, Garlic: Fresh ingredients that add depth, color, and aromatic qualities to the dish.

• Dried Oregano, Fresh Oregano, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: Blend of herbs and spices that create a classic Greek flavor combination.

• Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Essential ingredients that provide moisture, richness, and bright citrus notes to the recipe.

Easy Preparation for Greek Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Massage chicken thighs with a vibrant blend of dried oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes.

Let the spices dance and coat each piece thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare the Skillet

Heat a sturdy skillet over medium heat for two minutes.

Splash in olive oil, creating a shimmering surface ready for cooking.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Gently place chicken thighs into the hot skillet.

Cook undisturbed for five minutes, allowing a gorgeous golden crust to form.

Watch the heat to prevent burning.

Step 4: Flip and Finish Cooking

Turn chicken thighs, reducing heat to low-medium.

Cook for another five minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Remove perfectly cooked chicken from the pan.

Step 5: Create Flavor Base

• Halved grape tomatoes
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Olive oil

Sauté for two minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.

Step 6: Build the Rice Mixture

Stir in fresh spinach until wilted.

• Cooked rice
• Drained chickpeas
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Remaining grape tomatoes

Reheat and combine everything with an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Step 7: Prepare Feta Mixture

• Cubed feta cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Dried oregano
• Fresh chopped oregano

Gently mix to coat cheese with herbs and oil.

Step 8: Assemble the Dish

Fold half the feta mixture into the rice.

Nestle sliced chicken back into the skillet and reheat.

Top with remaining feta and sprinkle fresh oregano.

Step 9: Final Touch

Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.

Serve hot and enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired feast!

Pro Tips for Greek Chicken Rice One-Pot

• Keep a close eye on the skillet's heat to avoid burning olive oil or chicken juices, which are crucial for flavoring the dish.
• Let chicken thighs cook undisturbed to develop a crispy exterior while maintaining tender, juicy meat inside.
• Boost flavor by using both dried and fresh oregano, creating a more complex and aromatic herb profile.
• Reheat rice on medium heat and stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even distribution of ingredients.
• Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over feta cheese to create a bright, tangy coating that elevates the entire dish.

Variations for Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

• Mediterranean Seafood Swap: Replace chicken thighs with white fish like cod or sea bass, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking technique for a lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Greek Bowl: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas, keeping the original lemon rice and Mediterranean spices for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Greek Cauliflower Rice: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to create a lower-carbohydrate version while preserving the authentic Greek flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Greek Comfort Meal: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking chickpeas and any potential cross-contamination in spices for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions for Greek Chicken Rice

• Crisp Mediterranean Salad Side: Whip up a quick cucumber, tomato, and red onion salad dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano to complement the rich flavors of the chicken and rice.
• Warm Pita Bread Pairing: Serve warm, soft pita bread on the side to soak up the delicious lemony juices and add a traditional Greek touch to the meal.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle additional chopped fresh oregano or parsley over the dish just before serving to boost the aromatic profile and add a bright, green pop of color.
• Wine and Dine Suggestion: Pair this Greek-inspired dish with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or a light, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the lemon and herb notes of the recipe.

Storage Tips for Greek Chicken Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and rice remain covered to prevent drying out.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to maintain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Gently reheat in skillet over low-medium heat, adding splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally to maintain rice texture and prevent burning.

FAQs

• What makes this dish unique in flavor?

The combination of oregano, paprika, lemon juice, and feta cheese creates a vibrant Mediterranean taste profile that brings bright, tangy, and herbaceous notes to the chicken and rice.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, but they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) and avoid overcooking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free rice and verify that your spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to make it more or less spicy according to your preference.

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot) Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean magic unfolds with this Greek chicken and lemon rice, where zesty citrus dances with tender chicken in a single, sizzling skillet. Fragrant herbs and golden rice create a quick, satisfying meal that whisks you straight to the sunny shores of Greece.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) skinless boneless chicken thighs
• 15 ounces (425 grams) chickpeas, canned
• 6 ounces (170 grams) feta cheese, diced into small cubes

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 8 ounces (225 grams) grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• 5 ounces (140 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (optional)
• fresh oregano for garnish

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken thighs with oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes for robust Mediterranean flavors.
2. Warm a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes, ensuring even temperature distribution.
3. Drizzle olive oil and carefully place seasoned chicken thighs, allowing them to sear undisturbed for 5 minutes until golden brown.
4. Monitor heat carefully to prevent oil from burning, adjusting temperature as needed to preserve chicken juices.
5. Flip chicken thighs, reducing heat to low-medium, and cook an additional 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove perfectly cooked chicken from skillet, reserving pan for subsequent ingredients.
7. Sauté half the grape tomatoes, minced garlic, and additional oregano in olive oil for 2 minutes, creating a fragrant base.
8. Incorporate fresh spinach, wilting quickly to maintain vibrant color and nutrients.
9. Fold in cooked rice and drained chickpeas, creating a hearty Mediterranean medley.
10. Brighten the mixture with freshly squeezed lemon juice and remaining grape tomatoes, stirring to integrate flavors.
11. Prepare feta cheese by tossing with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh and dried oregano for enhanced complexity.
12. Blend half the herbed feta directly into the rice mixture, ensuring even distribution.
13. Reintroduce sliced chicken to the skillet, gently reheating to meld flavors.
14. Garnish with remaining feta mixture and fresh oregano, creating a visually appealing and aromatic dish.
15. Final seasoning with salt and black pepper allows personalized taste adjustment.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for mild or spicy preferences.
• Ensure chicken reaches exact 165°F internal temperature to guarantee food safety without overcooking.
• Use cast-iron skillet for enhanced flavor development and superior heat distribution during cooking.
• Substitute chickpeas with quinoa or cauliflower rice for lower-carb dietary modifications.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 483 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg