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Best Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe

Best Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe – Easy & Flavorful


Description

Welcome, food lovers! If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make Mediterranean dish, this Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe is just what you need. Bursting with zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and juicy chicken, this dish is a staple in Greek cuisine and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, this recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean. Keep reading to learn how to make the best Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice with step-by-step instructions, expert cooking tips, and serving suggestions!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Lemon Rice:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati works best)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric (for color and added flavor)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Additions:

  • ½ cup chopped Kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flavor
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese for a creamy finish

Instructions

Step1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Coat the chicken in this marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).

Step2: Sear the Chicken

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the marinated chicken, skin side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step3: Cook the Rice

  1. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté the rice for 1-2 minutes until slightly toasted.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

Step4: Simmer the Dish

  1. Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, on top of the rice.
  2. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional toppings before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best citrusy flavor.
  • Bone-in chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but boneless works too!
  • Toast the rice slightly before adding broth to enhance its texture and nuttiness.
  • Let the dish rest before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.