Cozy Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe: One-Pot Wonder

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful Mediterranean magic like this Greek chicken and lemon rice.

Zesty aromas will fill your kitchen instantly.

Tender chicken pieces nestle into fragrant rice with bright citrus notes.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction on your plate.

Herbs and lemon transform simple proteins into something spectacular.

Each bite promises a sunny Mediterranean escape right at home.

You’ll want to savor every comforting, tangy spoonful of this effortless meal.

Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice Is Bright, Fresh, and Easy

• Quickly Conquer Dinner
• Whip up this Greek chicken and lemon rice dish in just 30 minutes, transforming weeknight cooking from stressful to spectacular.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic
• Master a complete meal using only one skillet, reducing dishwashing time and kitchen chaos while delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Bursting with Bright Flavors
• Infuse your meal with zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and perfectly seasoned chicken that transports your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coastline.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser
• Create a wholesome, delicious dinner that appeals to both adults and children, with simple ingredients and a comforting one-pot approach that guarantees clean plates and happy faces.

Greek Chicken & Lemon Rice Pantry Set

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat that becomes tender when cooked, boneless and skinless preferred for easier eating.

• Oregano, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic Greek-inspired blend that adds depth and warmth to the chicken's flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational base that builds a rich, savory flavor profile.

• Chicken Broth, Rice, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Creates a bright, tangy liquid that cooks the rice and infuses it with citrusy flavor.

• Olive Oil: Traditional Mediterranean cooking fat that provides smooth cooking surface and subtle flavor.

• Fresh Parsley or Dill: Adds fresh, green finish with bright herbal notes to complete the dish.

Greek Chicken Lemon Rice One-Pot Directions

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

Mix oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.

Generously coat chicken with the seasoning mix.

Step 2: Brown Chicken Perfectly

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden brown, developing a crispy exterior.

Cook approximately 5 minutes per side.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté onions until translucent and soft, about 3 minutes.

Add garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Build Rice Foundation

Add uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with oil and onion mixture.

• Chicken broth
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Dried oregano

Stir ingredients thoroughly to distribute evenly.

Step 5: Combine and Slow Cook

Gently nestle seared chicken thighs into the rice mixture.

Cover skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Ensure rice becomes tender and chicken cooks completely through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove skillet from heat.

Allow dish to rest for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or dill on top.

Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Lemon Rice & Chicken One-Pot Tips with Greek Flavor

• Pat chicken completely dry before adding spices to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavors.
• Stir rice in the skillet before adding liquid to coat grains with oil, helping each kernel absorb maximum flavor and preventing sticking.
• Add fresh lemon zest alongside juice for a bright, intense citrus flavor that elevates the entire dish's aromatic profile.
• Use the same skillet for searing chicken and cooking rice to preserve all the delicious browned bits and create deeper, richer taste layers.
• Allow the dish to sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking to let rice fully absorb remaining moisture and chicken juices, ensuring maximum tenderness.

One-Pot Greek Chicken and Rice Leftover Tips

• Store leftover Greek chicken and lemon rice in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers, storing up to 3 months. Ensure minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm refrigerated leftovers in microwave using medium power, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in refrigerator before warming. Gently reheat in skillet with low heat and extra liquid to maintain rice's tender consistency.

Easy Picks for Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

• Zesty Wine Complement: Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Assyrtiko from Greece to mirror the lemon's brightness and complement the chicken's herbal notes.
• Mediterranean Salad Sidekick: Pair with a classic Greek salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and kalamata olives to enhance the dish's Mediterranean flavors and add refreshing crunch.
• Creamy Tzatziki Companion: Serve alongside cool, tangy tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill to balance the dish's warm, lemony profile and provide a smooth textural contrast.
• Herb-Infused Side Kick: Accompany the meal with roasted lemon-garlic potatoes or grilled vegetables seasoned with similar herbs like oregano and parsley to create a harmonious flavor landscape.

Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice Cooked Differently

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace chicken broth with gluten-free chicken stock and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce for added flavor safety.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content. Maintain the same seasoning and cooking technique for a similar taste profile.
• Mediterranean Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth and add extra herbs like thyme and rosemary for depth of flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Confirm all ingredients are naturally dairy-free. Use olive oil for cooking and avoid any cream-based additions to keep the recipe dairy-free compliant.

FAQs

• Why use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Chicken thighs have more fat and flavor, making them juicier and more forgiving during cooking. They stay tender and don’t dry out as easily as chicken breasts, which is perfect for one-pot recipes.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. You’ll need to adjust the broth amount and cooking duration, typically adding 10-15 minutes to the total cooking time to ensure the rice becomes tender.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and clear juices when pierced.

• What if I don't have fresh lemon?

You can substitute with bottled lemon juice, though fresh provides the brightest flavor. If using bottled, use the same measurement in the recipe. The zest can be replaced with a small amount of dried lemon peel or omitted entirely.

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

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Greek chicken and lemon rice brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table in just half an hour. Quick, zesty flavors meld perfectly in this single-pot wonder that promises comfort and excitement for hungry palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds (700 grams) chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Rice Components:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a flavor-packed marinade by blending oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then thoroughly coat the chicken thighs, ensuring even distribution of the aromatic seasoning.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for browning. Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing them to develop a golden, crispy exterior for approximately 5 minutes per side, then transfer to a waiting plate.
3. Utilize the residual pan drippings to sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, releasing their sweet aromatics. Introduce minced garlic and briefly toast to enhance its robust flavor profile.
4. Introduce uncooked rice to the skillet, gently stirring to coat each grain with the fragrant oil and aromatics. Pour in chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, and additional oregano, creating a zesty liquid base.
5. Gently nestle the seared chicken thighs into the rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and allow the dish to cook undisturbed for 20 minutes, permitting the rice to absorb the flavorful liquid and the chicken to reach perfect doneness.
6. After cooking, remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and settle. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley or dill across the surface, adding a bright, herbaceous garnish before serving.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor.
• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum juiciness and richer taste compared to boneless alternatives.
• Toast rice briefly in oil before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
• Opt for fresh lemon zest and juice to brighten the dish with vibrant, citrusy notes that complement the herbs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 130mg