Description
A quick and easy Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe that combines tender, juicy chicken with fluffy, zesty lemon-infused rice. Bursting with bright Mediterranean flavors from fresh lemon, garlic, and oregano, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a comforting yet refreshing taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Rice and Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Liquids
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken on both sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, around 30 seconds to 1 minute, making sure not to burn it. This unlocks the rich, savory layers that will infuse the rice.
- Add rice and liquids: Pour the long-grain rice into the skillet, stirring to coat it in the olive oil and garlic. Add chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine everything.
- Cook the chicken and rice together: Return the browned chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish and fluff: Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Let it rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork and gently mix the chicken back into the rice before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor; freshly squeezed juice and zest are unbeatable.
- Don’t rush the simmering—keeping the heat low and letting the rice absorb the liquid slowly ensures the best texture.
- Brown the chicken first to caramelize its surface and add extra flavor to the dish.
- Cover the skillet tightly with a lid to trap steam, ensuring the rice cooks evenly and remains fluffy.
- Let the dish rest off heat before serving to allow flavors to meld and the rice to firm up slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon rice, Mediterranean, one-pot meal, quick dinner, gluten free, healthy, easy recipe